Romans 8:14 - SPIRIT LED LIVING.
Romans 8:14 (NLT) For all who are led by the
Spirit of God are children of God.
INTRODUCTION
Being led by the Spirit is virtually
synonymous with walking according to the Spirit.
Walking highlights the active participation and
effort of the believer. Being led underscores
the passive side, the submissive dependence of
the believer on the Spirit. [Nelson SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Spiritually-Minded
Spirit-led people are spiritually-minded
people. The mind is command central. Thats why we
need to think about things that please the Holy
Spirit. And its why we need to protect our
minds.
It comes down to what we think about. As
British author Samuel Smiles pointed out, Sow a
thought, and you reap an act; sow an act, and you
reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a
character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny.
Writing to the Christians in Rome, the
apostle Paul said, For all who are led by the
Spirit of God are children of God (Romans 8:14
NLT). God wants to lead us as His children.
Paul continued, So you have not
received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves.
Instead, you received Gods Spirit when he adopted
you as his own children. Now we call him,
Abba, Father. For his Spirit joins with our
spirit to affirm that we are Gods children
(verses 15"16 NLT).
Remember, youre adopted by God.
Youre loved by God and welcomed by God. And your
life is under His control. So, think about these
things because they please the Holy Spirit.
We can be devastated by worry and forget
these simple truths. Thats why we need to
remind ourselves of them again and again.
The opposite of living a Spirit-filled
life is living a worldly one. Paul put it this
way: Those who are dominated by the sinful
nature think about sinful things (verse 5 NLT).
This describes people who only think about
satisfying their impulses and the appetites of their
flesh, but they never think about spiritual
things.
Paul went on to say, But those who are
controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that
please the Spirit (verse 5 NLT).
Dont pursue the things of this world
at the expense of pursuing God. Make Him the
focus of your life. [Greg Laurie from Harvest
Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]
COMMENTARY
Christ places the salvation of man, not
upon profession merely, but upon faith that is
made manifest in works of righteousness. Doing,
not saying merely, is expected of the followers
of Christ. It is through action that character
is built. "As many as are led by the Spirit of
God, they are the sons of God." Romans 8:14. Not
those whose hearts are touched by the Spirit, not
those who now and then yield to its power, but
they that are led by the Spirit, are the sons of
God
Set your heart to obey what you do know
of the word of God. His power, His very life,
dwells in His word. As you receive the word in
faith, it will give you power to obey. As you give
heed to the light you have, greater light will
come. You are building on God's word, and your
character will be builded after the similitude of the
character of Christ. {MB 149-150}
While engaged in our daily work, we
should lift the soul to heaven in prayer. These
silent petitions rise like incense before the
throne of grace; and the enemy is baffled. The
Christian whose heart is thus stayed upon God cannot
be overcome. No evil arts can destroy his
peace. All the promises of God's word, all the
power of divine grace, all the resources of
Jehovah, are pledged to secure his deliverance. It
was thus that Enoch walked with God. And God was
with him, a present help in every time of need
Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is
the secret of spiritual power. No other means of
grace can be substituted, and the health of the
soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into
immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and
strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious
experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in
prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems
convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual
faculties lose their vitality, the religious
experience lacks health and vigor. It is only at the
altar of God that we can kindle our tapers with
divine fire. {GW 254}
CLOSING THOUGHT
Whenever anyone asks me how I can be so
certain about who and what God really is, I am
reminded of the story of the little boy who was out
flying a kite. The kite went up and up until it was
entirely hidden by the clouds.
What are you doing? a man asked the
little boy.
Im flying a kite, he replied.
Flying a kite, are you? the man
said. How can you be sure? You cant see your
kite.
No, said the boy, I cant see
it, but every little while I feel a tug, so I
know for sure that its there!
Dont take anyone elses word for
God. Find Him for yourself, and then you, too,
will know by the wonderful, warm tug on your
heartstrings that He is there for sure.
You have to receive God by faith in Jesus
Christ. When that happens, there isnt any room
for doubt. You dont have to question whether
or not God is in your heart; you can know it.
Do you know the Lord in your heart as
well as in your mind? [Peace for Each Day by
Billy Graham]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Romans 8:14 - SPIRIT LED LIVING.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220516-1044.html
Galatians 5:16 - Living by the Spirit.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220422-0854.html
Romans 8:12-14 - Living for Christ Defeats
the Sinful Nature!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2007/20070208-1054.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
