Romans 8:-9, Alive in Christ
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
The born-again Christian is spiritually alive through the Spirit of Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit. The corruption of the fallen nature subdued by the power of the Holy Spirit. He lives in holiness before God. Without the Spirit of Christ, man cannot overcome sin. The Christian in his sphere of influence has a sanctifying effect like salt that retards decay and light that dispels darkness. He proclaims Jesus Christ to be the Son of God and the Saviour of the world. He is made spiritually alive by the power of this gospel. The laws of God guides him. He is in constant communion with God through prayer.
The biblical character Daniel whose name means, “God is my judge” or “judge of God”, lived up his name. He lived a godly, upright life in a crooked and perverse world. God approved him by calling him a man greatly beloved (Daniel 10:19). He fully exemplified one who lived in the world but is not of the world. He held on to his precious identity as a child of God to reflect the glory and testimony of the living and true God.
He showed us how we can maintain a consistent Christian testimony in a hostile world. Daniel’s life exemplified how Christians should live in a sin-ridden world. The world is always threatening to erase God from the face of the earth. But God always has His courageous remnant that dares stand with Him. God manifest His life through His faithful servant who was humble and would love Him above all. Daniel’s life has much relevance to our lives. He was part of a believing minority in a largely pagan culture.
Daniel’s conviction to be an obedient child of God was fixed and settled from a young age. Daniel was determined to be dedicated, committed and devoted to his God. Daniel made up his mind in advance he will be loyal to God and will not defile or contaminate himself with the pollutions of the culture of Babylon that he found himself captive. He made a commitment in his heart to spiritual purity. It was a step of separation unto holiness.
God granted him the courage to carry his conviction. In his latter years, he would rather go to the lions’ den than to stop praying to His God. God was pre-eminent in his life. Daniel put God first. He trusted God with all his heart. The Spirit of God filled his heart. He served God.
The days we are living in are perilous times where the hearts of men would more and more reject God and His ways. May God use every born again Christian, alive in Christ, to be a blessing to the people we meet today. Amen.