Reading: Romans 8:1-11

Verse 9: “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.”

Looking at Romans 8 yesterday we focused on the choice between life and death. Today we focus on what the choice for Christ (or for life) means to us as followers of Jesus Christ.

First, we find freedom from the condemnation of the Law. All of the sin offerings in the world could not remove the guilt and shame of disobedience. In and of ourselves we could not meet all of the requirements of the Law. It was a never ending battle in which we’d always fall short. In response God sent Jesus, “God’s own son.” Jesus became the sin offering for all of our sin, bringing us his own righteousness in place of our guilt and shame.

Second, through this gift our Spirit becomes alive. In verse 9 Paul writes, “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.” The Spirit, with our cooperation and effort, begins to lead and guide us, taking root in our heart. The Spirit brings us “life and peace.” These are found and lived out through our relationships with God and with each other. These ongoing and growing relationships help us in our battles with sin here and now. This yields life in our “mortal bodies” as we too one day experience God’s resurrection power. Thanks be to God for the gifts of life and peace.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the Holy Spirit. Thank you for coming incarnate to show us the way to life and peace. Thank you for rising up again to show us the way to life eternal. Between now and then, live in our hearts, drawing us closer and closer to you. Amen.