The Life-Giving Spirit

BY SEAN STANTON

One of the great chapters in the Bible is Romans 8. In the preceding seven chapters, the Spirit is barely mentioned, as Paul with forensic accuracy, explains the gospel of Jesus Christ. He declares that the gospel is “the power of God that brings salvation.”

Then, in Romans 8, he references the work of the Holy Spirit 19 times in 14 verses in one chapter.. It’s the Holy Spirit that connects us to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and to the heart of God the Father.

Paul says that a new life opens before those who put their trust in Christ and who depend on the leading of the Holy Spirit. "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace." (Romans 8:5–6 (NLT)

Someone opposing the ministry of D.L. Moody somewhat sarcastically said, “To hear you talk, one would think that D.L. Moody has a monopoly on the Holy Spirit.” “No,” said one pastor wisely. “We do not intend to create that impression. But I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on D.L. Moody.”

There is not a single imperative, command or action directed toward us in the whole chapter. Paul is talking about the life in the Spirit – life which the Spirit guides so constantly that there is no need for a string of commandments.1

Paul speaks to us, not in the context of idyllic circumstances, nor is he only speaking to perfect people.

In fact, the opposite is true. Life in the Spirit is for weak people facing testing, and terrible circumstances. In this eighth chapter, Paul speaks to people who are subjected to condemnation, weakness, groaning, present suffering, frustration, futility, bondage, decay, trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, slaughter, and demons. It’s written for people who at times don’t know what to do or how to pray.

No Condemnation

The chapter begins with no condemnation.

"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." Romans 8:1–2 (NLT)

No Defeat

In the middle, it declares there is no defeat 2

"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." Romans 8:37 (NLT)

No Separation

It ends with no separation

"I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.'" Romans 8:38–39 (NLT) >

Through the Holy Spirit working and through His intervention in our lives, dullness and deadness give way to life and vitality; in Him, bondage is banished and freedom reigns.3

THE SPIRIT WHO HELPS

'In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.' Romans 8:26 (NET)

Few subjects have caused more perplexity for more Christians than the subject of prayer unless perhaps it is the matter of knowing God’s will. What should I pray for? How should I pray? Can I pray with confidence, 'claiming' things by faith? Or do I have to make my prayers tentative, adding always, “If it be your will”? What happens if I pray wrongly? Can prayer do harm? Does prayer get God to change his mind? Can it change God’s plans? If not, does it even matter if I pray?4

The Greek word Paul uses for the Spirit’s role is a long one ('sunantilambanetai'), made up of three Greek words. The simple English translation 'helps' does not even come close to doing it justice. All together the word refers to a person coming alongside another to take part of a heavy load and so helping him bear it.

INVITE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO HELP YOU – in prayer, with wisdom, in strengthening you, in leading you, in comforting you, and in giving you hope in your weaknesses.

"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper (Paraclete, Comforter, Encourager, Counsellor, Advocate) will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."

John 16:7 (ESV)

Reference notes:

1 Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans (p. 299). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.

2 Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans (p. 299). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.

3 Briscoe, D. S., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1982). Romans (Vol. 29, p. 153). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.

4 Boice, J. M. (1991–). Romans: The Reign of Grace (Vol. 2, pp. 885–886). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.