Friday, March 21’s devotional. “But now we have been released from the law, since we have died to what held us, so that we may serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the old letter of the law.” (Romans 7:6, CSB).
Freedom in Christ is not a license for laziness. Paul declares that we have been released from the law, not to live for ourselves, but to serve in the newness of the Spirit. Mark Penrith emphasized, “Serving in the newness of the Spirit means we no longer labor in our own strength but by His power.” This is the essence of the Christian life—not a return to rule-keeping, but a Spirit-empowered, joy-filled service to God.
Before Christ, we served under the burden of the law. Mark explained, “There was a time when we were married to the law. It was a system of external conformity, demanding obedience but giving no power to obey.” The law could expose sin, but it could not transform the heart. It led only to guilt, frustration, and failure. But now, in Christ, we serve with a new motivation, not striving to earn righteousness, but living in the freedom of grace.
Paul contrasts two ways of serving: “in the newness of the Spirit” versus “the old letter of the law.” Mark put it this way: “The law could command righteousness, but it could not create righteousness. The Spirit does both.” The old way was marked by obligation; the new way is marked by transformation. The law told us what to do, but the Spirit enables us to do it. This is not a self-powered effort but a Spirit-driven, Christ-exalting reality.
Yet many believers still live as if they are bound. They measure their faith by rules, routines, and religious performance. Are you living in the joy and power of the Spirit, or are you stuck in legalism? Serving in the Spirit is about dependence, not duty. It’s about letting God lead, not striving in our own strength. As Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, “Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord of Armies.”
Surrender your works and efforts to the Holy Spirit today. Let Him guide your service, your obedience, and your devotion. The Christian life is not about trying harder—it’s about trusting deeper.
Prayer: Lord, I surrender my efforts to You. Fill me with Your Spirit and lead me in joyful service, not by my strength but by Yours. Amen.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.