Romans: Rooted in Jesus, Spirit of God

In the story of Jean Valjean, the bishop purchases him from darkness to light, from evil to good. From then on, Valjean becomes a servant of good, according to the author. But is he? The author, Victor Hugo, a socialist, defines Valjean’s goodness in terms of socialist values (worker pay, alms to the poor, etc.), but Valjean still breaks the law. His whole persona, created in the city of Montreuil-sur-Mer, which made him mayor, was fake. He escaped the condemnation of his criminal passport by lying about himself. He doesn’t worship God; he doesn’t submit to French law; and he remains deeply conflicted as a character. While he has changed as a character, he has not become holy!

In our text, the apostle is adamant, we do not have the ability, even as believers, to obey God apart from grace. Acquitted from the law (justification), having died to sin and the flesh, we still lack the ability to obey God. Paul says, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out,” Romans 7:18. How will we ever become obedient children of God?

Enter the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is the great actor on the scene who transforms us into law keepers! Join us Sunday as we begin to consider life in the Spirit!