We have looked at the leading of the Spirit in Romans chp 8 so far in terms of:
What is the leading of the Spirit doctrinally?
Considered the link with 8:13 and that the leading of the Spirit will lead us to mortify the deeds of the body.
We considered however that this was not a narrow thing but a broad matter, encompassing the story of Romans so far: dealing with Gods work in us leading us from sin (chp 1) and from self (chp 2) to salvation (chp 3) and sanctification (chp 6-8).
Considered that this is not only negative work for the Spirit of God leaving us dead, like the man left for dead at the side of the Jericho road, but Gods Spirit is the Spirit of Life (8:2,6,10,11).
How does the Spirit lead practically?
Suggested that perhaps for the most part this leading is the result of the replacement in our lives of the flesh as the motivating force with the Spirit of God and His Gracious work in us being the motivating force behind our decisions.
We noted the connection between v12 and v13 “for”
The believer now lives after the Spirit in a fashion similar to the way he once lived according to the flesh.
The flesh once led by Passions and Pride (1 John 2:15), for profit and prosperity (1Tim 6:10), for pleasure (2 Tim 3:4); for popularity (2 Tim4:3) and pre-eminence (3 John1:9), the Spirit now leads in a completely different direction and by a completely new set of values; motivated by the love of God and the love of those who love God (1 John 4+5); by the “joy of the Lord” for the praise of God and not men, for the “well done good and faithful servant” - there indeed is praise worth hearing and that “in all things He might have the pre-eminence.”
We thought of some practical examples of the particular leading of the Spirit in Deut 8: by the Truth (Deut 8:1), in the Way (Deut 8:2) and into Life (Deut 8:3).
So Gods Spirit leads me, but one further question:
Where does His Spirit lead me to?
Important question! We would hardly set off on a car not knowing where we were going to!
Sadly whilst few of us would set off on a car journey without knowing where we are going many seem to set off on the Christian life without pausing to consider where we are going.
Practical question for it happens to be the answer to a number of other questions:
What is God doing in my life?
Why did I just go through that period of suffering?
What is the goal of the Christian life? Orthodoxy? Good works? Meeting going? Grave stone in Whitley Bay: 'She served this church well.'
Should I be going to the meetings?
What meeting or church should I be going to? Why?
His Spirit is leading me to:
My Christian ambition ought to lead me to:
The preaching from the platform ought to lead me to:
Suffering by the hand of Gods Grace will lead me to:
Righteousness: “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear”
Relationship “but ye have received the Spirit of adoption”
Reality: “whereby we cry, Abba, Father”
Reassurance (v16)
To paraphrase vs 15:
'Because you do not have the Spirit who keeps you trapped in a sinful way of life, afraid to face God as a sinner when you die, but the Spirit you have received brings you into a radically new relationship with the very God you once ran away from in fear. So great is the transformation that you now feel free to speak to that same God in the closest of trusting terms saying: 'daddy' '
Righteousness
Some items have absolute value in life: gold wedding ring
Some items have relative value: mothers wedding photos
Some items have both absolute and relative values: an engagement ring
Righteousness in Roms 8 has both absolute value – it is the character of God as well as relative value; it is necessary for me to enjoy His presence. The way in which the Spirit of God has led us through Romans chp 8; in the paths of righteousness and putting to death the deeds of the body (8:13) – has a purpose that I might know and enjoy the presence of God practically in my life (8:15).
The character of Gods Spirit is: “not...of bondage” (8:15) - bondage to what? Where does the idea of bondage arise from in this verse? Note the “for” in this verse connects us back. He releases me from what? The answer lies in vs 12 to 14, from bondage to:
The deeds of the body (v13)
The flesh (v13, 12)
Sin (v10)
Law of Sin (v2)
That leading out of sin and into righteousness isn't a restrictive thing, it is a liberating event: Ps 16:10-11; Gal 5:1; Jo 8:30ff.
True freedom is the freedom to be what God desires us to be.
The character of Gods Spirit is that of a Spirit who leads us to freedom from “fear” (8:15). “Fear” of what?
Death (v2)
Death (v6)
Death and subsequently facing God as our enemy (v7)
Here is real freedom, beyond any freedom man can give: this is freedom to die! Cf:
Paul (Phil 1; 2 Tim4)
Samson: “let me die” (Judges 16:30)
Elijah: “take away my life” (1 Kings 19:4)
Christ: “into thy hands I commend my Spirit”
Relationship
Gods Spirit is the Spirit of adoption
Salvation is not just about what we get from God but a relationship with God
Gods purpose in saving us: relationship and resemblance
Reality
Is it really such a bad thing if:
The problems of life
The failing of health
The disappointments with friends
The struggles of the Christian life
The challenges of evangelism
The conflicts at work
The demands of the assembly
The failure of flesh
The weakness of the body
The despair of discouragement
Lead me to this: to cry “Abba Father”?
Is that really such a bad thing?
The message of Romans is that it is not only not such a bad thing, rather it makes it all worth it!
It is the very purpose of these trials and tragedies to bring me to open honesty with God!
Reassurance
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” (Rom 8:16)
Where does that reassurance come from?
Some things we take for granted as though they just happen!
What causes me to pray when I hit problems?
Why don't I seek:
a second opinion
financial advice
help from friends and family
'Mrs Yackity'
revenge
a good lawyer
The believer prays! Why?
The reassurance of the Spirit – this is the right thing to do, there is a God who hears and understands and who responds, He is your Father!
Of course if that didn't satisfy we probably wouldn't do it again
We have the added assurance of a response to our prayer:
Experience the Presence of Christ
Expound the Truth of Christ
Enjoy the Peace of Christ
Express the Character of Christ
Exposed to the Righteousness of Christ
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
Consider Psalm 17:
Righteousness
Psalm 17:1: “Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips”
Relationship
Psalm 17:1: “Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips”
Reality
Psalm 17:1: “Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips”
This proceeds out of Gods dealings in the soul in:
Sanctification (17:3-5)
Suffering (17:9-14)
Sovereignty (17:13-14)
Leading ultimately to:
Transformation (17:15)
Notes from our bible study teaching series of messages preached systematically, verse by verse, through Paul's letter to the Romans. Free to download audio mp3 recordings of this sermon and other sermons are available at the end of this blog and on the website page.
Yours by Grace in Christ
Dr J Stewart Gillespie