Today’s focal text from Romans makes no attempt at constructing a mathematical equation. It merely sets out for us how the caring God can touch our lives in three different ways. Moreover, as in other passages of the New Testament, Paul is not bound to confine himself to the later creedal order of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Theological formulations can often be very proper, but leave one with the feeling of being dry and dead. In contrast, Paul’s words ring with vitality and power. His God is not dead! His message about living with God is dynamic.
I. Living with the Spirit
Having detailed in the previous passages of Romans the radical differences between a life that is oriented to the created world (flesh) and one that is oriented to the Creator (Spirit), Paul challenges his readers to abandon any commitments that make the world (flesh) and its desires the goal of life. Such commitments can only lead to death (v. 13), because the pattern of world orientation is insecurity and fear (v. 15).
Those who are committed to God are entirely different because they are obedient to (led by) and have a deep sense of companionship through the Spirit. Insecurity is therefore banished in their sense of relationship (sonship and daughterhood) to God (vv. 14-16).
II. Relating to the Father
Paul and the New Testament writers are theocentric. The one God is the center of their theologies. For Jews like Paul who had even ceased to use the name of God (YHWH) because of fear of taking that name in vain, the designation of God as “Father” was revolutionary. Certainly Jesus had called God “Father,” but as a result he was labeled a blasphemer.
Even more significant was the fact that Jesus taught his disciples to call God “Father” (cf. Matt. 6:9). So important was this idea to Paul that he used not only the Greek word for Father but also included the Semitic word Abba (v. 15; cf. Gal. 4:5) , which probably goes back to Jesus himself. Praying to God as “Father,” therefore, probably encapsulated for Paul his dearest relationship. God cares for us and allows us to pray to him in the intimacy of a child-to-parent relationship.
III. Following the Model of Jesus
When Jesus called his disciples, he summoned them to “follow” him. The pattern of copying Jesus model is well established in the New Testament (cf. Phil. 2:1-11). But what is sometimes difficult to accept is that the model of Jesus is one of self-giving and suffering.
Paul understood the cost of discipleship, and he wanted all Christians to realize that following the Master would likely be painful . Yet the hope of glory makes fearless living in the midst of pain possible because our future is in the hands of the living God
So let me ask you a very serious question! When you cry out to God the Father, down deep in your soul, what are you expecting?
When we are in great despair and cry out, do we not want immediate relief?
When we are doing well and having no significant problems, do we cry out to God for help?
When we go about our daily lives, and in the back of our minds are anxieties, problems, doubt and much more. When someone asks “How are you today!” Do we say “I’m doing ok!” not wanting to relay our actual displeasure or problems to someone, all but get use to the idea that anxiety, disappointment, pain and suffering is normal so I’ll have to get use to it! It becomes a ‘normal’ thing for you that even those that have problems, it has been told that if they didn’t worry about something or have problems to think on, they would be anxious or question why they are not worrying or being anxious as it has become so normal for them to do these things, its part of them!
Friends, that is NOT what God intended us to be like!
Let me read Romans 8:12-17
Therefore brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if we live according to the flesh, you will die. Let me stop there.
What this is saying basically, when we regard our fleshly life, the pain, suffering, feelings, emotions. Those things that drive us into a direction apart from God, apart from our faith, we are doomed! If we do make mistakes that even if we don’t own up to them, there are consequences aren’t they?
Continuing, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Much of life springs from the fact that error, even when sincerely adopted and conscientiously maintained, inevitably leads to tragedy. To have great intentions about or in something does not exempt us from the consequences of being wrong.
Continuing, For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out Father!
Being led by the Spirit simply means, we CHOOSE to follow Gods plan and accept Gods love.
Friends, when we cry out to God, do you realize, we can approach him without fear and in a direct manner? The hostility that God demonstrates in the Old Testament is overcome by his Love “I desire mercy, not sacrifice!”
How can we be certain, we can trust God? Will he really do what he says? Can I depend on him? Why cry out to God when if he is NOT going to come through for me? Does this sound familiar?
These are legitimate thoughts every human has had at least once in their life!
Let me say this, never use your external experiences as a yard stick of your salvation or your relationship with God!
God reminds us it will rain on the righteous as well as the unrighteous.
But Why?
Let me clearly tell you this, God not only loves us, he is doing what is the VERY BEST FOR US!
Does that explain why disease, turmoil, hostility, death and destruction is in the world? God has a purpose and plan that will in the end be for good!
We cannot depend solely on our ‘feelings’ or ‘emotions’ to steer or guide us into a direction or even think about where we are going!
Even the most saintly person’s you may know and even God showed to us has “Dark Times in their souls” in this life!
Why?
Because while on this earth, living in the sinful flesh we have, we will always fight to survive, should always live by faith, and strive to be like Christ!
Inclosing, let me leave you with this!
God did not intend for us to live in or by slavery to fall back into fear! Perfect Love drives away fear! Go to God in prayer! Cry out to God with sure confidence, he will hear you and answer you in his perfect timing!
We are heirs to Gods kingdom, when we accept him as Lord and Master of our lives. Not just when we ‘think’ we need him, but in every area.
God knows you have needs, and wants, and it requires only the receptive spirit on our part to open the treasure of his bounty.
Christ never promised a smooth and painless journey in this life. For when we are weak, then I am strong!
Think about it, his love is perfected in our weakness, not in our strengths. Gods grace is sufficient for us friends. Trust in him, and he will fullfill the desires of your heart.
Let me finish in reading 1 Peter. “Though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, tha the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom have not seen you love. Though now, you do not see him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls!”
So what does mankind live by, “Every word of God!”, In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit!