Dear Friends,
We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk.
You are welcome to share this and include in your church newsletters if you wish; we just ask that you please give credit to NTC and the author. Thank you!
Romans 8:12-25 (ESV)
12 So then, brothers,[e] 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[f] 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.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Devotional
In recent years, the sports idiom “Get your head in the game,” has become a commonplace phrase both inside and outside of sports. Whether in football, basketball, a high-school musical, or theological studies, keeping your mind focused on the matter at hand is essential. Otherwise, your body is in the game, but your mind (your head) is somewhere else.
In this passage from Romans, the whole created order is portrayed as waiting in anticipation, and Paul calls believers to take up the same stance. Surrounding the deep theology of this passage is a positive tone of strained expectancy (apokaradokia) and hope (elpis). Apokaradokia translates literally from the Greek “from-head-watch,” indicating that one must turn one’s head from its prior focus and pay attention. The image is that of someone standing with the head erect or outstretched, watching and waiting.
How is such an attitude of focus achieved and sustained? First, other distractions must be eliminated. In Romans, Paul has spoken repeatedly of believers’ freedom in Christ. They are free from sin (6:18, 22) and free from the law (7:3; 8:2). Since their only continuing debt is to the triune God (8:12), they must rid themselves of the fearful spirit of slavery (8:15). Secondly, they must grasp the matter at hand—their new identity in Christ. This identity is depicted throughout this passage in images of restored relationship. God is portrayed as Abba (papa) and believers as adopted children and heirs together with Christ of all of God’s benefits and blessings. Due to an inexplicably complex connection between fallen humanity and the created order, creation languishes as if still enslaved. Its ultimate release and renewal are certain but delayed. In the interim believers must fully grasp and live out the identity made possible for them in Christ; in other words, get their head in the game.
God’s creational design and intent was that we be image-bearers of God. This is now thoroughly enabled by the work of Christ and by God’s Spirit within. Therefore, Paul exhorts us to fully grasp our relational and familial identity. This is the mindset from which we may live freely, confidently, fearlessly, and redemptively. Only the intimacy and the growing devotion of a son or daughter, rather than the dutiful obedience of a slave, can free others and the created order from decay. This is our posture and focus.
Prayer
God, lead us by your Spirit into an intimate understanding of our own identity as your children. May we more naturally and fully bear your image as we wait in expectation for the restoration and renewal of all things.
Shalom,
Linda M. Stargel
Academic Dean
Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Biblical Language
Nazarene Theological College
40 Woodlands Drive
Thornlands QLD 4164
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 61 7 3206 4177
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