READING: Romans 8
Followers of Christ have two present resources to give them victory in the painful inward/outward conflict described in 7:14–25. The first is our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection life (Romans 6), and the second is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8). People who have turned from their sins (repentance) and trusted in Christ (faith) are indwelled by the Spirit of Him who raised Christ Jesus from the dead. When we set our minds on the Spirit, we walk in His life and peace.
Having dealt with the issues of our condemnation (1:18–3:20), our justification (3:21–5:21), and our sanctification (6:1–8:17), Paul looks ahead to our glorification (8:18–39). All believers can anticipate a time when they will be perfectly conformed to Jesus Christ not only in their position (present) but also in their practice (the future resurrection).
Prayer
Lord, I praise You that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate me from Your love in Christ Jesus my Lord.
Meditation passage: verses 1–6, 9–18, 26–30, 38–39
