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The "Dear Paul" Advice Column

Words of Faith Final

The "Dear Paul" Advice Column
Words of Faith 9-3-2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Romans 7
   [5] For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. [6] But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

Dear Paul,

   Just so I understand. Are you saying that we are released from any obligation to God's Law? How can you be a follower of God without following His Law? Your thoughts are always appreciated.
       A Distant Admirer

Dear Distant,
    The answer is simple and yet easily misunderstood.  The answer is "Yes, if..."  Yes. You are released from the Law IF you are now controlled by the Spirit. If you are controlled by the Spirit of God, then that Spirit will not direct you toward sin and will always direct you toward God.  Hope this is helpful.
         Paul

Dear Paul,
   Okay, I think I see. So how do I become controlled by the Spirit of God? I really need to know this. Please hurry.
        A Close Examiner

Dear Close,
    When we are controlled by the sinful nature, we are under Law, but the Law serves only to arouse sinful passions. Without the Spirit of God, we could only bear the fruit of death no matter how hard we tried to live up to the Law. The only way to freedom is to die. Hope this is helpful.
        P.

Dear Paul,
    Die!? Paul, I hate to tell you, but this sounds crazy to me. How do you expect people like me to join your religion if you say we must die? By the way, how many dead members do you have?
    Wandering and Wondering

Dear Wandering,
     Ah, I see what you have misunderstood. First, I do not have a religion; I share a relationship with God. Secondly, I am not talking of violence to the body. I am talking of death to the will, to the old Self, actually. I am suggesting that if your will and rights and claims to Self-justification die with Christ, then a new you will be raised up with Him. Then, controlled by the Spirit, rather than Self, you will be directed in a path that is wonderful and will amaze you. I think you will like it. You will bear the fruit of the Spirit rather than the fruit of death. You will take great joy in serving in the new way of the Spirit rather than in the old way of the written code. Hope this is helpful.
        P.

Dear Paul,
       Tremendously!
            Walking Closely.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)        
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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