Romans_8
Scripture
Romans 8:5-8
5-8 Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them – living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored.
Observation
Romans 8 is a continuation of Romans 7…where Paul talks about Christians being free from the law of sin and death.
Understanding
In reading verse 5 and looking at today’s culture, it seems the majority of the world is “obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle.” But we are called to trust God – trust His actions in us and put our focus on him. And when we do, it “leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life.” But as Paul says, you can’t do both; in fact, “focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God.”
Life Application
So, what does that mean for us as Christians? How do we live this out? As counter cultural as it sounds, we put our focus on God.
God, I thank you for the gift of freedom you provide in response to the law of sin and death. Help me to put you first – today and every day. In a world that is self-absorbed, may I run counter; may I be focused on you and be a reflection of your love and sacrifice to everyone I meet.
In your name, I pray. Amen!