It is easy in spiritual matters for us to allow the mechanics of how God does a thing to so bog us down that we lose sight of the blessings.

We become so concerned about how God answers prayer that we forget He does.

We worry so much about how God makes all things work together for good that we begin to doubt that He does (see Romans 8:28).

We have made this mistake on what the Spirit does for a Christian. Our great question for years has been how the Spirit operates in a Christian, not what He does.

We have become so bogged down on the matter that if someone says he is led by the Spirit we think he is becoming a fanatic (cf. Romans 8:14). At the same time we can say we are providentially led and no one becomes concerned. Yet the words “providentially led” are not in the Bible.

In this lesson I want to open-mindedly study what the Bible says about the Spirit’s work.

1. Let’s believe what the Bible says.
2. The Bible teaches that miracles have ceased.
3. Thus, the Spirit’s work is not miraculous.
4. But what does He do?

HE SEATS US AND PROMISES MORE TO COME.

“If any man hath not the spirit of Christ he is none of His” (Romans 8:9).

Thus, believing the Spirit assures ownership. His presence in our lives identifies us as Christ’s.

He is the “earnest of our inheritance.”

God has promised us mansions in heaven (John 14:1-3). How do I know His promise is for real? We have the earnest present!

HE STRENGTHENS US IN THE INNER MAN (3:14-21).

This passage says we have something to pray about. This is associated with God’s rich grace. This is something we need (6:10; 2 Timothy 1:7).

The real strength is always on the inside. God is able to so bless.

HE GIVES LIFE TO OUR MORTAL BODIES (Romans 8:11).

This passage probably refers to the resurrection from the dead. It is possible, though, that it has to do with our mortifying the deeds of the body or works of the flesh (Romans 8:12, 13).

It is often difficult to rid myself of sins of the flesh, but the Spirit helps.

HE BEARS WITNESS THAT WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD (ROMANS 8:14-17).

We were slaves of sin. Now we have received the spirit of adoption, so we can cry, “Abba, Father.”

We are children now, sons of God. As such we are heirs of God and joint heirs of Christ.

The result is to be glory (Romans 8:17, 18).

HE HELPS OUR INFIRMITIES (Romans 8:26).

One way the Spirit does this is by making intercession for us. B. But that is just one illustration of His help. He is always concerned to help us overcome.

CONCLUSION

Do you have the Holy Spirit working for you? You can have. All who obey the Lord through immersion in water in order to have sins forgiven receive the gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38).