2026 Pentecost Devotions I
Thursday, July 9
Romans 8:1-11
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed, it cannot, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, then the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.
“… For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. …”
I’m not a big fan of the “Survivors” series on television. From my point of view, it tends to pit one person, thinking only of him or herself, against the others. This creates the tension and turmoil that raises ratings. However, should each person think not of themselves but of the whole, we’d likely see some wondrous television but short-lived because of low ratings.
Paul’s argument follows the same logic. As long as we are focused only on our well-being, our needs, and our interests, we are apt to fall into sinful behavior and lawless situations. We will often find ourselves at odds with God’s commands and God’s kingdom. All of that is death-dealing.
However, if our heart and mind are focused on the Spirit – the things of God – not only we but others benefit greatly. God is honored, and our lives are set free. In other words, selfishness leads to sin and death – separation from God. Selflessness leads to life, obedience to God’s commands and unity with the Spirit.
Prayer: Lord, you call each of us through the Spirit. Lead me this day according to Your will and Your way. Amen.