Romans 8:15-19
Paul uses an interesting choice of words here. We have not received a spirit that makes us “fearful slaves.”
Some people serve God out of fear—not the healthy, awe-inspired reverence that recognizes God's holiness and authority, but a fear that keeps them in bondage. We don't serve God because we are terrified of Him; we serve Him out of love, honor, and respect.
Is there something to fear? Absolutely—if you are in the wrong camp, serving the wrong things! There is a day coming when those who have not appropriated the blood of Christ to their lives will stand before a just and holy God to be judged. It is called the Great White Throne Judgment, and trust me, we don't want to be at that one!
Believers, however, will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, where our works will be evaluated for their eternal significance. Everything we have done will be tested by fire, and we will be rewarded accordingly—or suffer the loss of rewards. Our salvation is not in question, but what we have done with the life God has given us certainly is.
Yet, Paul is describing something much more intimate here—a relationship with God that allows us to affectionately call Him “Abba, Father.”
Think about that! We are no longer fearful slaves but beloved children of God!
The Spirit of God confirms to our spirit that we are His children. And if we are His children, then we are also His heirs—joint heirs with Christ who will share in His glory!
However, Paul adds an interesting qualification. To share in His glory, we must also share in His suffering. And isn't that the life we experience here on earth? We continually contend with the darkness of this world, which seeks to overwhelm us, discourage us, and dim the light of Christ within us.
Yet, even in our suffering, Paul reminds us that what we endure now is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed later. In other words, everything we go through here will be worth it when we get there!
Now that's something to look forward to!
There is a future day when God will reveal to all creation who His true children really are. What a glorious day that will be!
I want to be in that group! How about you?
Some people serve God out of fear—not the healthy, awe-inspired reverence that recognizes God's holiness and authority, but a fear that keeps them in bondage. We don't serve God because we are terrified of Him; we serve Him out of love, honor, and respect.
Is there something to fear? Absolutely—if you are in the wrong camp, serving the wrong things! There is a day coming when those who have not appropriated the blood of Christ to their lives will stand before a just and holy God to be judged. It is called the Great White Throne Judgment, and trust me, we don't want to be at that one!
Believers, however, will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, where our works will be evaluated for their eternal significance. Everything we have done will be tested by fire, and we will be rewarded accordingly—or suffer the loss of rewards. Our salvation is not in question, but what we have done with the life God has given us certainly is.
Yet, Paul is describing something much more intimate here—a relationship with God that allows us to affectionately call Him “Abba, Father.”
Think about that! We are no longer fearful slaves but beloved children of God!
The Spirit of God confirms to our spirit that we are His children. And if we are His children, then we are also His heirs—joint heirs with Christ who will share in His glory!
However, Paul adds an interesting qualification. To share in His glory, we must also share in His suffering. And isn't that the life we experience here on earth? We continually contend with the darkness of this world, which seeks to overwhelm us, discourage us, and dim the light of Christ within us.
Yet, even in our suffering, Paul reminds us that what we endure now is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed later. In other words, everything we go through here will be worth it when we get there!
Now that's something to look forward to!
There is a future day when God will reveal to all creation who His true children really are. What a glorious day that will be!
I want to be in that group! How about you?
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