Romans 8

I am sometimes asked, "How can I know for sure that I am saved?" Romans 8:16-18 offers two answers to that question:

First, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (vs 16). If you are a Christian, and the Holy Spirit dwells in your heart, then you will bear the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Your behavior towards your parents, friends, coaches etc. will be characterized such that other will describe you as being loving and kind and gentle, etc.

Second, Paul says if we are children of God we must suffer with Christ so that we may also be glorified with Christ (vs 17). How do we suffer with Christ? This is similar to when Paul says we are to "walk in a manner worthy of the gospel." Jesus' death on the cross is the greatest act of selflessness there ever was, dying the death that we deserved. Followers of Christ are so thankful for this gift that their desire is to glorify God by proclaiming Christ and giving their lives away for his service. The Bible tells us that we will suffer if we do this. We will be persecuted for telling others about Jesus, and helping others often comes at a great cost to the one who is serving.

If you are bearing good fruit in your life, and you have a desire to follow Christ, even though you know that you will suffer for it, the Bible says that those are very strong indicators that God has changed your heart by giving you his Spirit.

Paul says that God gives us his Spirit which changes our hearts, but that we must "live according to the Spirit" by setting our "minds on the things of the Spirit." Consider today how you can set your mind on the things of the Spirit: could be spending more time in God's word; could be memorizing a verse and meditating on it throughout the day; could be thinking of a way to help someone in need. What are some specific ways for you better to walk by the Spirit, who lives in you?