Thursday, December 2

Life in the Spirit

Scripture: Job 40-41, Romans 8

Romans 8:1–2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Observation

Here is another chapter worth memorizing in whole!  This is Paul’s treatise on life in the Spirit—and it is rich, top to bottom!

He begins with the wonderful statement that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ—thank You Lord!  Why?  Because “the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”  

Think of the law of gravity.  I am tethered to earth and bound to fall.  But another law, the law of aerodynamics, can set me free from the law of gravity.  (It’s an imperfect example, but still makes the point).  Similarly, the law of the Spirit sets me free from the law of sin and death.  If I am “in Christ” it’s like being in a plane that lifts me and frees me.  

So Paul calls us to live in Spirit, to set our minds on what the Spirit desires, and be led by the Spirit.  And he attaches so many wonderful promises to a Spirit led life.

      • God’s righteous requirements are fully met in us. 4
      • Life and peace. 6
      • Please God. 8
      • Resurrection life. 10-11
      • Children of God. 14
      • Freedom from fear. 15
      • Heirs of God. 16-17
      • The redemption of our bodies. 23-25
      • The Spirit prays for us. 26
      • God works in everything for our good. 28
      • God is shaping us to be more like Jesus. 29
      • God is for us. 31
      • God will give us everything with Jesus. 32
      • No condemnation (again). 33-34
      • Nothing can separate us from His love. 35-39
      • We are more than conquerers.  37

As I read that list, I want to live in the Spirit!

Application

I’m starting my day by asking the Holy Spirit to fill me and lead me today, to help me to live in the Spirit all day.  I want to set my mind on the Spirit’s desires—said another way, “not my will, but Yours be done.”  Move from self-centered to Spirit-centered.  

I naturally revert back to selfishness (what Paul calls “the flesh” or the sinful human nature).  So this requires regular adjustment back to the Spirit, fresh surrender.  But it’s a joy to turn to God, knowing that He’s always eager to welcome and help me!  And the Spirit is praying for me!  He is the Helper—always there for me.  He is doing the heavy lifting; I just need to lean into Him.

Prayer: Lord, fill me with Your Spirit—and keep filling me, because I leak!  Fill me today, over and over.  I surrender to You.  Fill me, lead me, mold me, use me.