Getting to know the Holy Spirit: Life in the Spirit - Romans 8

Now that we have had a look at the man Paul and how he was converted, changed and trained, let’s now look at what he tells us about living life in the Spirit from Romans 8.

Let’s bear in mind that the Church in Rome was under savage persecution and most of their activity and worship took place ‘underground’. Many believers had been put to death. At the time Paul’s letter was written the Roman Emperor at the time was the heartless Nero.

Paul new that in order for the Christians in Rome to overcome the persecution of Nero, it was imperative for them to live life in the Spirit. Paul’s letters are written for a specific purpose and always to build up and to edify the Church and to correct error.

Below, from Romans 8, is a list of the benefits we receive in living life through the Holy Spirit for those who are in Christ Jesus. This list is by no means exhaustive.

• There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus – verse 1.
• The Holy Spirit gives us life and freedom in Christ Jesus – verse 2.
• The Holy Spirit enables us to live life in the Spirit and not according to the flesh (our sinful nature) – verses 3 and 4.
• The Holy Spirit allows us to set our minds on what God desires for us – verse 5. 
• The Holy Spirit allows us to set our minds on life and peace in Christ Jesus – verse 6.
• The Holy Spirit allows us to be pleasing in the eyes of God – verse 8. 
• If we do not have the Holy Spirit in us, then we do not belong to Christ – verse 9. 
• The Holy Spirit gives life because of righteousness – verse 10. 
• The Holy Spirit will raise us from the dead as He did for Jesus – verses 10 and 11. 
• If we are led by the Holy Spirit, then we are truly children of God – verse 14. 
• The Holy Spirit brings about our adoption to sonship – verse 15. 
• The Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God – verse 16. 
• The Holy Spirit enables us to be heirs of God along with Jesus – verse 17
• The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses – verse 26. 
• The Holy Spirit intercedes for us – verses 26, 27. 
• The Holy Spirit knows our hearts – verse 27. 
• It is the Holy Spirit that helps us to conform to the image of Christ Jesus – verse 29.
• Through the Holy Spirit we can overcome our present suffering and look forward to future glory in Christ Jesus – Romans 8:18-30 
  
  
  The Holy Spirit will enable and empower you to overcome your present sufferings, trials and tribulations, (remember the words of Jesus in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world”) and lead you into the future glory that God intends for you. 
  
  
  Through the Holy Spirit we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus – Romans 8:31-39. 
  
  
  When we as Christians, are filled with the Holy Spirit and are obedient to His promptings and to God’s Word, we are overcomers! More than conquerors! For the Holy Spirit, just like Jesus, intercedes with God on our behalf which guarantees us victory over this world.

Life in the Spirit for those who are in Christ Jesus - to Him alone belongs all glory, honour and praise!

An extract from my book: Fan Into Flame: Life in the Spirit available on Paperback:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1798692120