“…brothers, we have an obligation…” Romans 8:12

/

IF Christ’s Spirit lives in you, then you – along with every Believer – have an obligation to:

  • Put to death the deeds of the flesh (v.13);

  • Live according to The Spirit (vv. 13b - 14).

In this passage, Paul presents five ‘proofs’ of those whose hearts have welcomed Jesus:

1.     The Believer is led by The Spirit (v.14);

2.      Free access to God, The Father – like a child calling, “Daddy” (Abba Father, v.15);

3.     The Spirit’s testimony of The Believer being God’s child (v.16);

4.     Sharing in Christ’s sufferings – the world will hate you (v.17; John 15:18-25);

5.     Sharing in Christ’s glory (v.17a,b,&d).

(These five proofs are from a sermon by Rev. Tom Holliday on June 23, 2019)

Paul asserted that when one is led by the power of sin, one is controlled by a spirit of fear (v.15a). Why fear? What makes one fearful about sin? Here are some possibilities:

  • Being discovered after trying to hide it (Numbers 32:23);

  • Painful consequences (Psalm 38:3; Ezekiel 28:18; Galatians 6:7-8);

  • Being ensnared in the sin (addiction, obsessive/compulsive behaviors; Proverbs 5:22);

  • Unheard prayers (Psalm 66:17-19; Isaiah 59:2; Mark 11:25-26; James 4:2-3; 1 Peter 3:7);

  • Judgment (Matthew 25:41-46; John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Peter 2:1-25; Revelation 21:8).

Receiving “the spirit of Sonship” empowers one to approach God without fear or reproach. We have unhindered access to The Creator, The Lord, The Risen Savior! It starts by agreeing with Him about your sin. Cry out to God for mercy and receive Jesus as your Savior today.

It will be a blessed day!