23. Romans 8:12-17 - Walking in the Spirit: Embracing Suffering on the Path to Glory

November 2nd, 2024
by Jongseung Park

In this passage, Paul highlights that believers, saved by God's grace, are no longer obligated to live according to their sinful nature. By putting to death the deeds of the body through the power of the Spirit, they can experience true life. Those who are led by the Spirit are recognized as children of God, not slaves to sin, because they receive the Spirit of adoption.
The Holy Spirit affirms their identity as God’s children, making them heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. As children of God, they are heirs and co-heirs with Christ, willingly participating in His sufferings as well as sharing in His glory.

1. SCRIPTURE

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

2. OBSERVATIONS :

We are no longer obligated to follow our sinful nature (the flesh), but we are all indebted to God, who saved us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, we now have the responsibility to live in accordance with the Spirit and carry out God's will. This can be realized through actively "putting to death the deeds of the body." Just as God called Israel to be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation," He has graciously called us to fulfill that same purpose today. In 1 Peter 2:9, it states, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." This is our calling (v. 12-13).
Being led by the Spirit signifies an active, ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit, guiding believers in their thoughts, actions, and decisions. It involves continually seeking the Spirit's direction and responding to His leading(v. 14).
The expression "Abba! Father!" signifies a close and personal relationship with God, much like referring to Him as "Daddy." This underscores the loving and familial dimensions of the believer's relationship with God, illustrating both His authority and the nurturing quality of His love. The Holy Spirit confirms our status as God’s children, providing an internal testimony that assures us we belong to God’s family and that our identity is secure in Him. This deep connection enables believers to approach God with confidence and trust, reassured that they are His beloved children (v. 15-16).

As God’s children, we are also heirs, which means we share in both the sufferings and the future glory of Christ. This relationship calls us to willingly participate in His sufferings, understanding that they are an integral part of the Christian journey. While suffering can be challenging, it also brings the profound hope of being glorified with Christ in the future (v. 17).
* "We suffer with him ", It’s important to note that the suffering referenced in verse 17 doesn’t relate to the pain we experience from our own sins or wrongdoings. Rather than suffering as a result of our own wrongdoings, this suffering reflects the challenges we face as we intentionally put to death our sinful desires and follow the Spirit’s lead.

Sharing in Christ’s sufferings means identifying with the rejection, sacrifices, and opposition He faced from a world that opposed God’s ways. Just as Christ endured suffering to fulfill God’s will, we, too, encounter hardships as we commit ourselves to that same path. This connection deepens our faith and reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles.

For the Roman Christians of Paul’s time, living "a life led by the Spirit" came with visible costs. In a society rife with idol worship, corruption, and intense loyalty to the emperor, these believers frequently faced ridicule, discrimination, and persecution for resisting sinful practices and choosing to honor God above all else. Choosing to “put to death the deeds of the body” by rejecting sinful influences and idols, standing against immoral practices, or refusing to worship the emperor put them at odds with their culture. Being led by the Spirit required immense courage and often meant enduring social and political backlash for being seen as “different” or even disloyal to the empire. For many, this could result in social isolation, job loss, strained family relationships, and, in some cases, physical persecution.

However, through the Spirit, believers are strengthened to endure these trials, holding onto the hope of the glorious future awaiting them. Similarly, today we also face challenges when we choose to live a life led by the Spirit. Following God’s path often means making choices that go against the values of the world around us. But with the Spirit’s strength, we can endure these challenges and hold fast to the hope of the glory that awaits us.

3. APPLICATION:

The fact that I am no longer bound to my sinful nature profoundly changes how I view my life and actions. Instead of feeling obligated or weighed down by guilt, I find myself filled with gratitude and a deep desire to honor God’s grace.

As a child of God and an heir with Christ, I recognize that I am called to willingly participate in His sufferings as well as His glory. I understand that living in this world, putting to death the deeds of the body through the Spirit, and being led by God’s Spirit is not easy. It often brings challenges, suffering, and pain, requiring me to endure loss, injustice, and discomfort. However, I see that these struggles help me connect more deeply with Christ and offer me hope for the future.

Holding on to this eternal perspective reminds me that our sufferings have a purpose. By enduring them with faith, I am confident that I will ultimately experience the joy of Christ's glory. As I strive to live according to God’s will, I recognize that difficulties and suffering are part of that journey. When I face these challenges, I want to view them as opportunities to grow closer to Him. I’m committed to praying for strength and asking God to help me embrace my struggles with faith. I acknowledge that participating in His sufferings is part of my calling, and I genuinely want to embrace that. By focusing on the hope of my inheritance with Christ, I will confront sufferings with patience and courage, knowing that they are all part of my journey toward sharing in His glory.

4. PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the liberation and freedom You have given me, releasing me from the bondage of sin and the control of my sinful nature. I am grateful that I no longer have to live as a slave to sin but can embrace the new life You offer.

Help me to fully live in this freedom, putting to death the deeds of the body through the power of Your Spirit. Guide me as I strive to walk in the Spirit and bear fruit in my life. May I continuously seek Your strength to overcome the challenges I face and grow closer to You on my journey.

Thank You for the hope and purpose You provide, reminding me that I am Your child and heir with Christ. I pray for the courage to face difficulties and the wisdom to see every suffering in my life as an opportunity for growth.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Posted in Book of Romans