Reading
SAA Notes
In this closely argued passage, Paul ends with a startling name for God – Dada. Abba is one of the first words a Jewish baby would say, just as ours say Dada. I find this a challenge to the distance and indifference of my own heart. I find my deceitful heart telling me that it is safer to keep God at a distance.
SJA Notes
* Dear God Above, please show us Your wisdom today from Your word.
“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Here is one of Paul’s if-then-else binary logic statements, in this passage.
It is a hard word of warning. And a word of comfort.
There is only one way, not multiple!
Our minds must be set on the Spirit, abiding in us, and that can only happen through Jesus.
The flesh-mind cannot submit to God’s law, it cannot please God.
But if our minds are in the Spirit, heirs with Christ, putting to death the deeds of the body (from yesterday’s passage, the body of sin/death) – Then this amazing truth applies:
That we can please God!
* Thank You that because of the Son we have the Spirit, through Jesus and only Him.
Thank You for the hope this brings. For the simple truth, that we can please You through Jesus, Him and Him alone.
Thank You Lord!
Amen.