The Spirit’s Ministry to the Believer Romans 8:14-27

The Ministry of the Spirit in Romans 8 The Spirit gives us life and freedom from the body of sin (8:1-14) The Spirit grants us assurance of our sonship (8:15-16) The Spirit provides hope for our future adoption/redemption of our bodies (8:17-25)

(From Pastor Jon Courson) Our past … No Condemnation (8:1-17) Our future … No Separation (8:31-39) Our present … No Consternation (8:18-30)

The Spirit Grants Us Assurance of Our Sonship (8:15-17)

…Perfect Love Casts Out Fear… v. 15- “a spirit of slavery leading to fear again” (New American Standard Bible) (life under the law and without Christ) …Perfect Love Casts Out Fear…

1 John 4:17-18 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Spirit of Adoption Huiothesia- the placing as an {adult} son (with full rights and privileges, with the need to grow in maturity) Contrast teknon (children, offspring) with huios (mature, adult sons)

Mark 14:36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

“If indeed we suffer with Him…” Physical suffering because of persecution Emotional suffering due to separation Suffering due to life's uncertainties Emotional suffering due to mocking, rejection, etc.

Suffering: scriptural support Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake... Philippians 3:10 …that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death… 1 Peter 2:20-21 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps...

The Spirit’s Ministry to the Believer The Futility and Frustration of Living In a Fallen World (8:18-22)

The Spirit’s Ministry to the Believer The Pain and Pressure of Living with Fallen Bodies (8:23-25)

The Spirit Helps Us In Our Weaknesses (8:26-27)

proginosko- to know beforehand proorizo- to limit in advance, i.e. (fig.) predetermine:—determine before, ordain, predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son Those whom He “foreknew” (proginosko- to know beforehand), He “predestined” (proorizo- determined beforehand) to be conformed to the image of His Son

“What did He predestinate of them? Not that they should love God. Not that they should believe; nor that some should be saved and others damned; but that those who he saw beforehand would love God, should be conformed to the image of his Son. The only thing predestinated, or foreordained, is that those who love God as revealed in Christ shall become Christ-like in life, and like Christ in eternity. This is the only decree in the passage.” People’s New Testament Commentary

“Called” — kaleo- summoned by God to salvation (Ryrie) Matthew 9:13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Matthew 22:3 “...and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.”

“Justified” — dikaioo (from dikaios, righteousness, just, etc.) Romans 3:24...being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus... Luke 18:14 “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

“Glorified” — doxazo- to render (or esteem) glorious, glorify, honor, magnify John 17:5 “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” Zechariah 3:3-5 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the LORD stood by.

God Is For Us Romans 8:31-39

Conclusion: Nothing Can Separate Us From God’s Love! (8:31-39)

“What then shall we say to these things?” FIRST QUESTION

“Who can be against us?” SECOND QUESTION

GREAT TRUTH #1 God is for us

“He who did not spare His own Son...” THIRD QUESTION

GREAT TRUTH #2 He will freely give us all we need; there are no limits to His generosity Answering the fear of abandonment Answering the fear of destitution Answering the problems of inadequacy

“Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?” FOURTH QUESTION

GREAT TRUTH #3 We are righteous, justified by God Himself — no indictments against us can “stick”

“Who is he who condemns?” FIFTH QUESTION

GREAT TRUTH #4 Christ loves us and is praying for us

Hebrews 7:24-25 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” SIXTH QUESTION

“Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword?” SEVENTH QUESTION

GREAT TRUTH #5 We cannot be separated from God's love (combination of questions six and seven)