Hi cross note I was thinking about this recently. I think it helps to read it
in conjunction with the rest of the passage.
Romans 8:5-11 NKJV
[5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of
the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
[6] For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and
peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject
to the law of God, nor indeed can be. [8] So then, those who are in the flesh
cannot please God. [9] But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed
the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of
Christ, he is not His. [10] And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because
of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] But if the Spirit
of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ
from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit
who dwells in you.
People can sometimes make the mistake of preaching the "come to Jesus message
and all will be well". But the bible says to count the cost and there is a cost, learning to
put aside those fleshy selfish attitudes and putting on the new man. Fortunately God is
patient and a good teacher.
My own experience is that in many respects the difficulties increase.
It certainly did for the early Christians who were fed to the lions but through
their dogged determination and faith, the Christian message spread like
wildfire through out the earth.
I think in many respects a Christian needs to understand that they are now in the
sight lines of the enemy. That is the reason we are to put on the full armour of God.
There is also the testing of our faith which leads to spiritual maturity.
I also have a theory that the bigger the test the bigger the blessing and the bigger the
work God has set aside for us to do. Just look at the testing of the great people of the bible.
The following verses help also
Romans 5:3-5 AMP
[3] Moreover let us also be full of joy now! let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice
in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and
unswerving endurance. [4] And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character
(approved faith and tried integrity). And character of this sort produces the habit of
joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. [5] Such hope never disappoints or deludes
or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who
has been given to us.
Ps I always think of Job when questions like this arise and I wonder how I
would have dealt with all that. An interesting thing I noticed about Job. The
following verse:
Job 19:23-26 NKJV
[23] "Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book!
[24] That they were engraved on a rock With an iron pen and lead, forever!
[25] For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the
earth; [26] And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God,
Well Job certainly got his wish, even in such dire adversity God answered his prayer.
Job's story is written in the bible for all to see translated into many languages!
Test the Lord and see that He is good, even in adversity.
God bless
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