Does the Spirit Have You?

Romans 8:12-17 (NKJV)

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 

Romans 8 is the Christian’s “Declaration of Freedom,” for in it Paul declares the Four Spiritual Freedoms we enjoy because of our union with Jesus Christ.

• Freedom from Judgment - No Condemnation (Rom. 8:1-4)
• Freedom from Defeat - No Obligation (Rom. 8:5–17) 
• Freedom from Discouragement - No Frustration (Rom. 8:18–30)
• Freedom from Fear - No Separation (Rom. 8:31–39)

In this section, Paul described life on three different levels; and he encourages us to live on the highest level.

1. You have not the Spirit (v. 5-8)
2. You have the Spirit (v. 9-11)
3. The Spirit has you (v. 12-17)

Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (ESV) “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

The "Indwelling of the Holy Spirit" is the biblical doctrine that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the believer at the moment of salvation. This indwelling makes the believer’s body a temple—a sacred dwelling place of God.

Key Supporting Scriptures

• 1 Corinthians 6:19 (ESV) Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God…
• Romans 8:9 (NIV) ...if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
• John 14:15-17 (NKJV) “…for He dwells with you and will be in you.

After reviewing these passages of Scripture we should:

• Recognize the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17)
• Understand you are not your one – you were bought with a price (1 Peter 1:18-19)
• Glorify God with your body (Romans 12:1; 1 Cor 10:31)

THE SPIRIT HAS YOU

Because He is “the Spirit of Life,” He can empower us to obey Christ, and enable us to be more like Christ.

Notice in (Rom. 8:14–17) the Holy Spirit is also “the Spirit of adoption.”

We are then “led of the Spirit.”

We cry, "Abba, Father”

Romans 8 is the true antidote for depression!

When a person is going through depression, it is always in one of three areas.

1. He is haunted by something in his past
2. He is anxious by something in his future.
3. He is weighed down by something presently.

Antidote for the PAST: Romans 8:1 – there is no condemnation concerning the past!

Antidote for the FUTURE: Romans 8:38-39 – there’s no separation from God’s love!

Antidote for the PRESENT: Romans 8:28 – all things are working together for the good!

What level are you currently on?

1. You have not the Spirit (v. 5-8) - unsaved
2. You have the Spirit (v. 9-11) - saved
3. The Spirit has you (v. 12-17) – living the abundant life