Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:12-14 [NKJV]
These last 2 days have been wonderful. Yesterday was one of the first days in a long time where I felt like I honored the Sabbath appropriately. First, I went to the Men’s Summit at Canyon Hills and attended the “A Higher Calling” breakout which was led by Andy where we were given some biblical ways to lead, serve, and bring up our families. Then I had about 2 hours to do my quiet time and pray. I was able to rest and take the time to realize that I am not God and that dwelling on Him and being available to the Spirit through sitting back and focusing God’s will and purposes for me.
Then today I headed to church a little earlier than normal to get Sophie to a bible study she wanted to attend and I was able to meet up and chat with an old friend from Building Faithful Men. I then headed upstairs with several other elders to pray over a couple about a serious health condition the husband was facing (following the instruction in James 5:14-15). Marianne and girls arrived and we attended main church service and finally spend from 1:30pm to 3:30pm in Mexico Missions Trip training with all 45 of the Middle School students we are taking to Mexico in June to build a house for family in need. It has been a great two days.
In the passage today I am up to verse 14 of Romans 8. The primary premise of these 3 verses today that first, we indebted to the Spirit of God to live righteously. Not that there is anything to earn, as we have already been purchased by the Blood of the Lamb, but it is ‘owing’ to the respect we show in that His sacrifice was not in vain. We are a new creature and we should not only strive to act like it, but also bear witness to the power we have through the Spirit of God to overcome the flesh.
Application:
The most important phrase for me today is -> “by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body”. This is not a one-and-done ‘putting to death’. This is a daily exercise in coordination with the Spirit within me to thrust the sword of Truth into any temptation or sin crouching to strike. I have to be on guard every moment of every day.