Thoughts from Romans 8

The last month I have been going through a study on Romans and have enjoyed the things I have been learning. Enjoyed may not be the word. I have needed to learn a few things from Romans. Romans 8:5 says “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” This verse made me think about what I actually think about. Am I thinking about things that please the Spirit or am I letting my emotions control what I am thinking? Am I taking every thought captive? How can I change my thinking? I can’t but God’s spirit can if only I ask. The next verse that hit me was vs 12. ” You have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.” Great reminder. Sometimes when I feel like I don’t have control of what I do or say, I am believing a lie. Vs 13 instructs that “By the power of the Spirit I am to put to death the deeds of my sinful nature.” So when I want to respond negatively to my family, I need to remember this advice. When I am having a pity party for myself, I need to remember this advice. I need to choose to let the Spirit work through me each and every day. I wish I could say it was easy, I can’t.

The chapter then ends with two promises to which we can cling. The first is that nothing can separate us from God’s love (vs38). The second is that overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us (39). When things are hard, I can remember these promises. When God seems far away, I can remember these promises. Most of all when I feel defeated, I can remember these promises and look up to the author and perfecter of my faith.