Romans 8:12-17

MAIN IDEA: Bring led by the Spirit, confronts, convicts, confirms and counsels sons and daughters of Jesus Christ.

Being led by the Spirit confronts and convicts any self-inflicted obligations to my sinful nature.

Scripture Text: Romans 8:12-14

Romans 8:12–14 ESV

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 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. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Action is required. Self-inflicted obligations to my sinful nature will be present until I put them to death.

My sanctification is always guided by the Holy Spirit’s confrontation and conviction. It is never developed through simply trying harder.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 turn here.

One commentator wrote this, “Sanctification is not a luxury but a necessity…The temptations of the fleshly nature are virtually constant; hence the necessity to continually ‘put to death the misdeeds of the body’. This is only part of the divine plan - the clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus in such complete pre-occupation with him and his will that the believer does not think about gratifying the desires of the flesh.”

The obligations that we have to respond to the confrontation and conviction of the Holy Spirit is evidence that we are sons and daughters of God.

Being led by the Spirit transforms my old life of bondage and fear into a new life of spiritual eagerness.

Scripture Text: Romans 8:15

Romans 8:15 ESV

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

There is a “daddy factor” in this verse.

Being led by the Spirit confirms my sonship (or daughtership) and anticipates a coming inheritance.

Scripture Text: Romans 8:16-17

Romans 8:16–17 ESV

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Why is it important for the Holy Spirit to bear witness to my spirit? First, Deut 17:6 and Matt 18:16 show that every matter was to be established by two or three witnesses. Second, John 16:7-11 shows us the Holy Spirit confronts, convicts, confirms, and counsels. When the Holy Spirit bears witness in our life, we are reminded that our adoption is secure.

If we want to enjoy the confirmation and counsel, we need to accept the confrontation and conviction.

Present the path to salvation concisely and clearly!!! Today can be your day to know Jesus personally.