092. ROM 8:9. THE NECESSITY OF HAVING THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST

Rom_8:9. The Necessity of Having the Spirit of Christ

"Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."’97Rom_8:9.

Let us offer a few observations on the various expressions in the text. Notice,

I. The Spirit of Christ.

Undoubtedly the Holy Spirit is meant. Same verse, called "the Spirit of God." He is called "the Spirit of truth;" Joh_14:17’97"of grace;" Heb_10:29’97"of promise;" Eph_1:13’97"of prophecy;" Rev_19:10’97"of wisdom;" Eph_1:17’97"Holy Spirit;" Eph_4:30’97"Spirit of glory," &c., &c.; 1Pe_4:14. In the text, "the Spirit of Christ"

1. Because he formed the human nature of Christ.

Luk_1:35.

2. Because he anointed Christ, and dwelt in him without measure.

Mat_3:16; Joh_3:34.

3. Because Christ procured for his church the outpouring of the Spirit, and sent it down upon them.

Joh_15:26; and xiv 15.

4. Because the Spirit is the great efficient Agent in revealing Christ, and forming him in the hearts of believers.

Joh_15:20; and xvi. 14.

II. In what Respects Believers have the Spirit of Christ.

1. They have him in his convincing and regenerating influences.

Convinced of sin, &c., regenerated or born of the Spirit; Joh_3:5.

2. They have him in his adopting and comforting influences.

Spirit heareth witness, &c.; ver. 15, 16 Produces peace and comfort in the heart.

3. They have him in his sanctifying influences.

Producing greater degrees of holiness. "Changed from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord;" 2Co_3:18.

4. In all his guiding and strengthening influences.

He guides into all truth, supports the soul, and gives it power to mortify the flesh, overcome the world, and attend to the duties of religion.

5. In all his beautifying and conforming influences to the image of Christ.

Produces the likeness of Christ in the soul’97causes the Christian to exhibit a spirit similar to Christ’s; humble, lowly, meek, patient, devout, benevolent, merciful, &c., &c.

6. The Spirit abides in believers as the earnest of eternal salvation.

Is itself the title, pledge, and produces the fitness necessary to eternal life; 2Co_1:22.

III. If any Man does not possess this Spirit, he is evidently not Christ’s.

1. If he does not possess this Spirit, he is yet an unconvinced sinner.

For this Spirit convinceth, &c. Therefore he is none of his.

2. If he does not possess this Spirit, he is still in a state of nature.

For this Spirit makes all things new If in a state of nature, none of Christ’s.

3. If he does not possess this Spirit, he is an unholy alien.

For this Spirit adopts and sanctifies If so, he is none of his.

Application

(1) Let the subject lead to self-examination, earnest prayer, and holy circumspection of life. (2) Let believers cultivate and cherish divine influences, and grieve not the Holy Spirit.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS