For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” vs. 14
Romans 8:14-17
When we read Paul’s letter to the Romans it’s not easy to understand his carefully reasoned arguments and admonitions. Even when we engage in serious study there are some things that we miss–the words he uses are not familiar to us and we may not even care much about the things he’s passionate about. In general, what he wanted his readers to know was that everything had changed with the death and resurrection of Jesus. Their relationship to God was no longer contingent on their obedience to the law. Instead, they would be directly connected to God through the Holy Spirit–they would in fact be the children of God, set free in Christ to live a new life, now and forever. Now we’ve grown accustomed to thinking of all people being the sons and daughters of God, but here Paul is speaking particularly of those who are believers. And what he wants us to know is that this is not a relationship to be taken casually. He believed that if we were being led by the Spirit our lives would be discernibly different–the fruits of the Spirit would be obviously present. And if they weren’t, something was very wrong! We get that! Being free in Christ is not being free to do as we please. Rather it’s a relationship based on love, and where that love is present, lives will be changed–the Spirit doesn’t mess around!
Thought for the Day: How has the Spirit changed me?
0 Comments