More Hope for Our Time ~ Reflections on Romans 8:9-17
9 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit,[h] since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit[i] is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ[j] from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through[k] his Spirit that dwells in you.
12 So then, brothers and sisters,[l] we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba![m] Father!” 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness[n] with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:9-17
Recently I found myself reading and reflecting on the eighth chapter of the book of Romans. This chapter probably ranks in my top twenty chapters in all of scripture. From start to finish it gives me some reasons for hopeful thoughts.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
These verses talk about our adoption as God’s children, as the Spirit of God dwells in us. As Christians, the Spirit of God leads us. The Spirit helps us to turn from the deeds of the flesh and to pursue God’s plans and God’s ways.
Sometimes I find myself thinking back on the things my parents taught me about how to behave and how to live. Simple manners and common courtesy. I am reminded of what was expected in my family. There’s something to live up to in my parents’ example. And when I celebrate that I have become a child of God by being adopted through the Spirit, I have an even greater purpose and promise for my daily life. It’s good to live in such a family.
Prayer
Abba, Father, thank You for calling me one of Your children. Help me live with such love today that the people I encounter will see that I am Yours. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.