In this powerful message from Romans 8:1–13, Pastor Ortiz challenges believers to examine whether they are truly in Christ or merely around Him. He opens with a review of Romans chapters 1–7, explaining how God’s righteousness and wrath are justified because all humanity—Jew and Gentile alike—is under sin. While the law reveals our sin, it cannot save or produce righteousness. Only through union with Christ can believers be freed from sin and death.

Chapter 8 begins with the triumphant truth: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Pastor Ortiz emphasizes the vital distinction between being in Christ versus simply being exposed to the things of Christ. Those in Christ walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, and that difference shapes how we live, think, and please God.

He explains the "law of the Spirit of life" as the new governing principle that brings spiritual vitality through the Holy Spirit. Rather than a life of restrictive rules, walking in the Spirit brings fullness, peace, and liberty. He illustrates this by recalling the joyful, full life of his late nephew Jeremiah, showing that a life filled with God’s Spirit is rich, no matter its length.

The sermon also contrasts life under the law versus life under grace. Pastor Ortiz clarifies that under grace, God sets a higher benchmark—not just avoiding murder, but refusing to hate. Living by the Spirit involves a desire to please God, not merely fulfill duties. True worship and obedience spring from love, not obligation.

The law cannot produce righteousness because our flesh is too weak to follow it. He uses humorous but relatable stories—like sneaking chips at night—to show how knowledge of right and wrong isn’t enough to stop us from sinning. Only the Spirit gives us the power to resist sin.

He moves into verse 5 and warns that living for the flesh leads only to more craving and, ultimately, to death. Just as Adam and Eve’s single act of disobedience brought spiritual death into the world, our carnal choices separate us from God. The carnal mind, Scripture says, is enmity against God—it cannot please Him.

Pastor Ortiz introduces a “spiritual equation”: living by the flesh = no faith = not pleasing God. Since Hebrews says “without faith it is impossible to please God,” living carnally means living faithlessly, which removes us from the benefits of Christ—chiefly, peace and life. While salvation is secure, we forfeit the joy, peace, and power of the Spirit when we live outside of Christ’s will.

He illustrates the peace of walking in the Spirit—how being in Christ brings contentment regardless of circumstances. Even life’s trials have purpose when viewed through faith. Joseph’s journey—from betrayal to slavery to prison—demonstrates how God uses even painful moments for good. Without spiritual eyes, trials seem meaningless; with them, they carry divine purpose.

Finally, Pastor Ortiz urges believers to examine themselves. Do we walk in the Spirit or in the flesh? Are we truly His? Being in Christ means the Spirit dwells in us and empowers us to overcome sin. We are called to mortify—put to death—the deeds of the flesh, not out of forced obedience, but out of love and desire to please God.

He closes with a real-life example of resisting temptation: his daughter Chloe, choosing broccoli over fries—not because she had to, but because she wanted to honor her health goals. Likewise, we resist sin not out of obligation, but because we desire something greater: to live above the law in the freedom and joy of Christ.

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