INDWELT
Romans 8:14–27
My friend Thurmond George compared the Book of Romans to the Swiss Alps as the highest order of theology. Further, he described Romans 8 as Mount Everest — the highest point in doctrinal truth! It’s important to note that Paul’s letter wasn’t divided into chapters and verses, and you can really see how Romans 8:1 fits with Paul’s teaching in Romans 7. He begins chapter 8 with this promise: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”
Every promise has a premise. The promise of “no condemnation” is based upon the premise that we are “in Christ Jesus.” In verse 3, Paul reminds his readers that God sent His Son to be a “sin offering” in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be met.
He goes on to contrast life in the flesh with life in the Spirit. One leads to death, the other to life. Life in the flesh puts us at war with God, whereas life in the Spirit brings peace with God. You can break chapter 8 into these sections: No condemnation (vv. 1–4); No obligation (vv. 5–17); No frustration (vv. 18–30) and No separation (vv. 31–39).
Relationship (14–17)
Paul expands on that thought in these verses. Not only does the Spirit give life, but He also empowers us to put to death those former sinful desires. In verse 14, Paul states that those who are led by the Spirit are children of God. “You received the Spirit of adoption, by Whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father!’” (v. 15). In the New Testament, “adoption” means “to be placed as an adult son.”
We enter the family by being born again, but God receives us with all the rank and privileges of the adult heir. The name “Abba” literally translates to “Daddy.” It was the personal, intimate and affectionate term used by Jesus for the Father.
In Roman culture, an adopted son could not be disinherited. Warren Wiersbe writes, “The Spirit teaches us from the Word, and then we receive God’s wealth by faith.”
Hope (18–25)
When God finished His creation in Genesis, He said, “It is good!” However, Paul tells us that these days, creation is not good; it is groaning. But there is a future day coming when God will set it right.
Paul tells his readers that the present sufferings don’t compare to the future glory that is coming. In 2 Corinthians 4, he calls this current suffering “light affliction.” That is significant coming from Paul, who was shipwrecked, stoned and left for dead, imprisoned, beaten and more.
Hope, you see, is always about the future. In the world, hope is wishful thinking. Biblical hope is confident assurance based upon the promises and character of God. What He promises, He will perform. How does hope help you to live with patience?
Help (26–27)
One of the wonderful blessings of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit is His ability to communicate those deep needs that we cannot clearly articulate. With deep groans, the Holy Spirit communicates those needs to the Father as He intercedes for the saints.
Has there been a time when you just didn’t know how or what to pray?
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
