In Romans 8 Paul shared an incredible series of insights relating to our standing in God. One aspect he unpacks relates to the nature of our progressive growth in the LORD; how God renews and transforms us. The sense is there will come points where we will experience greater measures of freedom that will enable God to reveal and manifest greater measures of His nature in us.
“I don’t think the sufferings we are going through now are even worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us in the future. The creation waits eagerly for the sons of God to be revealed; for the creation was made subject to frustration — not willingly, but because of the one who subjected it. But it was given a reliable hope that it too would be set free from its bondage to decay and would enjoy the freedom accompanying the glory that God’s children will have” (Romans 8:18-21 JNT).
RELEVANCE
Paul continued discussing the dynamics of how God reveals, or manifests, this new life—His life—in us in his letters to the community of believers in Corinth. He revealed that “you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption — that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).
As we walk with the LORD we mature in these values. God progressively cultivates His nature in us and we manifest greater measures of His grace and wisdom. Paul amplified this point in 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 where he discusses how “the inward man is being renewed day by day” as God is “working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” As we go through the process of this renewing or transformation, our progress is reflected as we bear the fruit of the Spirit.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What aspects of your character has God been working on?
How do you think you may reflect these attributes in your daily life?
REFERENCES
Romans 6:1-23