Lets begin where we left off,
in verse 14 of Romans 8 Paul reveals that all people who follow the Spirit's lead are indeed HEIRS. In verse 15 he explains his previous statement:
"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"
Paul first explains the fact that when we recieved the Spirit it was not for us to remain in bondage, enslaved, and fearful. He reitterates the fact that the Spirit that was to free us was not given to us so we could continue to live as slaves.
Paul then reveals that the Holy Spirit that leads us is in fact the Spirit of adoption. As we continue in the verse we see that this is the Spirit of adoption because by the Spirit we now cry "Abba, Father." Paul is highlighting the fact that the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives reconciles us with God and by the Spirit we are now his children again.
The Spirit also is the proof of this sonship, as verse 16 says:
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are childeren of God"
Not only is the Spirit the reason for our adoption, He is the proof to us that we are adopted and are children of God.
This section of text concludes by Paul informing and reminding us that if we are children we are also heirs and also shows us what we are heirs to. Verse 17 states:
"and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with, that we may also be glorified together"
Its obvious that if we are children of God we are heirs. Any father or parent who was loving and willing enough to adopt a child would definitely choose to give that new child an inheritance. They would choose to make that child an heir. However what we must understand and what Paul explains to us in this verse is what we as heirs are to and do inherit.
The scripture tells us first we are heirs of God. The first thing we inherit when becoming a child of God is God himself. We are blessed with the opportunity to see Him, be with Him, worship Him, and just enjoy His glorious pressence. What a wonderful gift.
The scripture then tells us we, being children of God, are joint-heirs or co-heirs with Christ, the Lord's son. So along with inheriting God we inherit everything that Christ inherits, with Christ, being a fellow heir with Him.
So what does that mean? What does it mean to be a joint-heir with Christ and inherit everything he does? What exactly do we inherit? Well Paul answers these questions in the rest of verse 17 by explaining to us that we will suffer and be glorified together with Christ. We inherit Christ's suffering and Christ's glory that will be inherited after this earth.
This is two-fold and we must take joy in both. We can't simply enjoy and take part in the glory of Christ and thats it. It is made plain we will first suffer with Christ. We will feel his persecution and we will receive the same hate he receives. We will grieve the lost like he does and we will suffer on this earth as he did.
However, will be glorified with him as well. We will take part in the glory of Christ with Christ after this world ends. And as verse 18 says "...the sufferings of this present time are not worthy of the glory which shall be revealed in us."
So be an heir. Take part in the suffering of Christ and be joyful in it knowing your are living as an heir and knowing you will take part in Christ's glory.
mike b,
4HISglory
