Romans 8:12-17
Does Jesus Live Here?

Introduction
1. In chapter 8 we have seen After the Flesh or After the Spirit. That is our Practice. In the Flesh
(lost) or In the Spirit (saved) that is our Position.
2. When we got saved Jesus moved in. The word is dwell in verse 11 which means, ‘to be at
home.’ Spirit becomes a key word of chapter 8.
3. Walk into your world. Examine your life. By the way you live is it evident that Jesus lives
here?
4. Romans 8:12-17 there are certain characteristics if Jesus lives here:

Does Jesus live here? Characteristics:
I. ASSERTION THROUGH THE SPIRIT 8:12,13
Brethren Paul is talking to believers.
A.There Is A Debt 12
1.Debtor is one who has an obligation. Not to the flesh. Flesh is a condition that causes man to live out of his own resources…meeting needs through his own strength. We have an obligation to the Spirit.
2.To live after the flesh…not to live after. It is a statement which characterizes the walk of a Christian or non-Christian. They are dominated by the Flesh.
*We have a debt or obligation to live after the Spirit.
*There is a knock at the door. It is the flesh of Terry Murray. That old fellow doesn’t live here anymore. There is a New Resident that lives here. It is the Spirit of Jesus Christ. With every knock if “I” (Self) goes to the door I’ll let him in. Because of this New Resident: I don’t owe sin, Satan or Self one thing!!
B. There Is A Death 13
1. Negative: For if you live after the flesh you will die. He is speaking to brothers in v. 12.
*This is not physical or eternal death. It is the opposite of: I have come that you might
have life and have it more abundantly.
*If the flesh controls my like there is ‘death’. It comes in many forms: guilt, fear,
bitterness, depression, etc. Joy, Peace, Purpose, Potential DIE!
*Note the insert: Manifestations of the Flesh: They ALL lead to death!
2. Positive: It is a choice. It is an obligation. If you, through the One living in you, put to
death the deeds of the body, you will live. (NASV) You can’t do it!
*Your Thinker, Feeler, Chooser and Body are all unredeemed.
*DIE, put to death my will, my way, my rights. Have thine own way Lord…Thou art
the potter I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will. While I am waiting
yielded and still. This is adjusting my life to His Word and surrendering absolutely.
*You shall live…Side #2 Spirit-Filled Relationship…Flesh-Driven Program
You Tube: God’s Chisel…The Skit Guys

Does Jesus live here? Characteristics:
II. ASSISTANCE BY THE SPIRIT 8:14
“For all who are being led by the Spirit are sons of God”
A. Relationship
1.Sons The 1st time the word is in Romans. We by birth are placed into God’s family. The word is gender neutral, so regardless of being a male or female. Not everyone has this relationship. We are sons of God by faith in Jesus Christ. (Gal 5)
B.Result
1.Led…I can’t tell by looking who is a son. Lead means that one is controlled by someone other than himself.
2.Proof arises from circumstances, experiences, events. What are some of the indicators it doesn’t come from human resources:
*There is a desire for the Word. The Word ministers to you.
*The Spirit arouses us to pray. We are led into God’s presence.
*There will be love for the brethren. When you meet someone who says he is a Christian there is an instant connection. There is a desire to be with other Christians.
*The Spirit makes the world empty and God real. The Spirit directs us and checks us.
Ultimately the Spirit produces the Fruit of the Spirit.

Does Jesus live here? Characteristics:
III. ACCESS FROM THE SPIRIT 8:15
A. You have not received…
1.Bondage which is a loss of freedom.
2.Fear is evident in a fleshly Christian and those who are lost.
B.You have received…
Through the Holy Spirit
1.The Spirit of Adoption…We are born (share His nature) and adopted (we are moved from the family of Adam to the family of Christ)
2.We Cry Abba Father…This new family brings a new father.
*You belong to a loving Father. The Father’s arms are around you. The Father’s heart is concerned for you. A Father’s love protects and guards you.
*There is a sense of relationship. Abba Father denotes tenderness, dependency and a relationship free of anxiety or fear. We were a sinner, a slave, an outcast. Now “Father” which brings out a love for and to Him!

Does Jesus live here? Characteristics:
IV. ASSURANCE FROM THE SPIRIT 8:16
A. The Internal Witness
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit (that redeemed section that houses the spirit of Jesus Christ.
B.The Internal Work
That we are the children of God
1.This is a deep conviction born by the Spirit of God Himself. There is an undeniable awareness that we are a part of God’s family.
2.Here is His love in us. Have there been times when you are overwhelmed by the nearness and dearness of God? At my brother and sister-in-law’s funeral…at the birth and near death of Tina and Elise.

Does Jesus live here? Characteristics:
V. AGITATION BECAUSE OF THE SPIRIT 8:17
Does your Christianity cost you anything?
A.There Is An Inheritance
If children…then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ
1.Elon Musk…Bill Gates…of God…you must be His child to be His heir.
2.Joint heirs (fellow heirs) with Christ…This is because of our identity with Him.
B.There Is An Identification
If need be that we suffer with Him
1.Every pain…every trial…every burden or heart ache is with Him. It is His Power. It is His Ability. It is His Insight.
2.Nothing touches me that doesn’t first touch Him. ‘Life isn’t always ‘fair’ ‘good’ or ‘easy’.
3.We go through what He does. Suffering isn’t an end. Suffering (unjustly, for the cause of Christ) is evidence of sonship!
C.There Is An Impartation
That we also may be glorified together
1.When we see Him we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2c)
2.It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase so bravely run the race til we see Christ.

Does Jesus Live Here:

*Do you have the Spirit of Jesus Christ living within?
*Are you led by the Spirit?
*Is there a heart cry, ‘Abba Father’?
*Does the Spirit bear witness with your spirit that you are His?
*Does your Christianity cost you anything?

If not…are you sure you are a child of God?
If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His.