Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. I. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT. He — 1. Leads and instructs in the way of salvation (John 16:7-10). He is infinitely wise, powerful, good, etc., and therefore His guidance will be perfect. 2. To a perception of our lost and ruined condition. The methods are various — meditation, personal affliction, the prayers of Christians, some sermon, etc. 3. To contrition. Sin now appears in all its hateful qualities and effects; as that which has offended God, which condemns, curses, and defiles the soul. The Spirit leads to "godly sorrow, which worketh repentance unto salvation," etc. 4. To a discovery of Christ as the Saviour (John 16:13, 14). He removes "the veil on the heart," dispels prejudice, and affords that inward and Divine light by which alone Christ is perceived for saving purposes (Galatians 1:16). (1) Christ's greatness and dignity. Sinners have very mean thoughts of Christ. (2) The power of Christ to save, as the end of the law for righteousness, the great atonement, our "Wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." 5. To the exercise of saving faith in Christ. 6. So He renovates the mind, deadens the soul to sin, and disposes it to holy obedience and love (Titus 3:4, 5). II. THE PRIVILEGE OF GOD'S PEOPLE: "They are the sons of God." Consider — 1. The names by which they are distinguished — "sons and children of God," a "chosen generation," a "royal priesthood," "kings and priests unto God." 2. Their liberty. They were under the dominion of sin, the tyranny of Satan, the curse of the law, and consequently the sting of death. 3. "All things are theirs." 4. Christ is engaged to protect and defend them. 5. They have free and certain access to God as their Father (Romans 5:2; Ephesians 3:12). 6. They enjoy a title to an everlasting inheritance (Galatians 3:29: Romans 8:17; 1 John 3:1, 2). III. THE PEOPLE OF GOD CHERISH AND ENJOY THE INFLUENCE OF THE SPIRIT, AND THEREBY EVIDENCE THAT THEY ARE THE SONS OF GOD. By the Spirit sinners not merely become children of God, but followers. 1. They are sensible of their ignorance and weakness, and recognise the enlightening and strengthening energy of the Spirit. 2. They are careful not to "quench " or "grieve" the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30). 3. They pray for that influence. 4. In the discharge of all their duties they seek His aid. 5. They have the inward witness of the Spirit (ver. 16), and the "fruits of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22). (J. J. S. Bird, B.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.WEB: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. |
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