Life In These Mortal Bodies
The same lamp, a different supply, light in ordinary places
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More, Ray Stedman, on Romans 8:10–11
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Bodies age, joints ache, and habits can tug hard. Paul names that reality with courage, then he points to a deeper truth. If Jesus is in us by the Holy Spirit, our human spirit is alive because of righteousness, even while our body remains subject to death. Ray Stedman helps us see that Paul is not only talking about the final resurrection later. He is talking about the Spirit giving life to our mortal bodies here and now.
That means the pull of sin that often shows up through our bodies, in appetites, tone of voice, and reactions, is not the last word. The Spirit of God, who unites us to Christ, is present to express the life of Jesus in ordinary moments. We are not left to wrestle our bodies into submission with white knuckles. We learn to yield our members to God, letting Him act through us, right where we live.
Stedman emphasizes that this life is practical. Eyes can turn from what is unworthy. Tongues can choose kindness. Hands can serve rather than grab. Feet can walk away from what harms. Not because we finally became strong, but because Another lives within. The One who raised Jesus from the dead indwells us, and He is able to make obedience a fruit of His presence rather than a lever we pull to manage ourselves.
This hope does not deny the reality of aging or weakness. It simply refuses to let death set the agenda. Outwardly we may be wasting away. Inwardly, by the Spirit, we are being renewed day by day. Thank you, Ray Stedman, for pointing us again to the simple miracle of union with Jesus by the Spirit, right here in our mortal frames.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I dwell in you. I joined you to Jesus so that His life would be your life. Your body is still mortal, yet I have made your spirit alive in Him. Do not present your members to sin. Present yourself to God, and I will express the life of Jesus through you.
I strengthen you in the inner person so that Christ lives at home in your heart. I renew you day by day, even while the outer person grows older. When temptation rises through bodily desire or old patterns of thinking, remember that the One in you is greater than the one in the world. Set your mind on the things of the Spirit. I empower you to put to death the deeds of the body, not by striving, but by My indwelling presence.
I am the Spirit of holiness. I bear fruit in you that fits the character of Jesus. I teach your tongue gentleness, your eyes purity, your hands generosity, your feet wise paths. Your body is a temple. You are not your own. You were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God in your body as I animate your mortal frame with resurrection power.
Abide in Jesus. Remain yielded. As you trust Me, I will work in you to will and to act according to the Father’s good pleasure. I am faithful to complete what I began. I seal you for the day of redemption. Until that day, I will keep supplying life for your mortal body so that Jesus is seen in you.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a simple lamp with a dimmer. On its own, the lamp has a bulb and wiring, yet it sits dark until current flows. When the current supplies power, the same lamp glows with steady light that fills the room. Our bodies are the lamp. The Holy Spirit is the living supply who makes the life of Jesus visible through the same ordinary hardware. Without the supply, we are only managing switches. With the supply, light appears.
Today, when irritation stirs as you answer a difficult email, yield to the Lord who lives in you. You might whisper, Lord, I trust You to express Your patience and honesty through my body and my words right now. Then type with that quiet confidence. The tone, timing, and clarity that follow are the Spirit’s beautiful work through your same hands, eyes, and mind.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that Jesus lives in me by Your Spirit. Thank You that my spirit is alive because of righteousness, and that You are giving life to my mortal body. I affirm that my body is Yours. My eyes, ears, tongue, hands, and feet are Yours. I rejoice that the One who is in me is greater than anything that confronts me. Lord, I trust You to live Your life in me and through me in the moments ahead. I rest in Your complete provision and I thank You for the fruit You will bring.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Romans 8:9–14, Romans 6:11–13, Romans 12:1, Romans 13:14, Romans 8:23, 2 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:16–25, Ephesians 1:13–14, Ephesians 3:16–19, Philippians 2:12–13, Colossians 1:27, John 14:16–17, John 15:4–5, 1 John 4:4, 2 Peter 1:3–4, Ezekiel 36:26–27, Hebrews 13:20–21, 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24