Romans 8:1-11; John 14:15-17
I really enjoyed reading what I'm calling Paul's mini lecture on the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:1-11. Paul does a good job of painting a picture for us of what walking and living in the Spirit means and looks like--both from a positive approach ("to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." vs. 6) and a negative approach ("the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God." vs. 7). I like that, because it allows us to get a complete and well-rounded look at this important issue.
So what did you learn from Paul today? Tami W.
It's pretty clearly spelled out in this passage isn't it? If the Holy Spirit lives in you then you are a child of God and if not, then you're not. Our task is to allow the Holy Spirit to have control of every aspect of our lives and then submit to His direction and calling.
What is interesting in the way how Paul speaks is that it brings out my own "working relationship" with the Holy Spirit. It is clear that I have roles and responsibilities in making the relationship work. Oftentimes I wish the Holy Spirit would just make it all right, even when I think and act in ways that are all wrong. The Holy Spirit works as we allow him to in us, he convicts and guides and do all the stuff he does but if we fail to respond to the convictions and guidance of the holy Spirit then we are living lives most miserable and making the relationship with God dysfunctional (i hope u guys get what i mean). (Confession: I have been missing the broadcasts this week because of World Cup Cricket)
Today’s readings bring to mind the wonderful consistency and continuity of Scripture. Rom 8:8, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God,” brings to mind Isaiah 64:6. Without God, all our righteous acts are no better than filthy rags.
This is an affront and a stumbling block to the non-believer. “How arrogant!” he says, “to belittle the good I do.”
But again, Scripture tells us that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, who do not have the Spirit of God (1 Cor 1:18), and that the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom (1:25).
How wonderful to know the consistency of Scripture is such that we can know we can trust every word of it.
In the old testament God came upon people when He wanted to use them for His work. Now in the new testamnent the Holy Spirit works in His people to do His work. We do not have to WAIT, but we are to be filled with the Spirit to be used. The Holy Spirit helps us to not live in the flesh. It is impossible without Him. Our flesh gets frustrated to say the least and fails. It is work to walk in the Spirit.