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Living by the Spirit or by the Flesh? Reflections will pick up from Romans 8, verses 9 through 15, the comparison between the flesh and spirit with regards to how this affects our walk with Jesus. Once again, verse 9 is a positive reinforcement, as we continue to journey through the wisdom of Romans 8. St. Paul reminds us; that we are in the Spirit "if the Spirit of God dwells in you." What a blessed relief! To know that it is the Holy Spirit who continues the good work of the Lord within each of us! The Promise of Pentecost living and breathing within the church in the midst of our walk with the Lord. St. Paul continues his teaching with a reminder that if "Christ is alive in us; even though the body is dead because of sin; the spirit is alive because of righteousness." St. Paul does not deny the fact that sin is still present. He admits that we still struggle with sin; this is not the end of the story, rather that Jesus who in His righteous dying for us keeps the spirit alive. We, who live in this truth daily, are reminded of the truth of these promises. We most assuredly need these promises, as did the early church. St. Paul continues to make his argument to persuade the Romans to be diligent in their facing of the battle with sin and death. In verse 13 St. Paul states. "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put death to the deeds of the body, you will live." This verse makes the options very clear and concise. The purpose of course is to have the Romans choose life in the Spirit. No doubt this life will have its price, and this choice will not always be easy. St. Paul wants all those who are followers of Jesus to know the "road map" so to speak. It is in this comparison and subsequent follow-up that St. Paul sees as the "proof" on our part. In verse 15 St. Paul brings this part of our reflection to a close. He does so by once again reminding us, of our call to be children of God. For St. Paul this is only possible if we "are led by the Spirit." This spirit will lead us on the road to true freedom, and has us call out to the God who loves us: "Abba, Father!" What a fantastic place to finish this reflection. Before closing it is obvious that St. Paul expects the Romans and each of us, to take a look at our lives, to ask if we are living by the Spirit, or by the Flesh? Are we seeking to know and experience God as our loving Father? By this experience one that reaches to the core of our person! Do we know the love that Jesus has for each of us, a love that reaches out to us daily! We know that we have a loving Lord to approach, when we do fall into sin. A loving Lord who rejoices in our choice to walk with Him. A Lord who wants each of us to be with Him now, as well as in eternity. Until the next time I write, may the Lord bless and keep you.
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