Those of the Spirit Are Sons of God

After his resurrection Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, and at Pentecost what seem like tongues of fire come to rest on the disciples. These are the same men who had deserted Jesus in terror, yet once they receive the Spirit they begin to proclaim the gospel boldly in the languages of every nation.

Paul says that those who follow the flesh and those who follow the Spirit set their minds on different things. A person may believe a decision was wisely made, but what truly settles the choice is the spirit that rules them. Paul draws the line plainly: anyone in whom the Spirit does not dwell does not belong to Christ.

Those led by the Holy Spirit are the ones who belong to God. He has made them his children rather than slaves, so they call him Father, and as heirs together with Christ they share in both his glory and his sufferings. To live by the flesh is to die, while to put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit is to live; which road to take at that crossroads is for each person to decide.