Last week as we read through Romans 8:9-14 we seen that, even though our salvation is not subject to us being perfect in holiness, we are non-the-less obligated and commanded to live according to the Spirit. Even though we still live in this flesh we are not to live according to the flesh.
Of course, God, by His kind grace, knowing that this is impossible for us, does not leave us t our own efforts, but He Himself leads us in this. By the leading the Spirit, who dwells within those who have been born again by His power, we live a life of sanctification and a growing in holiness. What we once were we are no longer. "By the Spirit we are putting to death the deeds of the body" (Rom 8:13)
We are no longer a slave to sin. If the Spirit is within you, have you noticed how the sins you once loved disgust you now? If they don't disgust you, they should at least be less appealing, and gradually they will become more and more vile to you.
This is the work of the Spirit within you. It is extremely important to remember though, that this is not you working to earn or maintain your salvation. Everyday you should remind yourself of what the gospel is. It is not salvation by means of working for it, but Christ has bought it for you.
Our sanctification is a means of God's grace to us whilest we still abide in the world, so that we might be the salt and the light to the world so that they might know the truth and be saved.
"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" (Rom 8:14-15)
These are some of my favourite verses in all of Scripture. The Law of Moses was given by God. The Law is right and holy. It was always understood that it is by the Law that we obtain righteousness and salvation. This is wrong. The law is our tutor that leads us to Christ that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (or the Law). (Gal 3:24-25)
We do not have to work for our salvation, Christ did that for us (Rom 8:3-4). Do not be burdened by guilt if you should commit a sin. Do not think that you are no longer a Christian if you sin. Certainly we do not live in it, but we do not all of a sudden need to be re-saved. We do not live under the fear of the Law.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'"
This is the total freedom of which is found in Jesus Christ. Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Rom 8:1-2)
You are a child of God. Do you realize the implications of that? No child of the Almighty Yahweh will ever wear a yoke of slavery and fear. We should not fear that we would be condemned.
These Scriptures continue in reassurance and of God's amazing kindness. "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him." (Rom 8:16-17)
OK, read that again.
So let me get this straight; When God gave us life, we spat in His face, and turned against Him. Instead of just thumping us all, as we deserved, He would come, live in the same miserable existence we do, in order that He might be tortured and crucified by us, so that we can then be adopted as if we were His children, and share in the inheritance which is rightfully and deservedly His true Son's!!!
WOW!!! Halleluyah!!!
Is God not so incredibly kind to us? We deserved His wrath, and instead He is going to give us a share in Jesus' inheritance. Absolutely amazing.
Next time, we will continue with looking at verse 17 and what it means to suffer with Him.
Thanks for joining me in this study.
So my brothers and sisters in Christ, instead of living in guilt, which is the tool of the Devil, live with these thoughts in mind. The more you do, the less you will desire to sin, and the more obedient you will want to be. Not because you have to, but because you want to. Because of how incredibly kind God is.
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