SHOWERS

Romans 8:12 – So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

In Romans chapter eight, Paul is calling attention to the things which were impossible under the law, but accomplished through the gospel.  

Of course, first and foremost among these is what we refer to as salvation.  Specifically, the law was only capable of producing condemnation which resulted in death.  The gospel, however, is capable of producing justification which leads to life.  We also noted the major role that Holy Spirit plays in our spiritual life.  He is our helper and guide; without him we could not live victorious Christian lives. 

In today’s post, Paul discusses another gospel advantage/blessing which was impossible under the law: The spirit of adoption and all the benefits we receive by being children of God.  Let’s dig in and take a closer look.       

GENERAL SUMMARY:  We were once slaves to sin, but we have been set free by faith in Christ.  Consequently, we have no obligation to our flesh/old man; we are no longer forced to indulge in our evil passions and desires.  

DIGGING DEEPER:  So then:  ‘So then’ (your translation may say ‘therefore’) is the same as ‘because’.  In other words, Paul is giving us reasons why we are under a solemn obligation to live lives that are committed to God and not our flesh/old man. 

Brothers:  At different points in his letter to the Romans, Paul uses the term ‘brothers’ to refer to fellow Jews, but that is not the case here.  This time, Paul uses it to mean Christians - all those who have the same spiritual relationship to God that he has, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 

We are debtors:  A debtor is someone who owes something to another person or institution.  In our society, we are very familiar with this concept.  Credit cards, home mortgages and car loans are all examples of the debtor/creditor relationship.

The creditor, often a bank, will loan the debtor money to buy something they did not have the resources/ability to obtain for themselves.  Once the debtor accepts their money, they are now under an obligation to the creditor.  Their life choices are influenced by the debt that is owed. 

For example, once you are a debtor, it is your responsibility to maintain steady employment.  Because of your debt, you may not be free to simply quit a job you suddenly don’t like.  Indeed, the opposite may be true - you may find yourself working overtime because of your debt. 

Another example would be a change to your self-control.  Because you have incurred a debt, you must control your future spending habits so you can repay your loan because failure to repay the debt can have serious legal consequences. 

In this case, Paul is saying that Christians are debtors to Christ.  He set us free from our enslavement to the flesh/old man and justified us in the sight of God.  These are benefits which were impossible for us to obtain with our own resources/ability. 

Obviously, I’m not suggesting that we can repay Christ for providing our salvation; we know salvation is not by works.  The point is that we are under a debtor’s obligation to Jesus (not our flesh/old man) and that obligation should influence/determine the choices we make and the way we live our lives.

Not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh:  Here Paul uses the word ‘flesh’ to mean the invisible flesh/old man which resides in all of us and causes us to sin. 

As we just mentioned, there was a time when we were slaves to the flesh/old man, but we were freed from that contract by placing our faith in Christ Jesus.  He paid our debt to sin - in full!  He nullified our legal obligation of an eternity in the debtor’s prison of hell. 

Because of what Christ has done, we do not owe our allegiance or our service to sin, the devil, or the world.  Make no mistake - the devil will still seek to place us under the debt of sin through oppression, lies and deceit.  But don’t be fooled - we owe him nothing!  He is not our creditor and he has no legal right to demand anything from us. 

God, on the other hand, is a just creditor in the life of a Christian.  We are greatly indebted to the Father, Son and Spirit as the author/producer of salvation and sanctification within our lives. 

Romans 6:22 – But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.  

There is no question that God has the absolute right to anything and everything within our lives; he is the source of all that we now have and all that we hope for in the future (resurrection from the dead, everlasting life in heaven, etc.).

Thus, we are debtors to God, not the flesh.

Romans 8:13 – For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

GENERAL SUMMARY: To live according to the flesh/old man is to willingly embrace sin.  If you live this way, the only possible outcome is spiritual death. 

However, if you embrace Christ, he will grant you forgiveness and salvation.  He will give you the gift of Holy Spirit who will work with you to mortify the desires of your flesh.  The only possible outcome for the Christian is spiritual/everlasting life.

DIGGING DEEPER:  For if you live according to the flesh you will die:  Those who live according to the flesh have rejected the offer of forgiveness and new life given to them by Jesus through Holy Spirit.  By default, this makes them debtors to sin as outlined in the law.  The only possible outcome for this person is physical and spiritual death.

But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body:  However, those who accept salvation by Christ through Holy Spirit as outlined in the gospel are free from the debt to sin.  Holy Spirit lives within them.  By his power and influence he assists them in destroying the corrupt desires of their flesh/old man: 

Colossians 3:5 - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

This is something we could never do in our own power; neither could we obtain the ability to do it under the law.

Let’s pause here for a moment, lest we pass over this thought too quickly.  Notice that we are commanded to ‘put to death’ our sinful passions, much like we would put down a rabid dog who is trying to kill us.  Are we really doing that, or are we trying to keep that rabid dog as a pet?  

If we are honest, I think all of us would admit that we have certain sins or sinful propensities that we still enjoy.  These sins often occur within our minds, or if they are in the physical realm, we keep them secret. 

Our flesh/old man will do everything in his power to convince us that these sins/passions are harmless because they are either under our control, or they really don’t influence us.  If he can convince us that either of those things is true, we will mistakenly think we can indulge in these sins without being bitten, infected and dying (or enduring a very painful spiritual, emotional, social, financial and physical recovery). 

Just to be clear, let the record show that neither idea is true. Both are deceptive lies from our flesh/old man.

Let’s look at an example.  Some Christians secretly commit adultery or other sexual sins within their minds: 

Matthew 5:27-28 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I [Jesus] say to you, that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

As Christians, we should not make the mistake of thinking that the thoughts of our minds have no influence on our actions/choices.  If a person dwells on sinful sexual thoughts long enough, eventually they will have an opportunity to commit that sin, and they will take it.  This makes perfect sense, because they sowed the seeds of sexual immorality within their minds/hearts.  Eventually those seeds will spring up and produce the fruit of sin/death in the physical realm (James 1:14-15).

The same is true of all impure thoughts such as revenge, hate, greed, etc.  Those sinful thoughts cannot be allowed to exist in our minds because if we permit them to exist, they will eventually grow strong enough to overpower us.  They will manifest in the physical realm and we will be caught in their grip of death.  The bottom line is this:  Either we destroy them, or they will destroy us.

Also, do not make the mistake of thinking you can control or limit your sin.  In Romans chapter one, Paul systematically refuted that idea.  He proved that what started out as casual sin snowballed until it reached the point of depravity and eventually a reprobate mind.  If you indulge in sin, your flesh will encourage you to delve deeper and further, promising greater pleasures until you are completely ensnared and cut off from God.

So… we know we need to ‘put to death’ the deeds of our flesh, but let’s be honest - that’s easier said than done.  There are several reasons why:  

First, mortification of our flesh is not a one-time event – it’s a continual process.  It requires discipline.  It requires perseverance.  In fact, we will be engaged in this work as long as we live on earth.  The process is only completed when we physically die and become separated from our flesh.  Let me give you the truth:  you can’t be a lazy Christian and still hope to mortify the flesh.

Second, it’s not a simple, painless process.  Your flesh/old man isn’t going to give up without a fight because he absolutely loves and craves sin.  He will fight against the desires of your spirit/new man as violently as possible for as long as he can.  When you knock him down, he will get back up.  In other words, mortification of the flesh is an ongoing struggle. (It should be noted, however, that with time and consistency, it does get easier.)

Third, we must maintain a 24/7 guard over our hearts and minds because that is where sin is conceived.  By carefully monitoring and guarding the content of our minds, we can stop the enemy before he plants the seeds of sin.  (The less we have to mortify, the better.)   

Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your minds…

The good news is that because of the work of Christ and empowerment of Holy Spirit, mortification of the flesh is a winnable battle – we CAN put to death the deeds of our flesh. 

You will live:  If you accept Christ and partner with Holy Spirit to sanctify yourself in holiness, you will have spiritual life.

Romans 8:14 – For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Those who have accepted Christ and allow Holy Spirit to guide their lives are children of God.

DIGGING DEEPER:  For all:  Literally, everyone - Jews and Gentiles, men and women, rich and poor, etc.  Paul is talking about all who have accepted Christ as Savior and submitted themselves to the influence and control of Holy Spirit. 

Who are led by the Spirit of God:  We must be led by Holy Spirit because we cannot successfully navigate this life on our own.  Nor do we have the strength to walk in the way he leads, unless he supports us.

How do we know if we are being led by the Spirit of God?

• If you recognize the influence or tug of the Spirit drawing you away from sin and/or you despise the sins you used to enjoy, you are being led by Holy Spirit. 
• If you have a true desire to yield to that influence/tug and walk the paths of righteousness, you are being led by Holy Spirit. 
• If you cheerfully and without hesitation labor to destroy your sinful desires, crucify your pride, and abandon your love of this world and its riches, you are being led by Holy Spirit. 

Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A new heart also will I [God] give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my judgments, and do them.

If you are led by the Spirit in this manner, you can conclude that you are a son or daughter of God.  

Are the sons of God:  Paul now begins to reveal another benefit of the gospel, which was impossible under the law – it ushers us into God’s family, making us his children. 

Nothing but the gospel can make us children of God; only by being his children can we inherit/receive the benefits of heaven.

Galatians 3:26 - For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Every Christian has been adopted into the family of God; we are his children and we can call him Father:

Galatians 4:5-7 – [Jesus came] to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Therefore, you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Romans 8:15 – For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Christians did not receive the spirit of a slave, who lives in terror/fear of punishment from his overseer (the law).  Christians can approach God with the peace and confidence of a son/daughter because we have received Holy Spirit who makes us a child of God (through the gospel).

DIGGING DEEPER:  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery:  Your translation may say ‘spirit of bondage’.  In either case, Paul describes a frame of mind that binds or enslaves you and causes great fear, just like the slave feared the wrath and temper of his master. 

We would expect to see this fear in anyone who is under the law, because their conscience has been awakened to the guilt of their sin, but they have no way to remove it.  The good news is that Christians have been set free by Jesus:

Hebrews 2:15 - …and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

To fall back into fear:  Paul implies that before we were saved, we had much to fear from our master, the law.  And he was right – we had every reason to be alarmed and full of fear because God was angry with us, our consciences troubled us, we had no way to pay our debt to sin and eternal death was our assured outcome.

But you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons:  When a person places their faith in Christ, the spirit (frame of mind) of fear/bondage is replaced by a spirit (frame of mind) of adoption.

Adoption involves taking the offspring of a stranger as one’s own child.  As sinners, we by nature belonged to the devil.  We were the enemies of God.  But now, through the work of Christ, God the Father has accepted us as his children.  By virtue of our relationship to God as his child, there is no fear as we approach him.  We experience affection, love and confidence when we approach God. 

Our status as the adopted children of God implies the following:

• Because of our forefather Adam’s rebellion against God (and our own subsequent sin), we had no claim to God as our Father. 
• It was a pure, sovereign act of God’s love and mercy which welcomed mankind into the family of God as his children: 

Ephesians 1:5 – He [God the Father] predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will…

• Now that God has welcomed those who place their faith in Christ through Holy Spirit, we are under his protection and care. 
• In light of these circumstances, we are bound/obligated to function as his children by obeying his commands. 

The spirit of adoption results in a child-like love for God, a child-like hope, a child-like trust and dependence (and lack of worry) and a child-like obedience to God’s commands.

By whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’:  ‘Abba’ is the Hebrew word used by the Jews to mean father.  By saying both ‘Abba’ and ‘Father’, Paul shows the inclusion of both Jews and Greeks into the family of God (Romans 3:29, I Corinthians 1:24).

Children who need love, protection, provision, deliverance or help cry out to their parents.  In the same way, Christians who experience need can cry out to God with the feelings of a child, addressing him in a language of affection and confidence, knowing that he will answer.

Thus, we see that it was and is vitally important for Christians to have the confirmation of Holy Spirit regarding their adoption as God’s children. 

Here is why: The Father who has adopted us cannot be seen with the mortal eye.  The adoption transaction is an invisible, spiritual one that takes place in heaven.  Therefore, it can only be known by God’s supernatural testimony/guarantee of it.  In God’s great mercy, he provided this confirmation within our spirit/soul so that we never have to assume or depend upon mere reasoning to know that we belong to him.  He communicates this confirmation directly to each one of us, so that no critic can cast doubt upon our salvation.  Thank you, Father!

Romans 8:16 – The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Holy Spirit directly communicates with our spirit to provide assurance that we are God’s child.

DIGGING DEEPER:  The Spirit himself: That is, Holy Spirit, one of the persons of the Trinity.

Bears witness with our spirit:  To bear witness is to testify or give evidence.  Scripture tells us that it takes 2-3 witnesses to confirm a matter:

Deuteronomy 19:15 - … at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

II Corinthians 13:1 – This is the third time I [Paul] am coming to you.  In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

Here in verse 16, we find the two witnesses which give evidence that we are God’s children – Holy Spirit and our own spirit (heart/mind/understanding).

The evidence given by our own spirit is that we are changed: 

• We now love and delight in God and we greatly desire to obey his laws, just as a true child loves and obeys their parent.  
• We walk after the Spirit not the flesh.
• We mortify the deeds of the body.
• We can cry ‘Abba, Father’. 

Holy Spirit gives his evidence/witness to each believer individually in their heart/mind/understanding.  The fact that he is our constant companion, comforter, guide and teacher assures us of our adoption by God.  It is his witness that gives us the confidence to call on God as our Father.

That we are the children of God:  The purpose of the witness/evidence of Holy Spirit is to furnish evidence to the mind of every Christian that they are adopted into the family of God.  This effect/inward witness is a common practice of Holy Spirit: 

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - Now he who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God; who has also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

(See also I John 5:10-11, I Corinthians 2:12). 

Romans 8:17 - …and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Natural children are heirs of their parents and co-heirs with their siblings.  In the same way, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ because we are the spiritual children of God.  We can expect to suffer trials and tribulations in this life because of our relationship to Jesus and we can expect to be glorified with him as well.

DIGGING DEEPER:  And if children, their heirs:  God has not only welcomed us into his family, he has made us heirs!  The meaning is that if we continue in the relationship of a child of God, we will be treated as such; we will have a share in his favor and blessings.

Note:  As children of God, we inherit the estate he as provided for us, though obviously we do not obtain it by his death.  Rather, our inheritance is much like the Promised Land given to the children of Israel.  It was given to them by God himself, and then divided by the children of the family.

Heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ:  Think of it!!  We are heirs of God himself! 

Not only do we have God’s favor now, we have the promise of heaven - an eternity of discovery, meaningful work, amazing relationships and complete satisfaction.

Even better, we will be admitted into a secure, never-ending relationship with God where we can abide in his presence.  We will share in his love, grace, mercy, wisdom, power, truth and faithfulness.  We will experience the riches of his glory, the splendor of his kingdom and the joys of salvation.  God is indeed our portion and exceeding great reward.

We are also co-heirs with Jesus.  Christ is by eminence THE Son of God.  As such he is heir to the full honors and glory of heaven; whatever belongs to the Father is his.  Christians are sons of God by adoption.  We obtain our inheritance through Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 1:10-11 - That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:

We receive the blessing of having a share in an eternal inheritance.  This is SOOO much better than anything of this world.  Everything here loses value, gets broken, goes out of fashion or just simply wears out.  But the inheritance we receive from Father God incorruptible and eternal.  It is always valuable, always enjoyable, always relevant.  In comparison to our eternal inheritance, why chase earthly riches?

Provided we suffer with him:   Again, we are put in mind of the children of Israel inheriting the Promised Land.  It was theirs, but only through a relationship to God.  It was theirs, but they suffered many trials and battles in order to possess it.

We will not be treated as co-heirs with Jesus unless there is evidence to show that we are united to him.  That evidence or proof is our suffering.  If we suffer in the cause of Christ, or for his sake or if we bear afflictions as Christ did, then we can surely say were suffered with him. 

2 Corinthians 1:5 - For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ.

This does not necessarily mean that we suffer to the same extent that Jesus did.  It means that we may experience some of the same types of suffering that he did, and that we should bear that suffering with the same spirit that he did.

Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Nobody likes to suffer.  Most of us avoid it at all costs.  Nevertheless, God uses all things for our good and if we are honest, we will admit that suffering can be beneficial to a Christian:  

• Depending on how we handle the situation, suffering can lift up the name of Jesus and glorify God.  When it does, it draws sinners to Christ.  Wouldn’t you agree that suffering is good if it causes someone to avoid eternity in hell? 

• Suffering improves our spiritual walk.  It causes us to automatically draw closer to God.  When we are actively seeking God in this manner, we are better able to hear the voice of Holy Spirit speaking to us, which is always beneficial.

• Sometimes we get caught up in the things of this world.  Suffering reminds us that it is the spiritual things that truly matter.  Suffering aids us in forsaking worldly things and directing our attention to the eternal world.

• Suffering increases our longing for Christ and for heaven.    

Plus, there is more good news – If we suffer for him, we will also be glorified with him.

In order that we may also be glorified with him:  If we suffer with Christ, we will also be glorified with him.  Not with equal glory, obviously, but with the same kind of glory. 

God supports us during suffering, gives us benefits from our suffering, and glorifies us once the suffering has ended. 

Let me offer you some encouragement:

Life is tough at times.  We all have seasons where things don’t go as expected or we suffer disappointment and loss.  But in the midst of those times remember – you are a child of God!  He has a plan for your life down here, and a plan for your life in eternity.  He has adopted you as his child and made you a co-heir with Jesus. 

So don’t let your current circumstances steal your joy.  You have every reason to rejoice!

Let me offer you some relief:

Has Satan ever tormented you by trying to convince you that you are not a child of God?  If so, you know that this accusation is usually followed with a list of your current and former mistakes/sins. 

If this happens to you, let me give you some relief:  Satan always has been and always will be a liar and a deceiver.  Don’t ever listen to him!

You can be certain that you are a child of God because Holy Spirit confirms it in your heart/mind.  Just reach out to him, and he will confirm your status as a child of God.    

Let me offer you some strength:

As we mentioned in today’s post, the Christian life contains suffering.  It also requires discipline.  While these may not be our favorite past times, they are essential in preparing us for eternity.  

So don’t give up.  Embrace the Christian disciplines.  Endure suffering in ways that glorify God.  In the end, you will surely reap an eternal reward.