Feeding the Soul: Condemned to death but glory in Christ - Romans 7-9 (Part 2)

As we moved on to Chapter 8 we are given the promise of freedom from sin and death, suffering and life through Christ Jesus as we are God's adopted child.

In this chapter, 4 verses struck me.

(1)

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

 It is so easy for us to act according to our nature, that is to heed to the call of being sinful. The simple act of judging others or saying one bad thing that would not only destroy the person but destroy your character as well. It is so easy to put one person down. This among many other things, is the constant  mind and deed of someone who lives according to the world, according to their sinful self. But if we are truly in the Spirit, then our minds are focused on what God desires.

This is not easy. WE WILL ALWAYS FALL. But take comfort that in our sincerest repentance, we are brought to the light once more.

 Before I act, I should STOP and THINK. Am I being my sinful self again? Is this what the Spirit desires of me? What would Christ have done in this moment?

(2)

 ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

I am proud to be a child of God. But being a child of God does not just entail all the glory that goes with it. We all have to understand that as we share in Christ's glory, we also share in HIS sufferings. It is not an easy road for Christians. When attacked or when their faith is tested, some tend to get angry with God, or sulk or turn away from Him entirely.

As children of God, we have to face this: Persecution, Trials that will really test our faith, and Sufferings of many kind. But be comforted in God's promise that as children of God, though we may face these sufferings, there is glory - much greater, unimaginable and incomparable to the sufferings we are experiencing.

(3)

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

(4)

 ³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

As we go through these sufferings, we also take pride in the fact that all good things come to those who love God. We may feel distressed at times with things that we don't understand, problems too big to even measure but we hold on to God's word that everything that happens is good, in the end it will be revealed as so.

As children of God, it also follows that as God is for us, who can be against us? Who am I to fear? Who am I to not take the challenges, sufferings and persecutions that might come my way? Who am I to lose faith that I cannot speak, or write, or work or lead all for God? When I know for a fact that God is with me all the way?

 I am deeply moved with how God has sacrificed His only son for us - imagine how much more God can give us all things? Imagine how much more strength, wisdom and knowledge He could give you and me all for our good and all for His greater glory?

God's love is indeed so great we become confident to take part in Christ's suffering and in the glory that is to come. Praise be to God forever and ever. Amen.