Notice the precious and magnificent promises that the Holy Spirit provides for every believer in Romans 8: The word “For,” in the Greek is used 17 times…to look through each time is to see His assurance for you. The Holy Spirit is mentioned 19 times and we see Him, His work for the believer. This is a chapter of comfort, assurance and great encouragement for the child of God. The Holy Spirit has been gifted to you as the Fruit of Justification, “and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. “- {Rom 5:5} Consider some of His promises to strengthen your faith and fuel for your praise to God for such a great salvation He has given you and the Holy Spirit to enlighten, empower you to exalt the LORD God!
There is the Promise of…
1.FREEDOM
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you FREE from the law of sin and of death.”- V 2
“For,”-{Gar} provides an explanation. In this case from v 1 why you are not nor ever will be condemned in Christ. “Law” speaks of principle, that exercises control over a person. Think of the principle of gravity that keeps us earth bound, so sin keeps us bound likewise. But just as gravity can be overcome by aerodynamics as is proven every time you fly or a spaceship fly’s above earth,so in the spiritual realm, the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to live free from the bondage to sin, it’s power by submitting continually to Him in compliance and applying His Word. There is a new law for the new life, The Holy Spirit empowering you to live free from being mastered by sin…as we submit to Him we find His enabling to live in power to do His Will from the heart, a new power controlling and empowering. The Holy Spirit is more powerful than the principle of sin and death! The Holy Spirit gives us not only the DESIRE abut the ABILITY to do what is pleasing to the LORD. -{Read Phil 2:13}.
Note the word “has” not ‘maybe’ or ‘will try to’ but “has.” He has done this!!! You are Free, now! Because of what He has done! And you enjoy the fruit of His work. You don’t pray for freedom, you live in freedom you presently and permanently have, applying His Word to your life! Freedom is already yours “in Christ,” by the power of the Holy Spirit. You just need to understand who He is and what He has done for you and all you have in Christ, and the Holy Spirit your “Teacher,” “….will guide you into all truth.”-{Read John 16:13}
F. F. Bruce paraphrases “there is no condemnation” as follows “There is no reason why those who are in Christ Jesus should go on doing penal servitude as though they had never been pardoned and liberated from the prison house of sin. (Bruce, F F, The Epistle of Paul to the Romans: Tyndale Press, 1966).
For a believer we battle our flesh, sin, but when temptation comes it is a matter of choosing the Savior OVER THE TEMPTATION to sin, knowing you have the power to say Yes to the LORD, and NO to self and sin! Concentrate on the LORD who has promised,” For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”-{Phil 1:6}, NOTE, Who began the work? The LORD did. Where did He begin the work? “IN You!” And What has He promised to do? To finish what He started,” IN you.” What glorious truth this is to encouraged you, What He starts He finishes! As aerodynamics lifts a huge plane, or space rocket off the ground, The Holy Spirit lifts us off the Ground to a higher level free from bondage to sin that keeps us down, through this new Power, The Holy Spirit working in you!
Commit to Him, –Submit to Him- Transmit an ever changing life!
2. FUTURE GLORY.
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also GIVE LIFE life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.:- V 11,
The word “if” as used here is not “if” with a doubt, a question mark. But it is since this is true that the Spirit of God lives in you, know this, He will raise your bodies from the dead, as surly as Jesus Christ was raised from the dead- Hallalujah!
Note the words, “raised” and “dwell.”
“Raised,” (egeiro) means to waken, rouse from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease and here means to wake up from death, of which sleep is the emblem… means to rise (stand up) from a sitting or lying position (Mt 8:26, 9:5), to awaken from sleep (Mt 8:25), figuratively to “awaken” from death (rise up), describing the bringing back of Jesus from the dead.”
“Dwell,” Over the years I have traveled and stayed in people’s homes,hotels, but none of them , no matter how nice were my home, where I permanently lived with my family. They were all temporary places I stayed but not lived. The word, “dwell” here is used to speak of home, it speaks of living in a home permanently! The Holy Spirit, resides permanently in the believer, not temporary, or passing through at times, or staying a little and then moving on. It is written in the present tense. He is in you now and when you get to the next minute, hour, day, week, month year, as long as you are here, He is your present tense permanent Resident! Inhabiting and occupying the believer with purpose, including…
The Holy Spirit resides presently and permanently in you as God’s “seal” of ownership, authentic. He also lives within to, enlighten, empower and exalt Jesus Christ to and through you. One day He will raise your body just as He did the LORD Jesus!
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation– having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, “-{Ephesians 1;13}. The Christian has two address’s. Where they live on earth and “In Him,” their spiritual location! “Sealed” served as a legal document and was used of a document that was authentic. It spoke of ownership. The Holy Spirit says we are authentic, belonging to another. Christ purchased us with His blood. We belong to God. The Holy Spirit taking up permanent residency in us is God’s gift to us through repentance and faith.
One day He will Raise our bodies from the grave, wherever they be and we will get new glorified bodies, no temptation to sin, no illness, no decay, but glorified bodies and the Holy Spirit lives permanently within us until that day we are raised for ever to be with the LORD! He permanently resides within us and gives us Future Hope of resurrected bodies!
Just as the Spirit of God raised Jesus from the dead,-{Read 1 Thess 4:14}; He will raise our bodies too! And forever we will be free from the presence of sin and with our Loving LORD!
3. VICTORY OVER SIN
” for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”- V 13
Living according to the flesh means to be dominated by sin and practicing it as your life style both in thought and deed. It’s not just occasional but to live habitually, continually living life dominated and directed by sin. Galatians 5;19-21 gives us some of the works of the flesh how the sin life is manifested…it is practiced, dominated and seen.
” Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:
immorality,impurity,sorcery , sensuality, idolatry, enmities,
strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger disputes, dissensions,
factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Compare and contrast to that to the Fruit the Holy Spirit produces in one of His own.”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.“-{Galatians 5:22-25}.
Henry Morris explains that “The “law of the Spirit of life” has invaded and opposed “the law of sin which is in my members” (Romans 7:23–note), thus freeing us from its bondage (Romans 6:12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 see notes on Romans 6:12-14 6:15-17). We cannot obey God’s law in the strength of the flesh, but as we reckon (that is, deliberately acknowledge) ourselves to be dead to sin and “alive unto God” (see Romans 6:11–note) this doctrinal truth increasingly becomes practical truth in our lives.” (Morris, Henry: Defenders Study Bible)”
The Spirit of God empowers us to say no to sin and yes to Jesus! We are no longer slaves to sin. It has no control over us except the control we choose to yield to it.
4. GUIDANCE
“FOR if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. “V14
“FOR,” is a term of explanation in this verse to us. Pause and think and look at what the Holy Spirit is seeking to explain to us. In context it needs to first read verse 13 which says, “for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Verse 14 shows us WHY we live. By putting to death by the power of the Holy Spirit through the “Precious and magnificent promises,” God has provided for us along with Divine power for everything pertaining to life and Godliness…through the true knowledge of Him -{Read 2 Peter 1:3-4}.
His Power, His Promises enabling us to follow and apply His Word to our attitude and actions!
Being “LED by the Spirit” is referring to behavior, our character, not about where should I go to school, who should I marry, what job should I take, or to say “I was led to share with that person.” He can show us that in different ways but here to be true to the context, it speaks to us of our character! Our view towards sin has changed and our power is Heavenly. It is the Holy Spirit who instructs, empowers us through His Word to win the fight over sin that tempts us.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to a life of obedience to God!
“Being led”(ago) means to “to direct the movement of an object from one position to another” (BDAG) and here is used in the present tense which signifies continuously and the passive voice underscores the fact that the leading is the result of a force, power or source extrinsic to ourselves, i.e., the Holy Spirit. So what is the believer’s role? We need to be willing to be led by the Holy Spirit. This calls for a Christ-like attitude of “not my will be done but thine,” a prayerful attitude of God’s “will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Mt 6:10)-” – {preceptaustin commentries}
The evidence here that we are “children of God,” and being “led by the Spirit,” is that we war against our sin. Now, compare that to verse 5. “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh…” Their minds and lives are fixated with this world system and what it offers, not God’s and the evidence is where their mind is! They live for this earth. Contrast that with the believers ability and theri new mind set.”Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” -{Col 3:1-3}.
Those led by the Spirit think and live for His Kingdom and by His Holy Spirit and His Word He enables us to win our battles with sin. We are not powerless we have the power of His Word, “The Sword of The Spirit” to apply when tempted to sin against God.
The Spirit leads by gently instructing to enlighten, persuade and empower us. At times He brings HIS Word back to our remembrance,. Or He may have others share with us. Or something we have read or heard He uses.- {Read John 14:26; Col 3;16}. He will not force us, or beat us into submission. He can be “grieved,” by us through our disobedience.such as wrong attitudes or actions.-{Read Ephesians 4:26-31}. You can only hurt the one who loves you. And He loves us. Our part is to willingly submit to Him and His Word to instruct and empower us. We must have a teachable heart in order to be led. For God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble.-{1 Peter 5:5-6}.
Those who are being LED BY THE SPIRIT are those whom Paul describes in the chapter as those who are
- In “Christ Jesus.” – v 1
- Walk according to the Spirit – v 4
- Indwelt by the Spirit -v 9,11
- Are Putting to death the deeds of the body – v 13.
These are characterized of all those who are His Children. “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ” – V14.
In order to be “Led” implies following and the way we follow is in submission to Him and His Word. Applying it by His power to our lives! “Led,” the word is a verb. He is constantly leading us and we are constantly to follow His direction in His Word! Our submission is not an issue of legalism -“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.”-{Gal 5:18}. Our submission is an issue of love to Him who first loves us and we can no more obey in our own strength than we can create a galaxy and hang it in outer space! God works in us both to desire and do for His good pleasure.-{Read Phil 2:13}. He empowers us and gives us precious and magnificent promises to apply!-{Read 2 Peter 1:3-4}.
HOW DOES IT WORK PRACTICALLY?
He leads us to spiritual freedom to love others. Consider Gal 5:13-14- “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
If we have a critical attitude towards someone we can not selflessly love. The Holy Spirit convicts us and leads us to repent of that sin and replace it with His goal for our spiritual freedom which in the verses are through our freedom use it to serve, prefer others! This is one way we are putting to death the things that He is opposed to. But as the verse teach it is not enough to stop sinning such as STOP being critical but to replace it with START Loving others! This is one way we are led by the Spirit that effects our thinking and actions of those who have been liberated from sin and free to love others for Jesus sake! – { Read 2 Cor 4:5}. This is what is known as progressive sanctification. We are being changed, conformed into the image of Christ in our thinking, motivations and doings. The Spirit of God leads us into Christ-likeness!
” But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”-{Gal 5;16}
5. WITNESS OF BEING GOD’S CHILD.
” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,” V16
Note the assuring ministry of the Holy Spirit to the believer,“…we are…” We are what and whom God says we are and in this case it is we are…children of God! But someone might say,”Are we not all children of God?”Let Scripture answer,”This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.”-{1 John 3;10}.
“Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. “-{1 John 3:4}
“…the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning.”-{1 John 3:8}
There are TWO families upon the earth and everyone is in one or the others. So, “No” we are not all children of God!
Note the three evidences of not being a child of God from these verses. 1- Practice sin. 2. Do Not practice righteousness. 3- Does not love his brother!
Not everyone is a child of God. All have been created by God but there are two families and what separates the family is the issue of sin. The children of the devil “practice” sin. They are enslaved by sin and need to be “born again” to enter into a new family- God’s family! We are all created by God. and just as we are born physically, Jesus says ” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”-{John 3:3}. A second spiritual birth has to take place
We are who He says we are! “children of God!” The Spirit of God testifies or “bears witness” which speaks of intimacy, and to provide credible supporting evidence in testifying of something being true by testifying, giving support of. It’s in the present tense which means the Holy Spirit is continually doing this. The Greek word comes from two words ; “with” (sun) plus “bear witness” (martureo) speaks of an intimate union and intimate knowledge of the Holy Spirit that comes to our spirit assuring us we are His.
It is not that a follower of Christ does not sin, if we say we have no sin we are lying. But it is not our practice. It is a new mind set we have against it, because of a new heart, and a new relationship with God through our Lord Jesus. And the Holy Spirit testifies we are “children of God,” and His Word testifies to the changing life He is producing in us.-{Read Titus 2:11-13}.
6. DIVINE HELP IN PRAYER
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”- v 26
“In the same way,” as creation groans v22 and the believers groan v23 to be free from the corruption and defilement of sin, the Holy Spirit groans too for that day of redemption! Just as HOPE sustains us in time of suffering, {18-25}, so too in the same way The Holy Spirit will come to our aid and assist us in our time of weakness in our trials. The idea is that we have more thank enough resources for each and every trial we encounter because of Him!
Both Hope ans the Spirit sustain and supply to us what is needed in time of testing!
“HELP”– {sunantilambanomai}-
Winslow writes…
The word here rendered helps properly means to take part with. It implies, not merely sympathy with, but a personal participation in our infirmity. The Spirit helps our infirmities by sharing them with us.”
The word speaks of coming alongside someone to help them carry or lift a load, Not carrying the whole load but assisting them with the load as in the case of Martha saying to Jesus”tell her to help,” {Luke 10:40}. The Holy Spirit comes to assist, help you in your distress, time of need, NOT by taking over but by helping you overcome your problems and work it out. A. T. Robertson says “The Holy Spirit lays hold of our weaknesses along with(sun) us and carries His part of the burden facing us (anti) as if two men were carrying a log, one at each end.”
“WEAKNESS,”– Literally means, “without strength, the state of incapacity to do or experience something, in this case to help us in your praying. It is a spiritual not physical weakness, when we do not know what to pray.
Vine says, “Without the aid of the Holy Spirit our patience would fail and we should succumb to despair. (Collected writings of W. E. Vine.) ”
“Paul has something specific in mind. We are weak in our ability to know what we should ask. Many times we really don’t know what we should specifically pray for. We are not omniscient. We don’t know everything, nor can we see into the future. So we don’t know whether the things we’re asking for will turn out good or bad for us.”– {Robert Morgan}.
Such are some of the PROMISES of GOD For you and all believers.
Promises of…
- Spiritual Freedom;
- Future Glory;
- Victory Over sin;
- Guidance;
- Witness of Being A Child Of God;
- Help.
Praise Him, Thank Him, APPLY His Promises. Tell others of His promises, rest in His love and provision for you!