Our scripture this morning is Romans 8:9-14.
But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 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. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
Paul teaches that if Christ is in us, we have the Spirit to overcome sin (v.10). He explains that we are God’s children because we follow the guidance of His Spirit. Our own human desires can lead us to disobedience, but the Spirit of the Lord will protect us when we choose Him.
This is the most important point – that we choose Him. God waits to welcome us with open arms, but we must go to Him on our own. We are given free will to decide for ourselves. God will never force us to worship Him, it is always up to us.
The necessary gifts to live according to His law are within us, waiting for us to accept and use them as God intended. Jesus came to show us that a life in obedience to God was the only way to salvation. Each of us has the opportunity and the ability to be part of His eternal plan.
Gracious God, we are humbled and grateful for the blessings You send. Help us to grow in faith and share Your love with our brothers and sisters everywhere. Amen.