Scripture Text (NRSV)
Romans 8:14-17
8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
8:15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into
fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba!
Father!"
8:16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we
are children of God,
8:17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs
with Christ--if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be
glorified with him.
Comments:
As a leader in the early church community that was sparked by the Holy
Spirit at Pentecost, Paul describes the ongoing presence of the
Spirit. By the Spirit we become part of God's family and the Spirit
sustains us in suffering.
Here Paul speaks about the mystery of baptism: through the Spirit we
are adopted, gathered, and welcomed into Christ's body, the church.
And we receive new names: brother, sister, child of God.
This passage, to me, speaks to one of the greatest problems in the
Church. Many of those I have served are afraid - they are afraid of
what will happen if the Holy Spirit actually becomes involved in their
lives or in their church - not realizing that it is God's Church and
we are all in God's hand anyway. It is as if they are really
uncomfortable with an actual relationship with God, under any
circumstances. It is all right if God can be kept at arm length, and
regarded as a critic, who we only have to hear from one hour a week.
But, it seems, that many church goers do not want God as a counselor,
or even the person with whom we can have the closest relationship
possible.
But, that relationship seems to me to be the significance of
Pentecost. The Holy Spirit of God came to humanity. The Spirit was
made known in a most definite exhibition of the presence and power of
God, and it was directed toward our human condition. To bad many do
not want to accept it. It might be exciting, and a revelation of
faith.
Well, I guess everyone else decided to take the "easy" and obvious
passage for Pentecost, since so few are here. I think there is great
value in noting that we are heirs and joint heirs with Christ.
Adoption is through the power of the Holy Spirit. Isn't that what Paul
is saying here?
Steve in NC
I think my main points are going to be:
We value our relationship with the Holy Spirit because of three
special ways the Spirit works in our lives. The Holy Spirit:
1. Adopts us into God’s family. 2. Guides our prayers in times of
confusion and despair. 3. Secures our glorious future with Christ.
Thoughts?
James in NE
I think my main points are going to be:
We value our relationship with the Holy Spirit because of three
special ways the Spirit works in our lives. The Holy Spirit:
1. Adopts us into God’s family. 2. Guides our prayers in times of
confusion and despair. 3. Secures our glorious future with Christ.
Thoughts?
James in NE
I'm preaching from this text knowing that the Acts text is "bubbling"
in the background. I like to believe that the Spirit re-presents
Christ to us - and that we have become his sisters and brothers...
adopted and now heirs with him. I'm trying to sit with the idea of "a
spirit of slavery" that falls back into fear. Fear is very real -
little and big fears - that keep me and, I'm sure most folks in my
church, from really embracing life to the fullest. I constantly am in
need of the Spirit "bearing witness to my spirit" to encourage and
remind me that I am a child of God... I wish I didn't need to be
reminded so often. I am not afraid of my relationship with God... it
is my fears and remembrances of past encounters with some of God's
other children... my "siblings" that have been wounding and caused
much self-doubt. I truly want to step out of this victim or woe-is-me
place but it is REALLY hard! Verse 17 is a challenge for me - I don't
get it. I don't that what I suffer is what Christ suffered... how is
it that we are to suffer with him? Amma in FL
James in NE-
Your second point: "Guides our prayers in times of confusion and
despair." - I think the Spirit guides us in a much fuller sense than
just in our prayers. I believe we are to be open at all times to the
promptings and minstering of the Holy Spirit. Maybe you are saying
that as it relates specifically to times when we "fall back into fear"
and offer prayers of desperation in those times. I think that is true
- but I feel like it needs to be opened up a bit more than just in
prayer. Amma in FL
Amma - Good point. The crying of "Abba! Father!" seems to be
describing more than prayer but the intimate relationship we have with
God. I'll have to rework that a bit.
I think my sermon title is going to be "Follow the Leader" - keying
off verse 14.
James in NE
James- I like "Follow the Leader" - a great title and theme! I first
thought that would be great for the children's moment... but I can see
everyone in the congregation playing follow the leader... add a bit of
playfulness to this joyous day of Pentecost. Amma in FL
