Thursday, July 23

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." (Romans 8:14-17)


Romans 8 shares the exciting news of how we may receive life through the Spirit. In Romans 6, Paul explained how, through God's grace, we have become set free from our slavery to sin and become instead slaves to righteousness.

Chapter 7 reviews how challenging the implications are. As we read along, we sympathize with Paul and appreciate his honesty and vulnerability in the daily struggle against sin and our broad fallibility.

Yet, in Chapter 8, we understand that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." (8:1,2) Paul expanded on this truth to emphasize "life through the Spirit," pointing out that those in Christ can walk away from life in the flesh.

Life in the flesh involves the trappings of worldly thinking and expectations. God instead intended for us to receive our strength and guidance through the Holy Spirit, Who has come to live in every Christ-follower at the moment of rebirth. Through relying on Him, we can experience freedom by putting to death the things of the flesh and becoming fully alive to what the Spirit wishes to bring forth.

Part of the condemnation of sin involved a separation from God; God's holiness could not countenance that sin. Ye, in the Spirit, we are adopted into sonship, called to be part of His family. He welcomes us to become "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." (8:17)

Yet, Paul notes that these sufferings are temporary and "not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." The redemption of God's people has initiated the renewal of Creation, which will come to full fruition with a new heavens and new earth. God has graciously given us a place in this renewed Creation, promising that "the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God."

What specific hope or promise strikes you from Romans so far? How could it change your view of your present circumstances?


Lord God, thank You for bringing renewal in our lives and in Creation through the completed saving work of Christ and renewing, empowering work of the Spirit. Bring freedom to our lives from the trapping of sin as we trust in You. Give us strength to change from worldly attitudes to Kingdom attitudes. Heal our land and restore fellowship and unity. In Jesus's Name, amen.




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