The Spirit Within: Mark of Belonging
Romans 8:9–11 (NLT)
“But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)
And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
You Belong to Christ
Romans 8:9 draws a bold, unmistakable line: The presence of the Holy Spirit is the evidence that you belong to Christ. If the Spirit is in you, you are His. If not, you are not.
This isn’t abstract theology—it’s deeply personal. The moment you placed your trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit took up permanent residence in your life. He’s not a guest; He’s a resident. He’s not looking for performance; He’s anchoring your identity.
This is what makes the Christian life different. You’re not just trying to live like Jesus—you’re living with Jesus, through the indwelling power of His Spirit.
The Spirit Who Raised Jesus Lives in You
Romans 8:11 is one of the most stunning promises in the Bible:
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.”
The same power that burst open the tomb and brought Jesus to life now lives in you. And it’s not just a future promise—it’s a present one. Yes, it assures your eternal resurrection, but it also empowers you now.
When you feel defeated, weary, or overwhelmed, remember this: resurrection power isn’t just behind you—it’s within you.
You are not stuck and you are not powerless. You are not beyond hope.
The Hope of the Resurrection
The resurrection doesn’t just change the future—it reshapes the present.
When my wife Wendy died, the only thing that kept me grounded was the resurrection. I knew I would see her again. That truth wasn’t a band-aid—it was a lifeline.
And even today, in a world that feels darker by the moment, it’s the resurrection that keeps me going. I think of people like Charlie Kirk, a man who spoke grace and truth boldly. To see him assassinated for standing firm is heartbreaking. But even in grief, I find hope—not because the world is fair, but because the tomb is empty.
The resurrection is the reminder that evil doesn’t win, death doesn’t win, and this life is not all there is.
Do you truly believe in the resurrection—and if so, how does it shape the way you live today?
If you don’t believe in the resurrection – what do you think about life beyond death?
Application: Assurance and Spirit-Led Vitality
✅ Assurance of Salvation
Wondering if you really belong to Jesus? Here’s the test:
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Do you sense the Spirit convicting you when you sin?
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Do you long to grow in faith and obedience?
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Do you feel His comfort, direction, or nudges in your spirit?
These are not signs of perfection—they are signs of presence.
💪 Spirit-Led Vitality
Life in the Spirit isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. The same Spirit who raised Jesus is giving life to you. Real life. Meaningful life. Fruitful life.
Even when your body feels tired or your circumstances feel overwhelming, the Holy Spirit offers strength that goes beyond understanding.
Check out the other Blogs on Romans 8:
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Christ, the Spirit of God lives in you. You belong. You’re empowered. And your future is secure.
Let the resurrection give you courage for today. Let the Spirit give you confidence for tomorrow.
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