Hosanna Restoration Church

In Romans chapter 8 from verse 7 thru 14 I find at least three opportunities to make a declaration. Verse 7 tells us that those who are under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. Verse 9 says that if we do not have the Spirit of Christ in us we are not Christians at all. Verse 14 says that if the Spirit of God leads us we are God’s children.

Recently when we gathered we all together made a declaration concerning verse 9. We all said, “That’s not me!” In other words, we were declaring that Christ is in us and that we are Christians. We need to renew our commitment daily. In fact, if the Spirit of Christ is in us, He will remind us continually that we are His. This is how the Spirit leads us. We need to keep in mind who we are.

When it comes to verse 7 I find myself saying, “I can, I do, and I will please God.” By the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, we can overcome the urges of our sinful nature. We need only to be determined to please God more than we please ourselves. The more we do that, the more pleasing our life will be!

As I read verse 14, peace floods my soul at the reminder that I am a child of God. I am a child of God, not because I live perfectly, though I am being perfected, but because He loved us all so much that He gave His son to die for us. The Holy Spirit has come to us to guide us into all truth.

The truth is we can and do please God. The truth is that we do not have to yield to our sinful nature. The truth is that if Christ is in us we are Children of God. And if we are His children then our hearts should be always turning to our dear Father.

We have no need to doubt God or to fear the world. If God is for us, who or what could ever be against us. The Apostle Paul said that he did not even judge himself. He left that to God. He did however clearly declare his allegiance and purpose in life. His plan was to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We too must make our declaration as we ask, “Is that me?” Am I one who desires to please God or one who can never please God? Am I a Christian or do I lean more toward my old sinful nature with little breaks for church? Am I a child of God? Does my heart turn constantly toward my Father? Am I perishing or am I flourishing in the presence of God? In His presence there is fullness of joy and pleasures forever more. Enter in to the Joy of the Lord. Declare with me, “That is the life for me!”