Romans 8:5-6 (NRSV)
Read Romans 8:5-6 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Verse 6To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Devotion
Luther taught that we rise from the waters of baptism simul iustus et peccator; that is, simultaneously saint and sinner. We live between that time of being marked by the cross of Christ forever and the hour of our death, when we are finally beyond the reach of evil and temptation, as we have prayed all our lives to be. The sinful nature gives mighty battle, yet we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. When the going gets rough, cry out, as Luther did, “But I am baptized,” for in that promise lays peace.
Prayer
Gracious God, we give you thanks for the precious gift of baptism and pray that the Spirit given to us through the sacrament may keep us strong in all temptation. Amen.