Scripture has a lot to say about the work of the Holy Spirit. He is characterized throughout the Bible as

an active force with incredible power. In Genesis, He is described as the incredible power behind the act

of God speaking the world into existence. In Acts, He is described as a burning flame igniting the hearts

and emboldening the early church to live out their faith. While the power of the Holy Spirit is on display

in full force in these passages, there is another facet to the Spirit, one which is more personal and

intimate as he works as our intercessor, advocating for us on a deep and personal level. 

In Romans 8:12-17, Paul highlights three important and very personal works of the Holy Spirit as He

helps us in our everyday lives. 

The first thing Paul mentions is that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously (8:13). Here we see

that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will. By relying on the Spirit,

believers can overcome the desires of the flesh and lead lives characterized by righteousness. In fact - it

is only through the work of the Spirit that we can have victory over sin.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit is involved the work of adoption as children of God. Through the work of the

Holy Spirit, believers are adopted into the family of God (8:14-15). This adoption signifies a close and

intimate relationship with God, marked by the freedom and privilege of calling Him "Abba, Father." The

work of the Spirit here is to allow us to come before God as a little child would come to their father with

the comfort of knowing his unconditional love for them no matter the situation.

Thirdly, the Holy Spirit provides assurance to believers regarding their salvation and their identity as

children of God (8:16). This inner testimony of the Spirit provides believers with confidence and

assurance in their relationship with God. Satan loves to cast doubt in our minds as to our worthiness of

God’s acceptance. This work of the Spirit in these situations is to remind us of our secure position with

God, not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

Through the work of the Spirit, believers can live victoriously over the flesh, commune with God in a

closer relationship, and have complete assurance of their position in Christ. If you struggle in any of

these areas, ask for His help today and trust that He will not fail you.

By Paky Kramer

Paky leads APM Paving and has been at IBC since he was 9 years old. He and his wife, Traci, have been

married for 25 years and have two children, Caroline and Carver. He currently leads a Sunday morning

Bible study at Immanuel Tates Creek.