One of the things I notice in Romans is that Paul says Christians can call God our “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). “Abba” is, of course, the Aramaic word for Father. It should be noted that the Aramaic and Hebrew languages were very similar and these are the languages in which the Old Testament was written. To address God by this name shows the most intimate relationship with Him because it is like calling Him “daddy.”
If a person does not have the Spirit of God then they are not His (Romans 8:9). So if a person wants to belong to Him and have His Spirit they must follow God’s will. If these steps have been followed, and if they live faithfully, then they are worthy to be called His children and they will be rewarded (Revelation 2:10). Those who are not children of God will not inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21ff).
By “bearing witness” with the Christian’s spirit one of the great mysteries can be seen concerning a ministry of the Spirit and sonship (Romans 8:16). This is an affirmation of the intimate fellowship between the Christian and God. Those who commune with God the Holy Spirit will find comfort in the assurance of God’s gracious fatherhood for them.
The Holy Spirit is essential to ultimate glory (Romans 8:17). Christians are “heirs of God” if they “are His children” (Romans 8:17). This is seen in Galatians 3:29, Ephesians 3:1-7, Titus 3:7, Hebrews 6:17, 11:9, James 2:5, I Peter 2:9, 3:7, etc. As the child is heir to the parents, Christians are heirs of God. Because of this they are united with Christ and shall share the wonder of eternal life with God. The Spirit of God is essential to ultimate glory because it is essential to inherit eternal life.
The Holy Spirit produces hope (Romans 8:18-25). It is important to notice “the sufferings of this present time” (Romans 8:18). The suffering of Christians in a world that does not recognize Christ is one of the conditions for inheritance of future glory with Him. This is in agreement with the fact that the Holy Spirit is essential to ultimate glory. This hope can be seen in many different ways. Christians will suffer persecution (II Timothy 3:12) but are urged to remain faithful (Revelation 2:10). The Holy Spirit guides through prayer, study, and also through the written word. These are all aspects of that great hope.
The hope of eternal life with God is the hope that is mentioned here (Romans 8:24-25). Faith appears with faith and love as Paul’s three fundamental principles of the Christian life (I Corinthians 13:13). So by having the Spirit of God, Christians gain hope in two ways. They gain the hope that they can inherit eternal life and they gain the hope that they can get through trials and temptations.
The Holy Spirit helps in prayer (Romans 8:26-27). The Spirit makes intercession for a person when they pray (Romans 8:27, Jude 20). This is a promise from God to help Christians pray more effectively. The Spirit intercedes for them as they pray, according to the will of God. Jesus Himself submits to this will (Luke 22:42), and Christians too must be committed to the Lord and His will.
*** More next week***
You are loved.
Dr. Ray Reynolds
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