Romans Chapter 8

Personal Pentecost

Introduction

        Romans 6 - Position / Placement in Christ

        Romans 7 - Problem in the inner man

        Romans 8 - Provision for victory through the Spirit

        "The Spirit" - 17 times in this chapter

        Holy Spirit is the comforter = Helper (Gr. Parakletos)

        The only Person on Earth to make good the benefits of Godhead!

        This chapter can be called as Paul's Pentecost or our Personal Pentecost.

Seven Functional Titles of the Holy Spirit

1. Spirit of LIFE - "to set free" [v 2]

          Sin brings us into bondage and death.

          Holy Spirit is the Spirit of life.

          vv 3-8: Deliverance from life in the flesh to life in the Spirit.

          Spiritual mindedness - Seat of true religion (Col 3:1-4)

2. Spirit of GOD - "to indwell" [v 9]

        Dispensation of the Father  - God among His people

        Dispensation of the Son - God with His people

        Dispensation of the Holy Spirit - God in His people (Jn 14:17)

        "indwell" = feel at home!

         Similar usage -1 Tim 6:16

                  Our privilege (1 Cor 3:16)

                 Our responsibility (An awful fact!) (1 Cor 3:17)

        Christ's attitude towards temple abuse (Mk 11:15-17)

3. Spirit of CHRIST - "to identify" [v 9]

    Reality supplied by the Spirit for the following -

        ·        Receiving Christ (Jn 1:12; Col 1:27)

        ·        Gathering in Christ's Name (Mt 18:20)

        ·        Companionship in the ministry (Mt 28:18-20)

    This reality is guaranteed by the Spirit when we walk in faith (2 Cor 5:1, 5-7)

4. Spirit of POWER/MIGHT - "to give life/quicken" [v 11]

        mortal body = dying

        Two attacks -

                i) Sin - Refuse - Say "NO"

                        Ability by the Spirit (vv 12-13)

                        e.g. Self-control-Fruit of Spirit

                ii) Sickness - Rebuke

5. Spirit of LEADING - "to guide" [v 14]

        Children (Jn 1:12)   - Rejoicing over Privilege

         Sons (maturity)       - Realising the Responsibility

        The Spirit leads us  -

            ·        into all truth (Jn 16:13)

            ·        unto holiness (1 Cor 6:11)

            ·        to right decisions (Acts 16:6,7)

6. Spirit of WITNESSING - "to cheer" [v 16]

        Amidst suffering (vv 17-25)

                e.g. Acts 13:50-52

7. Spirit of ADOPTION - "to intercede" [v 15,26,27]

        This is not just we praying in the Spirit.

        Note the words - "the Spirit Himself"

        - Even the strongest saint is weak in prayer. 

        It is because the Spirit Himself prays, "ALL things work for GOOD" (v 28)

        vv 29-30     - HE predestined

                           - HE called

                           - HE glorified

                                                Hallelujah!

Conclusion [vv 31-39]

        No one can condemn us! (v 1,33)

        No one or nothing can separate us! (vv 35,38,39)

        No one can conquer us! (v 37)

        This is what our personal Pentecost means.