I Can Relate
- fccreative
- Aug 26
- 11 min read
Living in the Freedom and Power of Christ
Today’s focus is on the liberating power of Christ and the deep empathy He has for every struggle we face. The assurance of “no condemnation” for those in Christ is not just a theological statement, but a living reality that transforms how we see ourselves and our battles. God is our source, not our jobs or circumstances, and He provides for us even in seasons of uncertainty. The Christian life is not about striving in our own strength, but about daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live victoriously over sin and to walk in the inheritance Christ has secured for us.
Jesus’ life on earth was not just about His death and resurrection, but also about showing us how to live in the power of the Spirit. He experienced every kind of human pain, temptation, and loss, so He can truly say, “I can relate.” This means that in every trial, we have a Savior who understands and intercedes for us. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus is now given to us, enabling us to overcome cycles of defeat and to live as heirs, not slaves.
Our inheritance in Christ is not just a future hope, but a present reality. We are called to walk in the freedom, authority, and identity that Jesus purchased for us. The enemy’s main weapon is deception—trying to convince us that we are still bound, still unworthy, or still powerless. But the truth is, we are justified, declared righteous, and being sanctified by the Spirit. The process of transformation requires us to let go of old associations, habits, and mindsets, and to continually return to the cross, where our victory was won.
Living in the Spirit means daily choosing God’s Word over our feelings, and God’s truth over the enemy’s lies. It means allowing the conviction of the Holy Spirit to shape us, not as a sign of failure, but as proof of our sonship. Our worship, our perseverance, and our willingness to forgive are all acts of faith that confuse the enemy and glorify God. Christ’s finished work is enough—our healing, provision, and soundness of mind have already been paid for. The invitation is to let go, to trust, and to walk in the fullness of what Jesus has accomplished.
Key Takeaways
- God is your source, not your job or circumstances. In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to look to channels of provision and forget the true Provider. Trusting God as your source means continuing to sow, believe, and rest in His faithfulness, even when the world around you is shaking. He cares for you more than the lilies and the birds, and He will not fail to provide for His children.
- The Spirit-led life is the only path to true freedom and peace. Trying to live the Christian life in your own strength leads to cycles of frustration and defeat. But when you daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, your mind is renewed, your desires are transformed, and you begin to walk in victory over the flesh. The Spirit’s power is not just for “spiritual moments,” but for every ordinary and difficult part of life.
- Jesus can truly relate to every human experience and pain. He was tempted, betrayed, misunderstood, and suffered loss—yet He overcame through the Spirit. This means you are never alone in your struggles; Christ is interceding for you, and His empathy is not distant but deeply personal. His life is both your example and your source of hope for overcoming.
- Your inheritance in Christ is both present and future—walk in it now. Many believers live below their inheritance because of ignorance or unbelief, but the truth is, you are already an heir. The enemy’s lies lose their power when you know who you are and what has been given to you. This inheritance includes freedom from sin, authority over the enemy, and the right to call God “Abba, Father.”
- The cross is the anchor for your identity and victory. When condemnation, shame, or the lies of the enemy try to define you, always return to the finished work of Jesus. You are justified, declared righteous, and being sanctified—not by your own efforts, but by Christ’s sacrifice and the Spirit’s work in you. Let the conviction of the Holy Spirit draw you closer, not push you away, and let go of anything that keeps you from living in the fullness ofBible Reading
Romans 8:1-17 (ESV)
> 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
> 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
> 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
> 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
> 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
> 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
> 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
> 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
> 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
> 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
> 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
> 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
> 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
> 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
> 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
> 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
> 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Observation Questions
According to Romans 8:1-2, what has the “law of the Spirit of life” accomplished for those in Christ Jesus?
In the sermon, what examples were given to show that Jesus can relate to our struggles and pain?
What does the passage say about the difference between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit?
How does the sermon describe our inheritance as children of God?
Interpretation Questions
The sermon says, “God is your source, not your job or circumstances.” What does it mean to trust God as your source, especially in uncertain times?
Why is it important to remember that there is “no condemnation” for those in Christ, and how does this affect the way we see ourselves?
The pastor shared that Jesus’ empathy is “not distant but deeply personal.” How does knowing that Jesus can relate to every human experience change the way we approach Him in prayer or in our struggles?
The sermon talks about letting go of old associations, habits, and mindsets. Why is this necessary for walking in the Spirit and living in our inheritance?
Application Questions
The sermon says, “God is your source, not your job or circumstances.” Is there an area of your life where you’ve been relying more on a “channel” (like a job or relationship) than on God as your provider? What would it look like to shift your trust to God this week?
Romans 8:1 says there is “no condemnation” for those in Christ. Are there areas where you still feel condemned or unworthy? How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ when those feelings come up?
The pastor listed many ways Jesus can relate to our pain—temptation, loss, betrayal, etc. Which of these do you most need to remember Jesus understands right now? How does this help you face your current struggle?
The sermon challenges us to “let go of old associations, habits, and mindsets.” Is there a specific habit, relationship, or way of thinking that you sense God is asking you to release? What step could you take this week to begin letting go?
The pastor said, “Living in the Spirit means daily choosing God’s Word over our feelings, and God’s truth over the enemy’s lies.” What is one practical way you can put God’s Word in front of you each day this week?
The sermon mentions that worship, perseverance, and forgiveness are acts of faith that “confuse the enemy and glorify God.” Is there someone you need to forgive, or an area where you need to persevere, as an act of faith? What’s holding you back?
The message says, “Christ’s finished work is enough—our healing, provision, and soundness of mind have already been paid for.” Is there a need in your life where you’re struggling to believe this? How can your group pray for you to trust in Christ’s finished work this week?
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person walk in the freedom, authority, and identity that Jesus has purchased for them.
Devotional
Day 1: No Condemnation in Christ—Our New Identity
For those who belong to Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation; the power of the Holy Spirit has set us free from the grip of sin and death. This truth means that shame and guilt no longer have authority over your life, and you are called to walk in the freedom and confidence of your new identity as a child of God. When you feel the weight of your past or the accusations of the enemy, remember that your position in Christ is secure, and you are justified by His finished work. Let this assurance transform how you see yourself and how you approach each day, knowing that you are not defined by your failures but by His grace.
Romans 8:1-4 (NLT)
"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you still feel condemned or unworthy? How can you remind yourself today that you are fully accepted and justified in Christ?
Day 2: The Power of the Holy Spirit—Living in Victory
The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you, empowering you to overcome sin, walk in freedom, and live as an heir of God. You are not obligated to follow the urges of your old nature; instead, you can speak to your flesh and declare that it is no longer in control. The Holy Spirit affirms your identity as God’s child and gives you the strength to endure trials, resist temptation, and experience true life and peace. Embrace the Spirit’s leading today, and let Him guide your thoughts, actions, and decisions as you walk in the victory Jesus has already won for you.
Romans 8:11-15 (NLT)
"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, 'Abba, Father.'"
Reflection: Where do you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to make a change or take a stand today? What would it look like to let Him lead you in that area?
Day 3: Jesus Can Relate—Our Empathetic High Priest
Jesus understands every weakness, temptation, and pain you face because He walked this earth and experienced it all firsthand. He is not distant or detached from your struggles; instead, He is interceding for you daily, offering empathy, strength, and encouragement. Whether you are facing loss, betrayal, temptation, or suffering, remember that Jesus can relate and is present with you in every circumstance. Let His example and His presence give you hope and courage to persevere, knowing that you are never alone in your journey.
Hebrews 4:15 (NLT)
"This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin."
Reflection: What is one specific struggle or pain you are facing right now? How does knowing that Jesus truly understands and is interceding for you change the way you approach it?
Day 4: Embracing Your Inheritance—Living as God’s Child
Through Christ, you have been set free from slavery to sin and have received a glorious inheritance as a beloved child of God. This inheritance is not just a future promise but a present reality—eternal life, access to God, and the power to break generational cycles and live in victory. The enemy will try to keep you ignorant of your inheritance, but as you grow in knowledge of God’s Word and your identity, you can walk in the fullness of what has been given to you. Refuse to live below your inheritance; instead, claim the freedom, authority, and blessings that are yours in Christ.
Galatians 4:6-7 (NLT)
"And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, 'Abba, Father.' Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir."
Reflection: What is one promise or aspect of your inheritance in Christ that you have not fully embraced? How can you take a practical step today to live in that truth?
Day 5: Returning to the Cross—Walking in Freedom and Holiness
When the lies of the enemy try to rob you of your inheritance or drag you back into old patterns, always return to the cross. Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all, making you perfect in your position before God even as you are being sanctified in your daily life. The cross is your reminder that you are forgiven, empowered, and called to live in righteousness. Let the finished work of Jesus break every chain of guilt, shame, and secret sin, and invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart, purify your motives, and lead you into greater freedom and holiness.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)
"For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."
Reflection: Is there a sin, habit, or lie that you need to bring to the cross today? What would it look like to confess it, receive God’s mercy, and walk forward in the freedom Jesus purchased for you?
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