But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if it is so that the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if any man doesn’t have the Spirit of Christ, he is not his. Romans 8:9 WEB
When it comes to serving God, there is no middle ground. Jesus says in Matthew 12:30, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who doesn’t gather with me, scatters WEB” We either choose to pick up our cross and follow Jesus or we choose to submit to the flesh and live worldly lives. Some worldly people choose the middle ground as a compromise. But serving the Lord means choosing sides.
Sin is not the norm for believers. Sometimes we fall short, and no one is perfect, but as Christians we are to strive to be free from sin. Too many of us are deceived into thinking that we can keep one foot in the world and one in the Spirit realm.
Live in the Spirit
Paul is making it clear to the readers of his letter in Rome that to be in Christ means to be living in the Spirit. He makes the point that if a man has the Spirit of God, he is not in the flesh. On the other hand, if a man does not have the Spirit of Christ, then that man does not belong to Christ.
The Trinity is fully expressed in this scripture. Paul speaks of God, Jesus, and the Spirit. Without having the Holy Spirit, there is no relationship with Jesus and therefore no access to God. When we are saved by believing in Christ, and repent for our sins, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts, and causes the believer to display the fruits of his presence. These fruits, found in Galatians 5:22, are “… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your Holy Spirit. I am committed to living a life of obedience to your word and your will. Lead me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Love Like Christ
