Day 18
Start with Posture of Silence and Solitude (2 minutes)
Read Scripture: Romans 8:1-17
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
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. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 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.
Devotional:
This passage includes statements of amazing, wonderful truth and hope for believers:
- There is no condemnation for you because Jesus’ sacrifice took care of your sin payment problem.
- Now, if you set your mind on the Spirit — let it be the guide of your life — your mind will be full of life and peace (and not stuck in a rut of sinful desires).
- God, who raised Jesus from death, gives you the Holy Spirit — it lives in you — and God will raise you, too.
Believers live free from condemnation — and from fear; they are changed from slaves to children of God. But now, they must focus on, listen to, and obey the Spirit, who will help them push aside sinful desires. These believers will suffer as Jesus did, but they will also share in his glory.
Question to Ponder:
What is one thing that makes you know the Spirit has set you free and lives in you?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for Jesus and for saving me and setting me free from sin and death. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that lives in me always. Thank you that I can live free from fear and that the Spirit will help me say no to sin. I cannot do it without you. Please help me to remember you each day and to listen for the Spirit. And to have the courage to obey. Thank you for this hope every day and forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.
End with Posture of Silence and Solitude (2 minutes)