Life by God's Spirit

Life by God's Spirit We do not find victory in ourselves, but in the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul explains it as follows in his letter to the Romans: “You are not carnal, but spiritual, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. But whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ is not his. But if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8,9-11). After explaining to Roman Christians that they are "not carnal" but "spiritual," Paul reveals five central aspects of their faith and ours as well. They are as follows:

abode of the Holy Spirit

The first aspect emphasizes the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in believers (verse 9). Paul writes that the Spirit of God dwells in us and has found his home in us. The Spirit of God dwells in us, it is not passing through. This constant presence is an essential part of our Christianity, as it shows that the Spirit is not just working in us temporarily, but actually alights in us and accompanies us on our journey of faith.

life in spirit

The second aspect relates to living in the Spirit and not in the flesh (verse 9). This means that we allow ourselves to be guided and influenced by the Holy Spirit so that it is the decisive influence in our lives. Through this intimate union with the Spirit, we are transformed as He unfolds in us a new heart and spirit like Jesus. This aspect shows that true Christianity means a life ruled and guided by the Holy Spirit.

belonging to Christ

The third aspect emphasizes the believer's belonging to Christ (verse 9). When we have the Spirit of Christ within us, we belong to Him and should count ourselves as His beloved possessions. This underscores the close relationship we as Christians have with Jesus and reminds us that we were bought by His blood. Our worth in His eyes is immeasurable, and this appreciation should strengthen and encourage us in our life of faith.

Spiritual vitality and righteousness

The fourth aspect relates to the spiritual vitality and righteousness that is given to us as Christians (verse 10). Although our bodies are mortal and doomed to die, we can be alive spiritually now because the gift of righteousness is ours and Christ's presence is at work in us. This spiritual aliveness is central to being a Christian and shows that we are alive in Christ Jesus by the Spirit.

assurance of the resurrection

The fifth and final aspect is the assurance of our resurrection (verse 11). Paul assures us that the resurrection of our mortal bodies is as certain as the resurrection of Jesus because the Spirit that raised him from the dead dwells in us. This assurance gives us hope and confidence that one day we will be resurrected and be with God forever. So the spirit dwells in us; we are under the influence of the Spirit; we belong to Christ; we are alive spiritually because of the righteousness and presence of Christ, and our mortal bodies are resurrected. What wonderful treasures does the spirit bring for us to think about and enjoy. They offer us complete security and absolute certainty, both in life and in death.

As Christians we are called to be aware of these aspects and to live them out in our daily lives in order to live in intimate communion with God and to fulfill our calling as his beloved children.

by Barry Robinson