in Catechesis

Romans 8:9–17 “Christians are justified, and Christ lives in them”

The following is the nineteenth week’s lesson. There are only two stances a person can take regarding Christ. Either believe in him or reject him. Those who reject him have rejected his Holy Spirit. Those who believe in him have God’s Spirit living in them. If we have Christ’s Spirit in us, we will live according to it. The faith that gives us life cannot be separated from the life we live by faith.

Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, 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 as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “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 joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Paul continues linking together our faith and the way we live. Those who are led by God’s Spirit will want to keep in step with the Spirit.