From Under to In

 What does it mean to go from under to in? 

Galatians 4:4-7 states that when the set had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a women, born UNDER the law to redeem those under the law, that we may receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son INTO our hearts, the Spirit who calls out Abba, Father. So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child, God has made you also an heir. 

Let me help break this truth down. We who believe in the Son, have gone from UNDER to IN. Under law to In Christ. His Spirit now resides on the INSIDE of us which makes us  an heir. An heir to what? His Son, His Spirit, forgiveness and eternal life. All that comes with his Son, which is all goodness, truth and light. I don’t know about you but when I took hold of this my mind was blown. 

Under Law, I am held by laws standards  but In Christ I am no longer bound by the law but to the Spirit. (Romans 7:4-6)

What does this mean? How does this apply to my life?

It means that the law of sin and death, which had me bound no longer has authority over me, I died to the law through the body of Christ, that I might belong to another, to him who raised him from the dead, in order that I might bear fruit for God. 

So I no longer live as a slave to my natural body and its desires. I now live by the Spirit, who calls me his daughter. I belong to a new nature born of God, born of Spirit. Why? Because God is Spirit and that Spirit will cause fruit to grow. I can’t by self effort or self determination grow the fruit. But rather staying connected to the vine, abiding with him, I in him, he in me will do the work of transforming me so that the fruit will mature until it’s ready for harvest. (John 14,15)

What is this fruit that He grows to maturity?

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. 

I don’t know what your definition of success is in life? Or what is meaningful and important to you? It has been a journey for me to understand this for myself. What I have grown to know is the answer for me is being fruitful. It is important for me to not be overtaken or crushed by life’s challenges or circumstances. Knowing what is in my control and what is in God’s control. 

What I have also come to know is that when I anchor my hope in his 6000 promises found in His Word I quickly become less likely to panic or stay under fears grasp and it’s ability to immobilize me. Promises like Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Or Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your request known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind IN Christ Jesus.” 

Friends, there are so many more precious promises in the Bible. These promises are what keep me from going under and staying in. Moving from under fear, worry and uncertainty to in love, in peace, in joy, in goodness, in faithfulness… etc. 

My hope and prayer is that you to will find your way from under to in. I pray your minds and hearts be anchored to the One who will never let you go. He will lead and guide you until you are safely home with him. He will strengthen you and keep you on the path He has set for you. Stay in communion with him by prayer and reading his Words to you. I pray that you will know how deeply loved and cared for you are. As you remain in him and He in you, your life will be full of fruit, fruit that will last and will not only bless you but will be a blessing to others. 

With you and love you,

Tracey Hanko 

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