Reflection on Rom 8:14

As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

The majority of people are led by the spirit of the world and ignore the Spirit of God. The spirit of the world, however, does not make people sons of God but rather sons of rebellion and wrath. Be aware of the dignity of being a son of God.

Question: What does verse 15 say about the Spirit of adoption (sonship)?

Answer: ……………………

Question: And what does the Spirit of God together with our spirit bear witness about in verse 16?

Answer: ……………………

Question: Tell from verse 17 what applies to us if we are children of God.

Answer: ……………………

Question: What condition does verse 17b mention for us to be glorified with Christ?

Answer: ……………………

Question: How are we given the right to become children of God according to Jn 1:12?

Answer: ……………………

Rom 8:14 is a continuation of the previous verse which warns against the deeds of the body and shows their pernicious fruit. The deeds of the body enslave man, turn him from God and His path, and lead him to destruction. In verse 14 we are told that if we are led by the Spirit of God, and not by the flesh and its disordered passions, we are sons of God. So the condition for us to be sons of God is to be led by the Spirit of God. In verse 11 we read that God only gives us life through the Spirit of God who dwells in us. So it says that the Holy Spirit cannot be just passively present but we must allow Him to actively shape our thoughts and our actions. The Spirit who raised Christ Jesus dwells in us. What does He do in us? He raises Christ Jesus in us! He wants Him to live in us! He does not want Him to be dead in us and our ego to live. The Holy Spirit awakens our dead conscience and convicts us of sin. At the same time, the Holy Spirit who raises Christ Jesus in us gives us the experience of the living Jesus who personally forgives our sins every time we ask Him to. The living Jesus makes us free and leads us to do the will of the Father. He thus gives life to our mortal bodies which were previously doing dead works – sins. Once our bodies are given life, we can serve God and bear fruits for eternity. This path is connected with the words of Jesus, “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.”

Bear in mind for the following two weeks, when reciting the Word of God, who you are. You are a son (daughter) of God. Through baptism and faith you have the life of God. And therefore you need to be led by the Spirit of God, and not by the spirit of the world. Try to bear it in mind in your private prayer too. Recite the word of life also before you fall asleep.

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