For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. Romans 8:14 WEB
After his resurrection and before his ascension into heaven, Christ promised his disciples the Holy Spirit. We read of this promise in Luke 14:15-17 which says, “If you love me, keep my commandments. I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever: the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him and doesn’t know him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you. WEB”
Jesus’ words make clear that those who follow his commands receive the Holy Spirit. Receiving the Holy Spirit, Christians are led by the Spirit of God. This is the same Spirit that indwelt Christ. We receive the Holy Spirit because of our spiritual rebirth in Christ as children adopted into the family of God. For this reason, Paul writes that “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the children of God.”
Born Again in the Spirit of God
God’s Holy Spirit leads each believer as a joint heir with Christ, the firstborn Son of God, in a personal and eternal relationship with our heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin. Jesus taught this in John 16:8 saying, “When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment. WEB” Repenting from sin, we die to the flesh and experience rebirth in the Spirit. This is a requirement of salvation and eternal life. As Jesus said in John 3:3, “Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom. WEB”
Led by the Spirit of God, we are God’s children. No longer do we seek worldly things, but rather, we seek the things of God. And, it is the Holy Spirit that leads us into God’s will as we journey from this world into our eternal reward in heaven. As Jesus said in John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you. WEB” The Holy Spirit is our Counselor and Comforter. It is the Spirit of God and Christ who lives in each of us who believe in Christ and accept God’s grace in our salvation from sin.
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for convicting me of my sin. Thank you for your grace and your Holy Spirit. Lead me with your Spirit to do your will here on earth. Guide me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: God’s Children
