If I were permitted to have a favorite book in the Bible, it would most definitely be the book of Romans. And if a favorite chapter were permissible, mine would undoubtedly be Romans chapter 8.
But if you were to ask me about my favorite verse, I'd be hard-pressed to choose just one! Every verse in this chapter is a masterpiece, painting a breathtaking portrait of God's grace and love.
However,
if I had to narrow it down, I'd choose verses 14-17. These verses declare the end of the last enemy and the beginning of eternal life—us in oneness with Jesus forever.Let's dive into these verses and explore their profound impact on our lives and how we live them.
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14)
The word "led" in the Greek is agō, meaning "to be led and moved, encouraged." Remember, the Holy Spirit is the Encourager.
Jesus takes great care throughout John 14 to 17 to teach us about the Encourager. He is the paraklētos, explained by Jesus in John 15:26 in fine detail as the One who:
Para: To be beside (even inside)
Kaleo: To call (continuously)
He is an Encourager, Helper, Comforter, Counselor, Intercessor, and Director who leads believers into a greater understanding and empowerment of the Gospel, the Truth.
Jesus said He would not leave us orphans. When Jesus says He won't leave us orphans but will send us His Spirit instead, He means we will find and be moved by the very Spirit of Life inside us.
The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Life. He is the precious Spirit of Love, and love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Therefore, we cannot be bound by fear because the Spirit of Love deals with it through our permissive choice.
We are not bound by law, except for one: the Perfect Law of Liberty, Christ Jesus Himself (James 2:12). This new Law frees us to come boldly to Father Abba, just like a child saying "Daddy Daddy!" (remember my post on Abba Abba?).
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:17)
What rights does an heir have? All! An heir has all the rights he inherited.
All authority
All privileges
All generosity
All benefits
All gains
All blessings
All dominion
All tenure
... all!
What does this mean?
To start with, it means we don't have to accept anything the enemy confronts us with.
Not sickness
Not adversity
Not poverty
Not insults
Not lack
Not theft
Not damage
Not accident
Not being left behind
Not being destitute
Not defeat
Not bondage
Not powerlessness
Not depression
Not suppression
Not hopelessness
Not inadequacy
... no setback!
And because we have suffered with Him (and He suffered on our behalf, and we are raised with Him), we are glorified with Him.
Where does that leave us?
Simple... in a position of heirship. In a position of authority and dominion even in this world right here and right now!
Glory to Jesus!
These verses in Romans 8 paint a picture of a life lived in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit. As heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, we have the authority to overcome every challenge and live a victorious life. Let us embrace the truth of our identity and walk in the fullness of God's grace.
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