For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
—Romans 8:3-4 (KJV)
We shouldn't need a law to guide us when the Spirit lives in us. God had promised that under his new covenant, he would put his law in the minds and write it on the hearts of his people (Jeremiah 31:31-33). The Holy Spirit does this in us. The Spirit produces the character God desires in us, well beyond what any law would require (Galatians 5:22-23). The law can teach us God's will and reveal what is sinful and righteous. However, the law can't fix our sinful inclinations nor empower us to live according to God's will. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit can! The Spirit cleanses, transforms, empowers, and inspires us to be what God calls us to be in ways no law can (Romans 8:1-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Let's thank God for his loving sacrifice in Jesus and empowering presence in us through the Holy Spirit!
O God, create a pure heart in me and renew me by dwelling within me through your Holy Spirit. Please empower me through your Spirit to have the character you desire, as the Spirit transforms me to be more like Jesus daily. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Romans 8:3-4 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We shouldn't need a law to guide us when the Spirit lives in us. God had promised that under his new covenant, he would put his law in the minds and write it on the hearts of his people (Jeremiah 31:31-33). The Holy Spirit does this in us. The Spirit produces the character God desires in us, well beyond what any law would require (Galatians 5:22-23). The law can teach us God's will and reveal what is sinful and righteous. However, the law can't fix our sinful inclinations nor empower us to live according to God's will. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit can! The Spirit cleanses, transforms, empowers, and inspires us to be what God calls us to be in ways no law can (Romans 8:1-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Let's thank God for his loving sacrifice in Jesus and empowering presence in us through the Holy Spirit!
My Prayer...
O God, create a pure heart in me and renew me by dwelling within me through your Holy Spirit. Please empower me through your Spirit to have the character you desire, as the Spirit transforms me to be more like Jesus daily. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
