Continuum or Not...

We had a really good conversation tonight at small group. It centered around Romans 8:1-17. Sinful nature -or- Spirit of life. Here are some of the truths we discussed. . .

• In this physical body, my sinful nature never leaves me. It never decreases. Instead, as we grow and follow Christ more and more, we listen to our sinful nature less and less. The sinful nature of a person whose heart is disconnected to God, though, can increase.

• We are all born with a sinful nature. [Our small group leader humorously said we are all spiritual crack babies.] There's no escaping it. Adam (who wasn't born into sin) was deceived and caused sin and death to fall on all man. Jesus also wasn't born with a sinful nature (because Joseph wasn't his father), but Jesus was fully man, so he could be tempted (like in the desert).

• Living according to the sinful nature means living in death. You are a slave to the law of sin and death. You can't do what's right.

• Living according to the Spirit of life means no condemnation. We are renewed in mind, spirit, emotions, and relationships. We are saved, awaiting the glorious day when we are made whole.

There was one part of the discussion that was difficult for me to wrap my head around though. I'm going to have to do some more thinking, praying, studying about this, I think.

• I understand and believe that in faith there is no gray. You believe in Him or you don't. You follow Him or you don't. You seek after Him or you don't. There are God's truths and there are lies. I am saved or I am not. Live for Christ or die to sin. Tonight, we talked about that you either live in the sinful nature or you live in the Spirit of life.

Shouldn't there be a continuum of sorts here? That's my initial thought. I mean, I can be following God one moment, totally working for Him, and the next moment I can totally be in the wrong in the way I respond to someone. Shouldn't there be gray? Our small group leader suggested that the continuum, then, would be in listening to the Spirit. In one instance I am listening and following the Spirit more (or better) than the other instance. This makes sense.

Hmm...

Good conversation. Can't wait to continue it next week.