Lamp of Wisdom
Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire, UK
My dear friends,
Today we gather to reflect on Romans 8:1-11, a passage that speaks of our transformation from spiritual death to spiritual life, a journey towards spiritual growth and transformation.
In this passage, Paul speaks of the dichotomy between the flesh and the Spirit. He reminds us that those who live according to the flesh are dead, but those who live according to the Spirit are alive. This is a powerful metaphor for our journey towards spiritual transformation. We are all born into a state of spiritual death, caught up in the cycle of suffering and ignorance. But through the power of the Spirit, we can be reborn into a state of spiritual life.
This transformation is not just a matter of the mind, but also of the body and speech. As we cultivate the Spirit within us, we begin to transform our physical and verbal actions as well. We become more compassionate, more patient, more loving towards ourselves and others. We begin to speak words of kindness and wisdom, rather than words of anger and ignorance. We begin to take care of our bodies, treating them as the sacred vessels of our spirit.
This process of transformation is not easy. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to let go of old habits and patterns of thought. But as we continue to cultivate the Spirit within us, we begin to experience a profound shift in our consciousness. We begin to see the world in a new light, as a place filled with beauty and wonder. We begin to feel a deep sense of interconnectedness with all beings, recognizing that our own happiness and well-being are intimately tied to the happiness and well-being of others.
Ultimately, this journey towards spiritual transformation is about becoming fully alive and fully human. It is about transcending the limitations of our ego and embracing the vast potential of the Spirit within. It is about living in harmony with the world around us, and recognizing our own place within the interconnected web of life.
My dear friends, let us remember that we are all on this journey together. Let us support one another as we strive towards spiritual transformation, and let us never forget the power of the Spirit to bring about lasting change in our lives and in the world around us. May we all be blessed on this path of awakening.
| Verse | Mark | German | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0:08 | Jesu, meine Freude, meines Herzens Weide, Jesu, meine Zier, Ach wie lang, wie lange Ist dem Herzen bange Und verlangt nach dir! Gottes Lamm, mein Bräutigam, Außer dir soll mir auf Erden Nichts sonst Liebers werden. |
Jesus, my joy, my heart's delight Jesus, my treasure Oh how long, how long has my heart been anxious and longing for you! Lamb of God, my bridegroom Besides you there is in on earth Nothing else that is dearer to me. |
| 8:1 | 1:18 | Es ist nun nichts Verdammliches an denen, die in Christo Jesu sind, die nicht nach dem Fleische wandeln, sondern nach dem Geist. |
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. |
| 2 | 3:51 | Unter deinem Schirmen Bin ich vor den Stürmen Aller Feinde frei. Laß den Satan wittern, Laß den Feind erbittern, Mir steht Jesus bei. Ob es itzt gleich kracht und blitzt, Ob gleich Sünd und Hölle schrecken: Jesus will mich decken. |
Under Thy shelter, I am free from the storm of enemies. Let the Devil seek me, let the Foe provoke me Jesus stands by me. Though lightning flash and crash, Though sin and hell terrify, Jesus will protect me. |
| 8:2 | 4:55 | Denn das Gesetz des Geistes, der da lebendig macht in Christo Jesu, hat mich frei gemacht von dem Gesetz der Sünde und des Todes. |
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. |
| 3 | 5:54 | Trotz dem alten Drachen, Trotz des Todes Rachen, Trotz der Furcht darzu! Tobe, Welt, und springe, Ich steh hier und singe In gar sichrer Ruh. Gottes Macht hält mich in acht; Erd und Abgrund muss verstummen, Ob sie noch so brummen. |
Despite the ancient dragon, Despite the jaws of death, despite fear! Rage, World, and pounce; here I stand and sing In absolute peace. God's own might holds me upright; Earth and abyss must fall silent, However much they growl. |
| 8:9 | 8:12 | Ihr aber seid nicht fleischlich, sondern geistlich, so anders Gottes Geist in euch wohnet. Wer aber Christi Geist nicht hat, der ist nicht sein. |
But ye are not of the flesh, but of the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. |
| 4 | 10:47 | Weg mit allen Schätzen! Du bist mein Ergötzen, Jesu, meine Lust! Weg ihr eitlen Ehren, Ich mag euch nicht hören, Bleibt mir unbewusst! Elend, Not, Kreuz, Schmach und Tod Soll mich, ob ich viel muss leiden, Nicht von Jesu scheiden. |
Away with all treasures! Thou art my delight, Jesus, my desire! Away, ye vain honours, I wish to hear no more of you, Remain unknown to me! Suffering, distress, the cross, shame and death, However much I must suffer, Shall never separate me from Jesus. |
| 8:10 | 11:59 | So aber Christus in euch ist, so ist der Leib zwar tot um der Sünde willen; der Geist aber ist das Leben um der Gerechtigkeit willen. |
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. |
| 5 | 13:46 | Gute Nacht, o Wesen, das die Welt erlesen, Mir gefällst du nicht. Gute Nacht, ihr Sünden, bleibet weit dahinten, Kommt nicht mehr ans Licht! Gute Nacht, du Stolz und Pracht! Dir sei ganz, du Lasterleben, Gute Nacht gegeben. |
Good night,ye ways of the world, ye please me not. Good night, ye sins, Remain far behind, ne'er more to return! Good night, ye arrogance and splendour. Thou sinful life, a last goodnight. |
| 8:11 | 17:13 | So nun der Geist des, der Jesum von den Toten auferwecket hat, in euch wohnet, so wird auch derselbige, der Christum von den Toten auferwecket hat, eure sterbliche Leiber lebendig machen um des willen, dass sein Geist in euch wohnet. |
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. |
| 6 | 18:39 | Weicht, ihr Trauergeister, Denn mein Freudenmeister, Jesus, tritt herein. Denen, die Gott lieben, muß auch ihr Betrüben Lauter Freude sein. Duld ich schon hier Spott und Hohn, Dennoch bleibst du auch im Leide, Jesu, meine Freude. |
Vanish, ye spirits of gloom, for my master of joy, Jesus, enters in. For those who love God, even their sadness turns to gladness. Though here I bear ridicule and scorn, Still Thou abidest even in sorrow, Jesus, my joy. |