| Romans 8:10-11 "But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because ofhis Spirit who lives in you." These two verses provide a very clear description of the different roles of Jesus Christ and the Spirit. One mistake the church nowadays most likely makes is to mix up their roles, and more often than not attribute the work of the Spirit to Jesus. Paul pointed out that the biggest difference between the roles of Christ and the Spirit is that one is for our spirit and the other is for our body. To further elaborate, one is for our status and the other is for our life. The work of Christ is to sanctify us in status. That is why Paul said: "But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness." Although we are still live in sin, our spirit inside has received life. What Jesus has achieved on the cross has already delivered us from the bondage of sin so that we can be justified by faith to become God's children. That doesn't mean we are already perfect in our life. In fact we may still live in the flesh and sin often to grieve God. On the other hand, we are still God's children that needs the work of the Spirit to be sanctified in our life. So Paul said: "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because ofhis Spirit who lives in you", which means to deliver us from the sins in our life. The Spirit will empower us to live a new life in Christ. In Chapter 7 Paul mentioned that God's law wages war against the law of the flesh in one's mind. But if he trusts in the Spirit, the power from being filled with the Spirit will deliver him from the bondage of the law. What Christ has done brings about the sanctification in status, while the work of the Spirit brings about the sanctification in life. Do you feel you lack power in your life? Do you need the power of the Spirit to deliver you? As long as you seek earnestly and let the Spirit work on you, the Spirit will work freely inside of you and bring in true freedom. 
Pray with Pastor Tong Liu Lord, we thank you for your redemption that makes us God's children. We have to admit that there are still many weaknesses and needs in our heart. May your spirit fill us and enable us to trusting in you, so as to overcome sins and darkness, triumph over the deception and accusation of the enemies, and give you all the glory. We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen! |
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