Romans 8:12-17

Romans 8:12

From Present Life to Future Glory.

I. The leading of the Holy Spirit is no leading at all unless it be efficacious. If we are led by the Spirit, that means that to some extent we are day by day amending our ways, exerting ourselves successfully to do right, and making substantial progress in virtue.

II. Wherever you find submission to Divine guidance, you have evidence of a Divine truth. We have no other mark of that sacred and lofty relationship, the noblest belonging to our nature, save character.

III. If on solid grounds a believer has made sure Paul's second arch in this brief bridge which spiritual logic builds from earth to heaven, then he is prepared to go on to the third and last, "If sons, then heirs."

J. Oswald Dykes, The Gospel according to St. Paul,p. 237.

References: Romans 8:13. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. i., p. 20. Romans 8:13. Ibid.,vol. iv., p. 225.Romans 8:14. G. E. L. Cotton, Sermons and Addresses in Marlborough College,p. 48; W. Hubbard, Christian World Pulpit,vol. x., p. 65; Preacher's Monthly,vol. vii., p. 113; M. Rainsford, No Condemnation,p. 71; S. Greg, A Layman's Legacy,p. 123.Romans 8:14; Romans 8:15. H. W. Beecher, Sermons,1870, p. 280.