The Battle Continues: Spiritaul Nature vs. Sinful Narute

Read Romans 8:12-27
Theme: Salvation available to all by faith.
Title in NIV: Following the Spirit  AND Present suffering compared to future glory.

I discussed last week how the spiritual part of us and the sinful part of us battle it out daily in our lives.  Since you are in Christ Jesus, you have an obligation to the Spirit inside you. Your obligation is to put to death the misdeeds of the body because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  The Spirit inside us testifies that we are God's children. That is a great feeling to know I am considered God's child. What is even better than being God's child? Having the same inheritance as God's Son. YES!! I am considered a co-heir with Christ. Awesome! 

Verse 17 says, "if indeed we share in his sufferings we may also share in his glory."  Goto 1 Peter 4:13, "But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed..."  1 Peter 5:10, "after you have suffered a little while, [He] himself [will] restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."  Philippians 3:10, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering..."
Romans 8:18, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

And why all this suffering? 1 Peter has the answer. Verse 3-7 says that we have a living hope through the resurrection of Christ Jesus and our inheritance will never spoil, perish or fade. My inheritance is shielded by God's power until the last time. We rejoice in this hope even though for a little while we have to suffer grief in all kids of trials so that our faith may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends. Some of those relatives you might have to suffer through, but remember the present suffering cannot compare to the glory waiting for us!! Love like Christ! Serve like Martha! Listen like Mary! Love and prayers to all!!