Lesson 18
R
omans 8: 12-18, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new Creation
Becoming a Christian is a total transformation.
2 Cor 5: 17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”.
VV 12-18, 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 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. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”.
Addressing his audience, as us, Paul said, we are not indebted to the flesh but to the Holy Spirit. The flesh is death, the Spirit is life. We are sons of God by adoption, led by the Holy Spirit, to call Him Abba Father. We are not only children of God, but heirs of God and co-heirs of God with Christ. The sufferings of this world at present will be compensated by the future glory of heaven.
Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus”.
Ephesians 1:5, “having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will”.
2 Cor 4:17, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”.
1 Peter 4:14, “but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy”.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for transforming and conforming us to the image of Your Son Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the promise of heaven and eternal life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
