Romans 8:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Life in the Spirit

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.^[a]

Footnotes:

1. Some manuscripts add who walk not according to the flesh (but according to the Spirit)

Some believe being in Christ means to know Christ, others feel the need to explain how we follow Christ. For a new Christian the sound of “no condemnation” is all they hear. Words that comfort the weary soul often take first place in the mind of the novice. They give little thought in how or why the Word gives comfort.

Romans 8:9 English Standard Version (ESV) You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

Those words “if in fact” will be used by Satan to challenge us because of our behavior. Being instantly changed does not mean we understand what it means to be changed. This new creation in Christ has no experience with being “in the Spirit”. A lack of experience leaves room for Satan to cast doubt and fear. This is why it is necessary for the mature in Christ to disciple the novice. They have no experience in being “in the Spirit.” It sounds mystical but it is not.

John 3:8 English Standard Version (ESV) The windblows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

What does the Spirit sound like? That is not a question I can answer for you. God makes Himself known to each of us in a way we will accept. The Spirit directs disciples to passages within the bible so the Holy Spirit can speak to them and be heard.

Romans 10:17 English Standard Version (ESV) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Hebrews 9:8 English Standard Version (ESV) By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing.

What makes room for Christ to enter, to abide in us?

John 12:25 English Standard Version (ESV) Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

We cannot make room for Jesus if we love our lives more than we love Him.

John 6:56 English Standard Version (ESV) Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

It is important that we understand that truth and wisdom come from the sacred heart, the dwelling place of the Most High God.

1 Corinthians 6:19 King James Version (KJV) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

We are not our own, we are His and all that we are and will be is because we surrendered our lives to Jesus. He is our Lord to do with as He pleases. Because He is loving, kind and gentle His approach to conforming us is a soft touch and slow progress. He accepts willingness on our part as an indication to proceed so that each step taken in obedience of faith will not have to be repeated.

What has happened to me to be conformed followed these steps. Any missteps on the way were all caused by my choosing a path to take rather than waiting on God’s direction. God is patient and kind. We are impatient because we have been taught to get results. Effort produces results.

Romans 8:5 English Standard Version (ESV) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.