THE HOLY SPIRIT and SONSHIP Devotion 30 of 30 -- Tomorrow, New series:
"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 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. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:12-17, NKJV)
We have been in high places! In our text, the greatness of salvation has been expounded in a most effective manner. With great power, we have been apprised that we owe nothing to the flesh. We have no obligation to it, and need not extend ourselves to pacify it. Nothing good is found in it, and it cannot inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 15:50). We must not, therefore, allow the flesh to enter our lives in general, or the focused parts of life in Christ, including personal devotion and our assemblies. Flesh insists on dominating, and will do so whenever given an opportunity. "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh" (v 12).
We must also gird up the loins of our mind and accept the fact that following the dictates of the flesh eventuates in death – spiritual death. No fanciful theology can change that fact. Flesh negates all progress that has been made and throws us into the death process once again. It is not possible to survive living "after the flesh." God has spoken, and experience confirms it to be true. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die" (v 13a).
Just as surely as living after the flesh produces death, putting to death the deeds of the body through the Holy Spirit results in life. We are sensitive to God only to the degree that the deeds of the body are mortified. The Spirit will empower and direct us in refusing to allow sin to express itself through our members. It is our business to believe that. It simply is not possible to enjoy Divine fellowship and benefits if we allow sin to consistently erupt in our words and deeds. However, if we subdue such expressions, we will become more sensitive to the Lord and His direction. "But if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (v 13b).
Being the "sons of God" is a most blessed privilege, and is to be guarded at all cost. This state is not to be taken for granted, for it is conditioned upon being led by the Spirit of God. Those who are not easily directed by the Spirit are standing in "slippery places" (Psa 73:18).
Those, however, who hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches, and can be easily directed by Him are in safety, and have every reason to be of good cheer. Their triumph is as sure as their faith is strong. Faith IS the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4-5). "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (v 14).
What we have received in Christ Jesus is far superior to all that was before Him. Nothing about salvation promotes debilitating fear, or moves one to withdraw from the Lord in shame and dread. Instead of that, we have received the Spirit of adoption, or the Spirit of sonship. We have been marked down in heaven as sons of God, and the impact of it has registered upon our spirits. Rather than crying out in terror at the thought of presence of the Lord, we cry out confidently, "Abba, Father," knowing that He hears us and will supply our need according to His riches in glory. "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (v 15).
All of the complexities of our nature are addresses in Christ Jesus. Not only do we have a sense of Divine acceptance that is attested by Scripture, a personal Witness is given to us to assure us we are the children of God. That witness is the Holy Spirit, who comes along side our Spirit and joins it in confirming we are the children of God. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (v 16).
The benefits of being God's children extend far beyond time and circumstance. Presently, we are enjoying the firstfruits of salvation, with the bulk of our inheritance to come. There is a birthright up ahead that goes beyond the capability of the human mind. "But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him'" (1 Cor 2:9). However, God has not left us in a quandary about these things. Rather, He "has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:10). Part of that revelation has been made known in our text. It is in summary form, but it is challenging to ponder. It involves being "heirs," "heirs of God," and "joint heirs with Christ." Obtaining that status is worth the most arduous effort! It will be granted to you if you suffer with Christ, filling up the small measure of suffering He has left behind.
Now, put yourself into the work. Extend yourself for Christ. We only have a short while to wait. "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (v 17).
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ for the marvelous status of being Your child. Grant me grace to consistently live with that status in mind, capitalizing on all of its benefits, and never jeopardizing it my following the dictates of the flesh.