Living With Confidence From Romans 8Sample

Do you know who I am?”

Have you ever been in the presence of a sports person who's used that phrase to gain an advantage or desire recognition?

Perhaps those words have come out of your mouth at some point and you shudder and cringe at why you used them!

It’s a laughable phrase - usually full of conceit and pride.

But here, Paul uses the idea in the most positive way. “Do you know who you are?” is the hidden question that Paul is posing to these Christians throughout Chapter 8.

So far Paul has majored on two things.

1. The law cannot make us right with a holy God. Only God, through Jesus, by the work of his Spirit can give us a right standing with Him. Therefore, now there really is no condemnation. God has done it all so that we can live lives of freedom and joy without guilt or punishment.
2. Whilst the sinful nature remains a powerful force within the believer, God has given a great gift in the form of his Holy Spirit who indwells and empowers the Christian to live for Him. God has given us all the resources we need to live a transformed life.

In verses 14-17 we see where our confidence to live a life in the world of sport comes from.It comes from an understanding of who we really are.

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our Spirit that we are God’s children." (Romans 8:14-16)

Do you know who you are?

You are a Child of God.

Do you see what the Spirit does? When you believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins the Spirit delivers you from the captivity that trapped you in enslavement and fear. The Spirit took you out of that state and “brought about your adoption to sonship”.

Do you ever feel scared, intimidated, or overwhelmed by people around you? The opposition, coaches, supporters or even family members? The pressure on you to perform well might at times be too big.

Remember who you are, says Paul: you are a child of the living God. Adoption has taken place, and no-one can overturn it.Be assured that there’s no pressure to perform before God.

It all sounds too good to be true! But Paul isn’t finished there.

You are a co-heir with Christ.

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:17)

An heir receives a share of the inheritance.

In Roman society adopted children received the same privileges as natural born children. Paul is saying that as children of God, you receive the same privileges as the Son of God himself.You are a co-heir with Christ. Your future is absolutely secure. Heaven with all its wonders and riches await and you will be in the presence of the Heavenly Father himself for eternity.

Sport is a fragile place. There are always moving parts to negotiate: Injury, contract talks or a new coach on the scene. Uncertainty unsettles us and there are things to work through, but ultimately, you’re utterly safe! You are a child of God and a co-heir with Christ.

Rest in that assurance and have your confidence in who you really are!

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you that today I can be certain that I am your child and co-her with your son, Jesus!

Please give me confidence to rest in this truth today no matter what happens.

In your name.

Amen.