Otium Sanctum

Romans, chapter 8 is the letter's section on the Spirit. This chapter, together with John 14-16 can be taken as a beautiful catechism on the Third Person of the Trinity and his relationship with the individual Christian. The first part of the article will show where in Romans 8 do we find references to the Spirit. It will be followed by a brief summary of the contents of chapter 8. Finally, I will draw some insights from the text of chapter 8 as my summary and conclusion. Below are the references that mention the Holy Spirit. These passages can also serve as highlights after you've read my paraphrase of chapter 8 below. Ro 8:2 For the law of the spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, hath delivered me from the law of sin and of death. Ro 8:4 That the justification of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. Ro 8:5 For they that are according to the flesh mind the things that are of the flesh: but they that are according to the spirit mind the things that are of the spirit. Ro 8:6 For the wisdom of the flesh is death: but the wisdom of the spirit is life and peace. Ro 8:9 But you are not in the flesh, but 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. Ro 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body indeed is dead, because of sin: but the spirit liveth, because of justification. Ro 8:11 And if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you; he that raised up Jesus Christ, from the dead shall quicken also your mortal bodies, because of his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Ro 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die: but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. Ro 8:14 For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Ro 8:15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear: but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father). Ro 8:16 For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit that we are the sons of God. Ro 8:23 And not only it, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit: even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God, the redemption of our body. Ro 8:26 Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity. For, we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit himself asketh for us with unspeakable groanings, Ro 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what the Spirit desireth: because he asketh for the saints according to God. Chapter 8 can be summarized thus: After a brief recapitulation of the preceding section on the incapacity of the Law to justify man (vv.1-3), Paul introduces the topic (vv.4-5): Life in the Spirit. His argument runs this way: as the Flesh is hostile to God and will never please Him (and will therefore be subject to His wrath), vv.6-8, So the Christian, because he is no longer controlled by the Flesh must live according to the Spirit.If the Flesh leads to death, so the Spirit leads to Life (vv. 9-11). The Christian has the obligation to live according to the Spirit because he is meant to live (vv.12-13), for they have become "sons of God" (14) By baptism, the Christian has become a co-heir with Christ since he can now call God "Abba" (vv. 15-17) And this is the ground for our Hope in these difficult times. If we groan under the difficulties of this present life, so too does the whole of creation. Its groaning is like that of a woman in labor, waiting for the revelation of the sons of God. We who groan now await the final stage when even our bodies, together with the whole of creation shall finally be completely redeemed (18-25). Even in this moment of difficulties, the Spirit helps us. If we groan, he too groans within us as he intercedes for us (vv.26-27). Given all the above, we can safely say "God works for the good of all who love him." He has sent His Son to undo the Sin of Adam, and He continues to empower us through His Spirit that we may -- even in these difficult times -- find the strength to go on until our hopes are finally realized. He knew us, called us, justified us and will glorify us. (vv.28-30) What should be our response to all these? His love assures us that we can no longer find condemnation (34cf. 8:1) Nothing can separate us from His love. (vv. 31-39). It is for this that WE (Paul and his companions) would endure hardship that YOU (Romans -- and other Christians) may experience the truth of this Gospel (cf. the quotation from Ps. 44:22 in verse 36) In brief: 1. The assurance of the Christian that he will no longer be condemned is the Spirit who has been poured into his heart (cf. Rom. 5:5) 2. This Spirit is a Spirit of sonship that empowers the Christian to call God "Abba." Since he is now a son of God, he has become a co-heir in Christ. 3. As the Spirit dwells in the Christian, so the Christian must also live according to the Spirit. He has been freed from Sin, and he is no longer controlled by the Flesh. By living according to the Spirit of Life, he too will live, not die. 4. Life may be difficult. But such difficulties such be seen as part of a "greater difficulty" -- creation's labor pains. The joy at the end of these pains will be incomparable to the toil and hardship we now experience. Even in these difficulties, Spirit accompanies us, interceding for us. Even here we see what kind of assurance we have. 5. God has shown us His love. Our response should be to receive His gifts to us with gratitude and trust, continuing to hope amidst our hardship, for we know that since he has not held back anything for us, nothing will overpower us.