Romans 8

Rom 8:4 “do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Throughout my pre-Christian life, I would often ponder what life was all about; why did things happen the way they did? I wanted to be a scientist, so at various points of my life I thought science would provide an answer. But, science never provided absolutes. Theories and findings continually evolved or changed. The equations that scientists used to model their findings always had limits. The one absolute I was able to conclude was that man didn’t know, and wouldn’t know through their own efforts and never will. Romans 8 talks about the flesh being weak and that the created world is subject to decay.

At the same time there were things in my life that happened that convinced me there was more than just the visible physical world. People were being healed from diseases and injuries that science could not explain. Events were happening that had little explanation other than someone listening to my prayers or intervening for my well being Even before I had a relationship with Jesus Christ I would pray. Often my prayers were rote recitations from my religion. But I believe God was in control ,hearing me and doing what was best to guide me to Him. Science deals in the physical world and does not have “an equation” that models the spiritual realm. Life is a combination of the physical and spiritual.

Years after having established my faith in Jesus, God made it apparent that as part of my sanctification or refinement there was a part of my life that God made it clear that “we” would be addressing. Romans 8 is the chapter of the Bible that filled in the gap and gave me the understanding and clarity I needed to move beyond that slavery.

First I had not allowed any room in my life for the Holy Spirit to work. Even though I knew my salvation was through grace I had continued to attempt to steer my own life.

Roman 8:12-13

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

I began to understand that I had excluded the Holy Spirit from my life for the most part. Just like my salvation I had a choice to make through faith. This time I had to realize that in my own flesh I would be defeated by the enemy, but through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit I could be victorious. If I chose to let the Holt Spirit fight the battle there would be victory and there has been ever since.

Now I make sure that I am always aware of the spiritual aspect of my Christian life. I trust that God’s way is best.

Rom 8:26-27

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Lord, my prayer is that in every aspect of my life I seek your purpose and will. I ask that I remember to seek your Spirit where the flesh is weak.

  Joe LoSurdo | Elder

Joe committed his life to Christ in February of 1994 through attending Hill Country Bible ChurchNorthwest. He and his wife, Debbie, have two married children and five grandchildren. Joe has served in Student, Children’s, Small Group, Assimilation, Benevolence, and Biblical Guidance Ministries. Joe and Debbie joined Hutto Bible Church in June of 2009.