Romans 8:12-17

The phrase “So then” which is how the NAS begins this passage reminds me of why the apostle Paul is a hero of mine. Paul was not afraid to use his considerable powers of reason to communicate and influence. “So then” is evidence of Paul’s habit of connecting related ideas and building upon them to present the gospel of the kingdom. In the case of this passage,  “living” and “being led” are on his heart. But, its not just Paul’s intellectual prowess that attracts me. Stored away in his mind were encounters with the risen Christ and His Spirit that did not require an iota of logic. Paul was keenly aware that God was not averse to speaking directly to man even when the scrolls were unopened. Paul was a man who learned to honor, listen to and be led by both the Holy Spirit and the scrolls. I see Paul as one of those whom God sought to worship Him in Spirit and Truth. In Paul, there was a beautiful marriage of the Word and the Spirit. That Paul was a mystic with an agile mind attracts me to him.

The flesh, as I have come to understand it, is simply that unregenerate part of man that is still living by its wits and its self-oriented will. However, when many Christians hear the phrase “the flesh“, I think they have visions mostly of debauchery. While “the flesh” can certainly produce things like adultery, larceny, violence, and drunkenness, it is just as capable of brilliant reasoning, persuasive speech and socially beneficial deeds. My point is that “flesh” could be just as happy in a church as it is in brothel, just as long as it gets its way and has its needs for attention met. Having a definition of “the flesh” that transcends immoral behavior expands the meaning of this passage;

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh – for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if, by the Spirit, you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.

Question for Reflection; In our experience with God, can we identify an occasion, or occasions where, by the Spirit, we have put to death he deeds of the flesh?

In our passage, I believe Paul provides us with an essential revelation;

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

As one who has lived where the primary witness in my spirit was incomplete, I have an observation. In that season where I was somewhat insecure in my Abba-orientation, I clung to the scriptures nearly exclusively as my source of revelation. I would have shunned the notion that a communique from God could be a still small voice or that a revelation could survive any prolonged exposure to my reasoning. Due to the spiritual culture I had been living in I would not have been encouraged that a directive from God could actually be a byproduct of sound reasoning and dialogue. (After all…..where is the the wind of the Holy Spirit blowing in that process?)

It is clearer to me now in retrospect that to maintain the thought of my union with God in that season, it was easier to posture myself before Him (Holy as He is and depraved as I perceived my flesh was) as a penitent servant casting myself continually on His mercy rather than as a son who could stand boldly without any fear in Abba’s presence (Jude 24) celebrating His love and acceptance.

Today, I still love the scriptures and consider them as an essential source of revelation. But standing more securely in His love as a son, has given me freedom and liberty to trust that He can also speak to me by His Spirit as well. For me today, “living” and “being led” involves study as well as meditation. It involves listening to my own heart, where His Spirit dwells. It also involves my own reasoning and experimentation.

I once related to God more as servant whose means to revelation was by way of study. The truth I gleaned I could then apply. The application of the principles I gathered from scripture was the essence of my obedience. (Belated repentance: In retrospect, I do see where, in my obedience, my motives were often to fashion a life that worked efficiently as opposed to simply pleasing my Master.) Now I believe as a son, I am invited into a place with much greater freedom – a place where I am invited to also know His heart and to hear His voice. His Words are not just static principles to which I must conform. His Word (previously spoken and currently speaking) are transforming me by way of a dynamic relational process from within.

Father, may your Spirit prevail over our flesh however productive and influential it may be. We declare our desire to live and be led by You. May our confidence as Your offspring give us such boldness as to rightly see ourselves as fellow-heirs with Christ. Strengthen us to accept and endure any suffering that we may inherit as well. That Your name be glorified. Amen.

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