Romans 8:12-17

Scripture Verse

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Co-Heirs with Christ

In being led by the Spirit of God, what should we expect?

Paul knew from experience that following Christ wasn’t easy. Before Damascus, he was one of the reasons it was dangerous. Later, he himself was stoned, beaten, ostracized and executed for his faith.

He didn’t tell us following Christ meant always walking beside still waters and lying down in green pastures.  He knew better.

Paul told us that, having received the Holy Spirit, we are God’s adopted children, and like Christ, his begotten Son, we will know both sufferings and glory.

If we think being a Christian is about showing love – perhaps compassion, empathy, charity – to those who are suffering, we aren’t wrong.  Jesus showed us how to love.  He hasn’t stopped showing us for 2,000 years.

He also showed us how to suffer the things we most want to avoid: pain, humiliation, heartbreak, death.  He suffered it all with quiet dignity and patience.  Even compassion for those wishing him the worst – and, in fact, doing him the worst.  Most importantly, he suffered it all because it was God’s will.

We try to make sense of that.  Did the best person who ever lived suffer so I would never have to?  That would be nice.  I would like to believe it.

I would like to, but I don’t, really.  I suspect he showed us how to bear suffering perfectly, so we know how it’s done.

Jesus suffered, Paul suffered, the Apostles suffered.  Why shouldn’t we?

When that suffering does come, it isn’t because God has forsaken us.  It is, though, an opportunity to know, and prove, the strength of our faith.

I know that today when it’s all theoretical. I pray I’ll be as certain when it isn’t.