March 26

Scripture

Romans 8 1:11

Devotion

Take some time with this passage. I encourage you to read it slowly a couple of times.

This passage is not mainly about us. It is about Jesus Christ.

The law could show us what sin is, but it could not save us. It could bring conviction, but it could not take away our sins. No amount of trying harder, following rules, or being religious could free us from sin and death.

So God did what we could never do. He made a way for us to be saved.

Jesus did not stay distant from our pain and struggles. He came close. He became like us and lived among sinners. He carried our sorrows, and the punishment we deserved was placed on Him.

Because of what Jesus has done, everything changes. There is now no condemnation for those who belong to Him. Through His sacrifice we are forgiven, and through His resurrection we are given new life.

But the story does not end with forgiveness. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God also gives us a new way to live. Scripture calls this life in the Spirit.

Life in the Spirit is not simply trying harder to think better thoughts or live a more disciplined life. It is not just a future promise waiting for us in heaven. It is something God gives us now through Christ. The Spirit becomes a permanent presence in the lives of those who belong to Him.

In Romans 8:1-11, we are reminded that the Spirit of God lives within believers. The Spirit does not leave us when we stumble, when we struggle, or when we fall into distraction. He is God’s promise that we belong to Him.

For those of us who celebrate Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, we celebrate not only that the Spirit raised Him from the dead, but that we now live by that same Spirit as well.

The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in those who belong to Him. Not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus has already done.

Life in the Spirit is not about reaching a level of effort or perfection. It is about receiving and resting in the grace that has been poured out on us. This is the good news we celebrate during the Easter season!

Reflection questions

1. What would it look like for you to set your mind on the things of the Spirit today?
2. How does knowing that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you change the way you live today?

Prayer

God, thank You for sending Jesus to save us and give us new life. Thank You that through Him there is no condemnation for those who belong to You. Help us today to set our minds on the things of the Spirit and not rely on our own strength. Remind us that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us. Teach us to trust You and walk in the life You have given us through Christ. Amen!