Question

F.Romans 8:9-27
1.How do we know if we are those who have the spirit ( v.9)
2.In verses 22-26 three things are groaning. What are they ?

Answer 1

Good questions. Short answers with scriptural pointers:

1) How do we know if we are those who have the Spirit (Rom. 8:9)?
- Paul’s plain test: “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him” (v.9). The Spirit’s presence is known by inward and outward effects, especially as Paul explains later in the chapter:
- The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children (v.16) — an inward assurance.
- We live according to the Spirit, not the flesh (v.4–13): a changed pattern of desires and actions, growing holiness.
- The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23) and love for God and others are signs of the Spirit’s work.
- Ongoing conviction of sin, repentance, and perseverance in faith are further evidence.
- Practically: test yourself by Scripture (1 John 4:1; 2 Corinthians 13:5), look for the Spirit’s fruit and inward witness, seek God in prayer, and have counsel from mature Christians. Avoid basing assurance only on feelings; look for the Spirit’s objective work in your life.

2) In Romans 8:22–26 three things are “groaning.” What are they?
- Creation (v.22): “the whole creation has been groaning” — the created order is burdened by bondage to decay and longs for redemption.
- Believers / “we ourselves” (v.23): Christians who already have the “firstfruits of the Spirit” also groan inwardly, waiting for adoption and the redemption of our bodies.
- The Spirit (v.26): “the Spirit helps… and intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” The Spirit himself intercedes on our behalf in our weakness.

Each groaning is related: creation groans for its final freedom, believers groan for full redemption, and the Spirit intercedes in and for believers during the present suffering and longing.