Friday 23 March 2012
- Bible Book:
- Romans
"It is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ - if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him." (vv. 16-17)
Background
Today's passage is one of freedom, hope and love in Christ. Itshows that to live by the Spirit allows God's peace to rule in ourhearts. The Holy Spirit within us testifies that we are children ofGod.
We enter God's family by new birth, by grace through faith inJesus' finished work on the cross. Paul uses adoption to illustratethe believer's new relationship with God pointing to the privilegesand the responsibilities that are theirs.
The passage can be divided into three:
- Verses 14-17 - First century Christians experienced economic,social, and physical persecution. In many parts of today's worldpeople face pressures, and the real threat of death, for theirfaith. Along with God's gifts of God's own Son, forgiveness andeternal life, we need to recognise that suffering is also a part ofthe Christian way of life.
- Verses 18-25 - Christian hope is anchored in Christ, and it isnot a passive thing. Hope is knowing God and knowing that what Godpromised will be provided. To have hope, you must have faith. Asthe writer of Hebrews said: "Now faith is the assurance of thingshoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (
- Verses 26-39 - It is the Spirit of God who makes the love ofGod real to us. When we are unsure of how to pray we have the HolySpirit who will intercede for us in harmony with God's own will.God providentially works in all things. God's ultimate aim is tomake us Christlike. By reading the Bible, applying it to our lives,spending time in prayer, worship and fellowship with others, beingfilled with God's Spirit and serving others - we discover thepeople we really are. Is there any reason why we should not be morethan conquerors?
To Ponder
Christians are often described as people of hope.What are you hoping for, and in what are you placing your trust? Inwhat way will you turn over each day to God, believing and trustingin God for the outcome?
How are you allowing God to transform you intoJesus' likeness through current circumstances?
How will you pray for other people and nationssuffering persecution?