Romans 8:1-17
Wednesday, 06 March 2024
“...But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” -Romans 8: 6 [NLT]
A life of peace and lived to the fullest!— Isn’t this what we yearn and strive for? But very often we are disillusioned and feel it is never attainable. Paul in today’s reading gives us a few reasons why we lose out on this wonderful life that Christ Jesus offers us. Romans 8:7&8 says that a sinful mind is:
· Hostile to God
· Does not submit to God’s law
· Cannot please God
If this is our relationship with GOD ALMIGHTY, be sure, we are bound to face situations that will lead to hopelessness and anguish, robbing us of a life of peace in Christ. Is there a way out from this situation? Yes! Paul points out the steps we need to take, to enjoy God’s abundant life:
Belong to Christ (V. 9) – if we need to belong to Christ we need to have His Spirit in us. As long as our spirit controls us we tend to fall prey to all the tactics of the devil that could rob us of all that we enjoy in Christ. The Lost son, we read about in Luke 15 is the perfect example. His life controlled by his selfish desires led to the loss of everything he possessed: materially, relationally, financially and spiritually. But when he came to his senses he realized his folly and returned to the source of all goodness - his father! Today the call is for us to return to our Maker to whom we belong. Not only did He create us but He gave His own life to redeem us from the clutches of the devil. Do you belong to Him? He offers you life and life in abundance (John 10:10).
Become Right in Christ (V.10) - Jesus took upon Himself all our wrongs so that you and I could be put right with God (2 Cor.5: 21). God has done this for us!!He knew that we could never be able to do this in our own strength. But today in Christ Jesus, by His blood we have been brought near to God (Eph. 2:13). Rahab, when she tied the scarlet cord on her window, never knew the magnitude of that one act. She only thought of her immediate survival. But with that one move her entire life changed, as she was chosen to be in the family line of Jesus. Her past forgiven she now stands right with GOD and experienced peace with Him which was reserved only for His people. You and I have the same privilege. For to bring us peace He was punished (Isaiah 53:5). To get right with God, we need to accept the finished work of Christ on Calvary.
Be Alive in Christ (V.11)- When we are controlled by the flesh our works become dead works. There could be many things we claim to be doing for Christ. But are they prompted by His life in us or to gain favour from men? Paul in Gal 3:20 says that the only way of staying alive is to be crucified to Christ daily so that we no longer live, but He lives in and through us. Paul at one time thought his deeds pleased God but he was actually hurting Him. Then he met His Saviour! A 180_degree turn led him to do things that exalted God in his life. He now no longer lived to please his sinful nature but began to do what the Spirit desired!
Take a moment to check your life. Are you enjoying His life and peace? Are others enjoying this through your life? If not, you are controlled by the sinful nature which will lead to death. So take heed lest you are caught unawares!!!
Quote for the day: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:2)
Listen: 'Wonderful Merciful Father'