Romans 8:5 NIV
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
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I love the caption on this picture!
Changing our thinking pattern will change our walk. I know many Christians who say 'I'm only human', and that gives them the freedom to sin. If we tell ourselves we are saved then the excuse to sin will be lessened and the more we walk in way of the Spirit the more fruit we will produce and the fleshy desires will be replaced by the desires of Jesus Christ.
In the above verse, Paul is speaking to believers, Christians like you and me. It is very plain to see that if we are living fleshy lives we will die. I am not a believer of once saved always saved. With verses like Romans 8:13 how can anyone believe this?Romans 8:13 NIV
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
If we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and we willingly follow we are children of God and brothers and sisters to Jesus Christ, but we need to share in Christ's sufferings so we can also share in His glory. I believe that denying our flesh is suffering and sometimes to a very great extent. The temptations of this world and the draw to blend in can be very difficult to stay away from, especially with all the media that surrounds us. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus, denying our flesh, in the year 2013 makes a Christian stand out like a beacon, which, by the way, is just what we want to do!Romans 8:14-17
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
I'm saved and I want my actions to shout it out to all who see me.
What about you?
Blessings,
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Hi child of God,
ReplyDeleteyes there are many 'ifs' attached to salvation as in 'if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.' It would appear here that sharing in His glory actually depends on whether or not we share in His sufferings'. John ! v.12 says 'But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name'. The words 'received', 'to become' and 'believe' contain an obligation on our part.
God bless:
Hi Brenda,
DeleteChristianity is not just a one time, 'I'll follow' deal, but a daily decision to choose to follow Jesus and give up self. With each new day Father is faithful to pour out His blessings on us but we need to constantly surrender to His way and deny the strong pull of the flesh.
Each day we need to receive Jesus and not deny Him, we need to believe in Him and His Word and we need to become like Him in all we do.
There is obligation on our part but praise God Jesus said His yoke is easy!! :)
Thanks for sharing Brenda, it is good!
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