Exploring the Scripture

Pentecost celebrates God’s gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, we are united with Christ, assured that we belong to God; nothing can separate us from God’s love. In this chapter from Romans, Paul has been teaching about the Spirit of God. Verses 14 through 17 speak to what it means to be gifted with the Holy Spirit.

Paul stresses what life looks like for disciples of Christ led by the Holy Spirit. He does this by contrasting slavery with adoption. Rather than living in fear as an enslaved person might, we are invited into a life of courage. The Holy Spirit walks beside us in times of anxiety and reminds us that because we are God’s children, we do not have to live in fear. As God’s children, we can be confident and fearless, knowing we have been chosen, accepted, and loved for who we are.

As disciples, we learn what it means to be in a loving relationship, free from fear. Paul uses the term Abba Father to suggest the new connection between God and God’s people when we fully accept ourselves as children of God. Whoever we have been, whatever grief or burdens we bring with us, we are changed forever when we allow the Holy Spirit to enter our lives. As God’s beloved children, free from the fear of not being accepted or loved, we can breathe the Spirit of joy, hope, love, and peace into the world.

Paul goes even a little further, stating that not only are we God’s beloved children released to love others, but we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. God loves us so deeply that God considers us worthy to receive all the blessings and favor that Christ is granted. This favor is not about gifts we might receive or status we might gain, but the blessings we receive from our relationship with God.

When we follow Christ, we become co-heirs with Christ. We begin to care about what Christ cares about and suffer what he suffers. However, because of God’s unending love for us as experienced through the Holy Spirit, we have God’s very nature within us. We have the strength, power, and capacity to tackle whatever comes our way and the courage to show God’s unconditional love to others, even in their suffering.

Despite our faults, pain, and sometimes ambivalence, we still are beloved children, filled with God’s Spirit. As those led by the Holy Spirit and transformed by God’s love, we are called from our places of fear to serve others in love, courage, and hope.

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

LISTEN

Central Ideas

1. We are God’s children, deeply loved and always welcome.
2. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God is not unknown or unapproachable. Instead, we can have a personal, intimate relationship with God.
3. When we recognize our role as children of God, we’re freed from fear and released to share God’s love, hope, joy, and peace with others.

Questions to Consider

1. When have you rested in the grace of your loving heavenly Parent?
2. What are some ways you know you are being led by the Holy Spirit personally or as a congregation?
3. What makes you fearful as a disciple growing in God’s grace?
4. Where are opportunities to show courage and serve others?