Reflections on Romans 8:1-5 - Life in the Spirit

What does it mean to be a Christian? Some people say that if you just believe the right things, you are a Christian. The eighth chapter of Romans sets forth a different concept. The Apostle Paul points out that being a Christian has a supernatural element to it. It means to live our lives in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit of God. This life is based on the fact that we are connected to God, and he does not condemn us anymore. God sees us through the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, who is our Savior, Sanctifier and High Priest. Jesus makes it possible for us to stand with full assurance in the presence of God, and this confidence and attitude of faith in Jesus Christ frees us from the bondage of sin and death. Our freedom from God’s judgment is based on the justification we have by faith in Jesus Christ, which allows the holy presence of God to be in our minds and allows the thoughts of God to intermingle with our thoughts (1 Corinthians 2:9-16). In this life, these thoughts give us spiritual discernment and give us a faith perspective. By faith, we understand the mysteries of God (Ephesians 1:15-23). God has given us insight into the wonders of his grace. Through knowing God, we have entered into the reality of his Kingdom and see the things of this earth more clearly. Our spiritual eyes have been opened to “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might, that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (verses 19 to 20).
It is by his power and might that we were released from the death grip of sin, “for God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh could not do” (Romans 8:3). The death of Jesus Christ made it possible for the Holy Spirit to enter our minds and give us knowledge of what God was doing. Our minds have been set free to see the reality of sin and Satan’s deception. Sin pretended to give the pleasure and fulfillment that only godly living could give. We now see God for who he really is and our minds have been set free from guilt and fear. Our conscience has been purged by the Holy Spirit of God, and our wills have been empowered by proper thinking and values. The way of the world has now been made known as the way of foolishness and death. People without this knowledge have no value perspective, because they do not think as God thinks. They think like their true father the Devil, who holds them in a stupefied ignorance and in the ways of death and destruction. However, we walk in the ways of the Spirit. As Paul wrote, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). The Spirit frees us from the spirit of deception and hatred toward God. He enables us to be at peace with God. All hostility has ceased, and we live in harmony with God. We can accept his presence for we know his true intention and the extent of his love for us, “for there is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18-19). We do not fear God, for he dwells with us. The presence of God’s Spirit guarantees that we are accepted by God. He holds no wrath toward us, for in Christ we are righteous and without blame. In Jesus Christ, we are perfect in the eyes of our heavenly Father (1 Corinthians 6:11; Jude 1:24-25; Philippians 1:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Thoughts for Further Study

1) Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Seek you first the Kingdom of God.” How do we make seeking God and his glory our top priority in life? Is this your goal and purpose for living? What are your priorities in life?

2) Do you feel comfortable, when the Bible mentions that God is with you all the time? Does having God around you 24/7 make you uncomfortable? Read Hebrews 6:19-20 and write down your thoughts about this truth.

3) What is the obligation of those who posses the Holy Spirit (verses 12-15)? What does God expect us to do? Compare this passage with Galatians 5:16-24 and Romans 13:11-14. What stands out in these verses?

4) Now for the big question: Is it possible to know for sure that you are a Christian? See Romans 8:14-16 and Galatians 4:6. Write down your thoughts on these passages of Scripture.