Led by God’s Spirit

In this weekʼs Romans 8:12-17 reading, Paul instructs Christians that we are now to live our lives according to the examples set down by Jesus.  With the help of the Holy Spirit, and this means prayer, we can put to death, or in other words control, emotions, desires, thoughts or acts which may harm others or even ourselves before they begin.  Our sins are not forgiven with the design that we should continue to commit sin, but that we should cease from it.  Otherwise, it would more justly be called, not forgiveness of sin, but permission to sin.

Being led by the Spirit of God we are now deemed “Sons of Godʼ.  Originally it was lawful that the sons received the inheritance of the family.  Hence the term.  Paul continues that, like with things legal, we often need a witness as evidence.  And here we have this in the Holy Spiritʼs testimony together with our Spirit, that we are indeed Godʼs children and therefore our inheritance of eternal life with Christ and a share in His glory, awaits us.

It is an encouraging and heart warming reminder that we have such a loving Heavenly Father.  He is merciful and gracious to everyone.  For those who are in Christ Jesus, not only are we free from condemnation that we deserve for the sinful creatures that we are, but we can also be sure that because of the grace of God we will never be separated from the love of Christ.

Godʼs grace and mercy be with you.

Pastor Darryl