AN ABUNDANT LIFE

Romans 8:1-17

Tuesday, 02 June 2026

“...But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” -Romans 8: 6 [NLT]

Who wouldn’t yearn and strive for a life of peace to be lived to the fullest? But very often we are disillusioned and feel it is never attainable. In today’s reading, Apostle Paul 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 of hopelessness and anguish, robbing us of a life of peace in Christ. Is there a remedy? Yes! Paul points us to the steps to take, to enjoy God’s abundant life:

Belong to Christ (V. 9) – 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, “the prodigal” 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 we could be put right with God (2 Cor.5: 21). God has done this for us!!He knew that we could never 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; for 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, reserved only for His people. You and I have the same privilege— for to bring us peace, Christ Jesus was punished (Isaiah 53:5). To get right with God, we need to accept the finished work of Christ on the cross.

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 writes in Gal 2:20, 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 around 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 Jesus’ life and peace? Are others enjoying this through your life? If not, you are controlled by the sinful nature that leads 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'