We are memorizing Roman 8 together – a big challenge but a lot of understanding is getting etched into our minds.

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because, through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of Life set us free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin sacrifice.  And so he condemned sin in sinful man so that the righteous requirements of the law are fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the spirit.  Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what nature desires but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  The mind of sinful man is death but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.  The sinful mind is hostile to God.  It does not submit to God’s laws nor can it do so.”

And the next verse,

“Those who live according to the sinful nature cannot please God.”

Those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior are living according to the sinful nature and they cannot please God.  They do not have God’s Spirit living in them so they can’t have a relationship with God.  Their sin is still separating them from God.  Forever….unless they make the decision to make Jesus their Lord.

Dear Father, we lift up the people we know who have not made the decision to follow Jesus yet.  Please soften their hearts to you, dear Father.  Open their eyes.  Show them the way.  Please give us the opportunity to share with them the difference you have made in our lives.  In the redeeming name of Jesus we pray, Amen.