Scripture to Read: Romans 8:9
Today, God gives us clarity on the issue of being in the flesh or in the Spirit, as we have been walking through Romans 8:5–13. God tells us in Romans 8:9, However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. So, now we know that those“in the flesh” are lost people, as God’s Word says that if the Spirit lives in you, then you are not “in the flesh.” But that does not mean that we, as Christians, cannot set our minds on the flesh because, as we have seen all this week, we know that we can. Then God hammers home that anyone devoid of His Spirit does not belong to Him. God places His Spirit in us for several reasons. First, He seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30). Second, to set us free from the power and penalty of sin (Romans 8:2) to confirm with our spirit that we belong to God (Romans 8:16). Third, to pray with us, for us, and through us continually, and to pray according to God’s will even when we might miss it (Romans 8:26–27). Fourth, to preach and teach His Word by His power since He lives in us (1 Corinthians 2:4). These four things are just the tip of the iceberg, as God has given us Himself to do so much more.
Challenge & Application
What are people who are “in the flesh” missing, and how do they escape from being “in the flesh?”
In what ways are you experiencing God’s Spirit in you as you live for Him each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!