Victory Through the Spirit

Paul was honest. He admitted doing “the very thing I hate.” He felt like a “wretched man.” Trapped. Seeking freedom from the weaknesses of his flesh.

Then, turning to a new chapter (Romans 8), Paul describes his discovery of the importance of the “Spirit.” (The Greek word is used 22 times in this chapter!) His message: The Spirit doesn’t improve us. He changes us. And changes everything in our lives.

This chapter reveals the vast scope of His impact. The Spirit frees us from condemnation and the hold of sin and death. He changes our will and affection, and helps us break free from the weaknesses of our flesh. The Spirit gives us life and peace. He ends our hostility with God and allows us to live in harmony with Him. He helps us please God. He gives life and health.

The Spirit frees us from fears and bondage, and enables us to be adopted into God’s family. Through the Spirit we can have an intimate relationship with God as our Father. He helps us in our weak, human condition, and “prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words” (Romans 8:26 NLT).

In your journey, you may experience struggles and weaknesses. But remember that God has given you His Spirit. As Jesus promised, He was given to teach you all things. To guide you “into all the truth.” As Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63).

Today, remember that the Spirit is with you. Your comforter, teacher, and guide. To enable you to do what your flesh cannot.