Last week we spoke about
the “Natural Man”; this week we shall begin to speak about the “Spiritual
Man”. The spiritual man is defined as
one who has a full, real relationship with God.
Romans
8:1-17 describes the spiritual man.
There are certain verses that stand out more than others; they are:
- (v
#1) “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ
Jesus, who do not walk according to
the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Notice, they walk according
to the Spirit – the Holy Spirit, because there are many spirits that are
gone out into the world.
- (v#2) “For the law of the Spirit of
life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Amen!
- (v.#4)
“[They] do not walk according to
the flesh but according to the Spirit.” The spiritual man is bound up
with the Holy Spirit – he understands his need of the Spirit of God.
- (v#5)
“...those who live according to the
Spirit, [mind] the things of the Spirit”. Their minds are not on foolishness,
but rather on the things of God. Let’s skip to verse 10.
- (v#10)
“If Christ is in you, the body is
dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” The
body is dead from the sinful things in this life. The things you used to
do or to desire, no longer rule your actions or your conscience. The
Spirit is now your ruler.
- (v#11)
“…He who raised Christ from the dead will
also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in
you.” Paul is talking about the resurrection of the “mortal” body, when
Jesus returns to take home his saints. That, my friend, is the blessed
hope!
- (v#13)
“If by the Spirit you put to
death the deeds of the body, you
will live”. The promise renewed.
- (v#14)
“For as many as are led by the
Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” That puts a nail in the plank,
doesn’t it? All doubt is taken away. If the Holy Spirit is leading you,
then you are sons and daughters of God – plain and simple!
- (v#15)
“…you received the Spirit of
adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” As a spiritual person,
you become a son or daughter of God, by adoption. Thank God for His adoptive rights.
- (v#16-17)
“The Spirit Himself bears witness
with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then
heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…” The promise of
salvation is repeated and heirship with Jesus is added! What a glorious
note for us to end on regarding the “spiritual man”. To become a
“Spiritual Man/Woman” should be the goal, for each of us. Next week, we shall take on the”Carnal Man.”
