THE LIFE-CHANGING MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Romans 8:1-17

What does the Holy Spirit do in our life when we trust Christ as our Savior?

THEOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Scripture describes 4 aspects of His coming into our life to reside in us.

        1. REGENERATION– The Holy Spirit gives us new life and we become new creatures in Christ. John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5 =”Born again”

        2. INDWELLING– The new life which we receive is the result of the Holy Spirit’s presence within us. John 14:16-17; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Rom. 8:9 =”to come upon;” “to fall on.”

                 Since He lives within us, He gives us life.

        3. BAPTISM– The Holy Spirit unites us with the Church, the Body of Christ, and enables us to minister within it. 1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 1:5

        4. SEALING– The presence of the Holy Spirit within us guarantees that God will keep us and complete His work in us. Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:21-22

PAUL’S APPROACH TO THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Romans 8:1-17

    Emphasis on the practical aspects of this doctrine.

        Colossians = in Christ we have all we need–“We are complete in Him.”

Part of this provision is the Holy Spirit who enables us to live in a way that pleases God.

    The EFFECT of the Gospel Rom. 6-8

        It is the basis for holy living 8:1-30

In contrast to the law, which could not provide the power to live a holy life, the Gospel does provide the power for holy living.

            The power comes from the Holy Spirit who lives within us.

    Power for holy living 8:1-11

        1. The principle stated 8:1-4

The power to live a holy life comes from the Holy Spirit who lives in all who have trusted Christ. 8:4

“Sinful nature” = “flesh” = our own best efforts

                              =that which I produce when I give it “my best shot”

        2. The way of the flesh 8:5-8

Man’s “best efforts” will never be good enough to satisfy a holy God. 8:7-8

        3. The way of the Spirit 8:9-11

The same God who raised Christ by His Spirit gives us new life by His Spirit. 8:11; Eph. 1:19-20; Phil. 3:10-11

“To attain to the resurrection from the dead”

= to experience in daily life the reality of being raised with Christ.

    Obligation to holy living 8:12-17

        As God’s children, we ought to act like our Father.

            Lev. 11:44-45;  19:2;    1 Pet. 1:15-16

        1. The debt 8:12-13

Because of His great provision to us, we ought to take advantage of the resources He has given us.

        2. The cause 8:14-17

The Holy Spirit who resides in us confirms the reality of our new relationship with God as His adopted children. 8:16-17

Therefore, we are His heirs and co-heirs with Christ.

Therefore, we receive the divine blessings which God has promised to His children, including a holy life.

In the light of this great provision which God has given us, and the debt which is ours, how should we live?

What change does God want to see in our life?

Christ did not start out saying:

        “Now I want to warn you about this doctrine of the Holy Spirit!”

You would think that’s what He said from the way many non-charismatic. Bible-believing Christians talk about Him!

    This is exciting, life-changing truth.

        We need to know about it.

        We need to believe it.

        We ought to get excited about it.

        Even more, we must experience it in our own life!