God's Children

Romans 8:12-17

Before we received the Good News about Jesus (the Gospel), we could not do God’s will freely nor please Him fully. We were by nature His enemy and had a proclivity towards rejection of Him. But now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are given new affections and the power to turn away from sinful behavior (although it proves very difficult at times). God’s Spirit leads us and prompts us to call out to God as our “Father.” Through faith in Jesus, God is not our stern judge, but our friend and helper who has graciously adopted us as His own. For the Christian, the Holy Spirit provides an inward sense that we are now the children of God. The way of the cross is the only path to the glory awaiting those who will be “heirs with Christ.”  Rejection of the Holy Spirit’s leading in our daily lives must fall!

Questions for further thought:
1. In what ways have I rejected the Holy Spirit’s leading in my day to day life? How can that be changed?
2. If you are God’s child through faith in Jesus Christ, how will you let that permeate your thoughts and actions this week?

Challenge: Take time to consider specific difficulties you are presently facing and ask God to give you strength and fortitude to stand strong for Him.