Romans 8:1-39
In Romans 7 we were somewhat overwhelmed with I, and the wrestling match between the mind, serving the law of God, and the flesh, serving the law of sin. However, the Holy Spirit plays a predominant role in Romans 8. During the first seven chapters He is only mentioned twice. Now in this chapter we find fifteen references to Him in the first seventeen verses. The Spirit of God is at work.
This wonderful chapter begins with no condemnation. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1. (The remainder of this verse is not found in some manuscripts.) "The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death." What is the law of sin and death? We read about it in the previous chapter. The law of Moses revealed sin and brought death. Romans 7:7-11.
Later the questions are asked, "Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?," and "Who is he who condemns?" Nobody! Believers have been justified. We do not live under the constant threat of judicial punishment by God. Consider Isaiah 54:17. "'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,' says the Lord."
The Holy Spirit has taken up residence in every believer. "Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." Romans 8:9. Jesus Christ lives in us by His Spirit. Read Romans 8:9-11. The question is not how much we have of Him, but rather how much He has of us. Does He occupy every room in this residence? His indwelling presence is the dynamic in Christian living, the difference between life and death, victory and defeat.
He also leads the children of God. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14. Those born of God are not left to their own ways, but are led by God through the Spirit. He leads us constantly in our thought life, behavioral patterns, and lifestyle. He will never lead anyone to do anything contrary to the Word of God.
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." Romans 8:16. Charles Wesley understood this truth, and expressed it in one line of the hymn, Arise, My Soul, Arise. "His Spirit answers to the Blood, and tells me I am born of God."
The Holy Spirit prays for us. "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:26.
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31. The Spirit of God is at work in us and on our behalf. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. Grammatically "all things" in this verse may be either the subject or object of the verb. The NIV says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." God works in all things by His Spirit.
Heavenly Father, how blessed we are to be Your children! Thank You for continually working in our lives through Your Spirit. Thank You for the assurances that You give. May we always follow Your leading and direction. In Jesus' name. Amen!
