Romans 8:16
Verse
Context
Heirs with Christ
15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.17And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit - Αυτο το πνευμα, that same Spirit, the Spirit of adoption; that is, the Spirit who witnesses this adoption; which can be no other than the Holy Ghost himself, and certainly cannot mean any disposition or affection of mind which the adopted person may feel; for such a disposition must arise from a knowledge of this adoption, and the knowledge of this adoption cannot be given by any human or earthly means; it must come from God himself: therefore the αυτο το πνευμα must have reference to that Spirit, by whom alone the knowledge of the adoption is witnessed to the soul of the believer. With our spirit - In our understanding, the place or recipient of light and information; and the place or faculty to which such information can properly be brought. This is done that we may have the highest possible evidence of the work which God has wrought. As the window is the proper medium to let the light of the sun into our apartments, so the understanding is the proper medium of conveying the Spirit's influence to the soul. We, therefore, have the utmost evidence of the fact of our adoption which we can possibly have; we have the word and Spirit of God; and the word sealed on our spirit by the Spirit of God. And this is not a momentary influx: if we take care to walk with God, and not grieve the Holy Spirit, we shall have an abiding testimony; and while we continue faithful to our adopting Father, the Spirit that witnesses that adoption will continue to witness it; and hereby we shall know that we are of God by the Spirit which he giveth us.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Spirit itself--It should be "Himself" (see on Rom 8:26). beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children--"are children" of God--The testimony of our own spirit is borne in that cry of conscious sonship, "Abba, Father"; but we are not therein alone; for the Holy Ghost within us, yea, even in that very cry which it is His to draw forth, sets His own distinct seal to ours; and thus, "in the mouth of two witnesses" the thing is established. The apostle had before called us "sons of God," referring to our adoption; here the word changes to "children," referring to our new birth. The one expresses the dignity to which we are admitted; the other the new life which we receive. The latter is more suitable here; because a son by adoption might not be heir of the property, whereas a son by birth certainly is, and this is what the apostle is now coming to.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Spirit itself beareth witness,.... The thing which the Spirit of God witnesses to is, that we are the sons of God; which supposes the case in some sense doubtful and uncertain, at least that it is called in question; not by others, though it sometimes is, as by Satan, which need not seem strange, since he called in question the sonship of Christ himself, and by the world who know them not, and by good men, till better informed: but the testimony of the Spirit is not the satisfaction of others, but the saints themselves; who are ready to doubt of it at times, because of the greatness of the favour, and their own sinfulness and unworthiness; especially after backslidings; through the temptations of the devil, and because of their many trials and afflictions. Now this witness of the Spirit is to establish and confirm it; not to make the thing itself surer, for that stands on the sure foundation of predestination, on the unalterable covenant of grace, on union to Christ; redemption by him, the gift of Christ, and continuance of the Spirit; but to assure them of it, and of their interest in it; for the testimony is given "to our spirits"; so the words are read by the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, and by the Vulgate Latin; which reading seems better than with our spirits; for our own spirits are no witnesses to ourselves: the Father and Son are co-witnesses of the Spirit, but not our own spirits; the spirits of the saints are they which receive the witness of the Spirit of God, to which it is made; not to their ears, for it is not an audible testimony; but to their hearts, it is internal; to their renewed souls, where faith is wrought to receive it; to their understandings, that they may know and be assured of it; to their spirits, which are apt to faint and doubt about it. Now it is "the Spirit itself" that bears this witness, and not others, or by others, but he himself in person; who is a divine witness, whose testimony therefore must be greater than others, and a faithful one, who will never deceive; for he witnesses what he knows, and what is sure and certain: his very being and habitation in the saints are witnesses and proofs of their adoption; his powerful operations and divine landings persuade to a belief of the truth of it; and by shedding abroad the Father's love in the heart, and by the application of Gospel promises, he causes and encourages them to "cry Abba", Father; which is a wonderful instance of his condescension and grace.
Romans 8:16
Heirs with Christ
15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.17And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Hebrews) 5-Abel and Enoch
By Leonard Ravenhill16K1:09:38EnochJHN 8:11ROM 8:16HEB 2:12PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who committed adultery and ended up in prison. The man confesses his crime and expresses remorse for his actions. The preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and the unseen, stating that everything visible will perish. He also discusses the power of meditation and the need to have faith, hope, and love in order to overcome any challenges in life.
As in the Days of Noah & Lot
By Leonard Ravenhill15K50:19NoahPRO 1:20MAT 6:33LUK 17:26ROM 8:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not relying on our feelings but on the witness of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He references John Wesley's preaching on Romans 8:16, highlighting the need for a new life in Christ rather than just a change in behavior. The preacher also addresses the urgency of the gospel message, pointing out the reality of the second death and the need to rescue people from spiritual captivity. He calls for a holy crusade against sin and a stronger love for God, envisioning a place filled with holy fear and joy.
The Days of Noah (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill7.8K51:15End TimesGEN 6:6MAT 6:33MAT 7:1LUK 17:26ROM 8:16In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about the state of the world and the lack of compassion shown towards those in need. He references a news report about the contras and highlights the stark contrast between their suffering and the abundance in the richest country in the world. The preacher emphasizes the need to return to the basics of Christianity and not rely on feelings or superficial changes. He also addresses the issue of human trafficking and the spread of humanism, urging listeners to feel a holy anger and take action.
Are You Preventing Christ's Return
By Leonard Ravenhill7.1K52:51Second ComingISA 9:6MAT 6:33ROM 8:16EPH 1:7COL 1:1COL 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding freedom in Jesus Christ. He uses the example of a blind man, George Madison, who is given a picture of the queen. Despite his blindness, he is able to imagine what she looks like by feeling her profile. Similarly, God gave his son to a blind world so that we can know what he is like. The preacher also highlights the value of relationships and the joy that can be found in them, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. He encourages believers to continue laboring for the Lord and to live in such a way that they are always ready to meet God. The sermon emphasizes the transforming power of Jesus in the lives of believers and the love that compels them to share the message of salvation with others.
If I Perish I Perish-01 Ministry From Esther
By Major Ian Thomas5.9K1:27:41EstherGEN 21:9MAT 6:33JHN 10:10ROM 8:16GAL 4:24EPH 1:13The sermon transcript discusses the concept of victorious living and spiritual experience. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible as a whole and not detaching any part from the rest. The story presented in the transcript portrays man's fallen condition and the need to replace the wrong influences with the right ones. The speaker highlights the transformative power of the gospel in getting the wrong man out and the right man in, leading to a radical change in one's life. The transcript also includes a personal testimony of how the lectures on the topic have had a profound impact on the student's spiritual journey.
Witness of the Spirit - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead4.3K28:28Witness Of The SpiritAssurance of SalvationJOB 32:8JHN 3:16JHN 3:24ROM 8:162CO 5:17GAL 4:4EPH 2:11PE 1:231JN 4:131JN 5:10Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of the witness of the Spirit in confirming one's relationship with God, drawing from John 3, 4, and 5 to illustrate how the Spirit assures believers of their eternal life. He stresses that true assurance comes from the Holy Spirit's testimony within us, rather than from external affirmations or mere profession of faith. Reidhead recounts personal experiences and historical insights, particularly from John Wesley, to highlight the importance of understanding the inner workings of the Spirit in awakening, convicting, and regenerating the human spirit. He encourages believers to guide those uncertain of their faith to seek the Spirit's confirmation through God's Word. Ultimately, the sermon underscores that only the Holy Spirit has the authority to affirm one's status as a child of God.
My Sin Is Ever Before Me
By Leonard Ravenhill3.9K1:23:39RepentancePSA 51:1PSA 51:7ROM 8:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing prayer and putting faith into action. He uses examples from the Bible, such as David's downfall after his affair with Bathsheba, to illustrate the consequences of straying from God's path. The speaker also highlights the influence of godly mothers, referencing Mrs. Wesley as an example of a woman who prioritized her children's spiritual growth. He encourages the audience to examine their own idols, particularly the excessive use of television, and to seek purification from sinful thoughts and behaviors. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the Holy Spirit's role in guiding and convicting believers.
Man’s Hour of Darkness Is God’s Hour of Power
By David Wilkerson3.8K35:46Last DaysMAT 6:33MAT 24:21JHN 2:1JHN 7:37ROM 8:16HEB 2:4REV 7:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. He emphasizes that Jesus never acted without significance and that there was a lesson to be learned from this miracle. The speaker suggests that God often waits until man's resources are exhausted before manifesting His power. He also highlights the idea that Jesus' ministry had just begun and this miracle was not the same as the hour mentioned in John 17. The speaker concludes by encouraging the congregation to step out in faith and seek God's life and blessings.
The Bride of Christ
By Leonard Ravenhill3.3K45:16Bride Of ChristROM 8:162CO 9:8In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to stay and pray for a little while before the meeting starts. He then shares a testimony of a miraculous car accident where no one was hurt, emphasizing the power of God. The preacher then moves on to discuss Genesis chapter 24, highlighting it as a type of the Holy Spirit seeking a bride for Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of having the witness of the Spirit in one's life and the need for the church to be filled with power and authority, starting with the pulpit.
Basic Laws of Christian Life
By Manley Beasley3.2K38:37Christian LifeMAT 6:33JHN 15:1ROM 8:16HEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a vital relationship with God. He emphasizes that understanding the Lord and His teachings is crucial in order to effectively relate to others. The preacher introduces the concept of the seven basic laws that govern the Christian life, starting with the law of a vital relationship. He explains that these laws are fulfilled when a person is properly connected to Jesus through faith. The sermon also highlights the significance of having a personalized revelation from God and being anchored in His Word to overcome battles and experience a fruitful Christian life.
(So Great Salvation - Part 8) Baptism With the Spirit
By Paris Reidhead3.1K45:53MAT 3:11LUK 24:49JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:161CO 12:13GAL 5:22EPH 5:181TH 5:191PE 4:10This sermon delves into the significance of the baptism with the Holy Spirit as a crucial step in the Christian journey, emphasizing the need for believers to be filled with the Spirit to fulfill the mission of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. It highlights the importance of recognizing the responsibility and privilege that comes with being baptized with the Holy Spirit, focusing on the call to be witnesses for Christ and the urgency of evangelizing the world.
How Our Suffering Glorifies God
By John Piper3.1K37:36MAT 10:21MAT 16:24JHN 16:1ACT 5:41ROM 8:16PHP 1:292TI 1:82TI 3:121PE 4:12This sermon emphasizes the call to embrace suffering for the sake of Christ, highlighting the need to endure persecution and hardships in order to display the glory of God's grace. It challenges listeners to follow Jesus on the path of sacrifice and missionary sacrifice, rather than seeking comfort or prosperity. The message underscores the importance of rejoicing in sufferings, completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions through personal sacrifices, and being willing to endure hardships for the sake of spreading the gospel.
What Is Your Ambition in Life?
By Paul Washer2.9K56:11JHN 3:16ROM 8:16ROM 10:171CO 2:142CO 5:142CO 5:17GAL 2:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He acknowledges that for some, preaching is a talent show, but for others, it is a heavy burden. The preacher highlights the importance of recognizing the eternal consequences of our actions and the need for salvation. He shares his personal testimony of transformation and emphasizes the necessity of repentance and belief in Jesus Christ for salvation. The sermon concludes with an invitation for further discussion and understanding of the things of God.
(Evidence of Eternal Life - Part 7) Witness of the Spirit
By Paris Reidhead2.3K43:17JOB 32:8ROM 8:16GAL 4:41JN 3:241JN 4:131JN 5:10This sermon delves into the importance of the witness of the Spirit in confirming one's relationship with God. It emphasizes the need for genuine conversion experiences and the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting, awakening, and regenerating individuals. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and historical references to highlight the significance of true spiritual transformation and the dangers of false professions of faith.
Revival - Holy Chaos
By Bob Jennings2.1K08:44ACT 2:4ROM 8:161CO 2:4GAL 4:6JAS 4:81JN 1:9This sermon recounts powerful moves of the Spirit in various settings, from log cabin Bible school prayer meetings to impactful evangelistic gatherings where people were deeply convicted of sin and sought God fervently. It highlights the transformative work of God in individuals' lives, leading to confession, repentance, and encounters with His love and grace. The emphasis is on the authority and clarity given by God to those who preach His Word, resulting in profound spiritual awakenings and the magnification of Christ above all else.
The Holy Spirit and Guidance
By Manley Beasley1.9K13:39GuidancePRO 3:5JHN 3:16JHN 14:26ROM 8:16ROM 10:9GAL 5:16EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker begins by wishing the audience a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He encourages them to take this season as a time to reflect on their relationship with God and seek a fresh vision and power from Him. The speaker then shares a personal experience of witnessing the Persian Gulf in both calm and rough conditions, using it as an analogy to explain the importance of having a calm and receptive spirit to hear God's guidance. He emphasizes that when our spirit is in harmony with God's spirit, we can know His will without having to think about it. The speaker concludes by urging the audience to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Wheat and Tares
By Harold Vaughan1.7K44:49Wheat And TaresMAT 6:33MAT 13:24JHN 3:16ROM 8:161CO 6:92CO 13:51JN 2:3In this sermon, the preacher presents a courtroom scenario where a person is on trial and facing condemnation. The judge is about to render a verdict when suddenly, a man in a white robe with nail scars in his hands enters the courtroom. This man, representing Jesus Christ, takes the stand and testifies on behalf of the defendant. He declares that he has taken the guilt and paid the penalty for the defendant's sins, offering his own blood as evidence. The judge then declares that the claims of sin, the world, and the devil against the defendant are rendered invalid by the blood of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the power of Jesus' sacrifice and the redemption available to all who believe in him.
Sermon on the Mount: Peacemakers & Their Blessedness
By J. Glyn Owen1.4K44:03Sermon on the MountMAL 3:1MAT 3:17MAT 5:3MAT 6:33MAT 17:5ROM 8:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a peacemaker in the biblical sense. He explains that becoming a peacemaker is dependent on one's character, which is developed through the process of being poor in spirit, mourning for one's sin, being meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, showing mercy to others, and having purity of heart. The speaker highlights that the role of a peacemaker is to bring about peace and transform the hearts of individuals, replacing dis-peace, war, misery, and hatred with worship, grace, and peace. He encourages listeners to reflect on whether they are peacemakers and to share the peace of God with others.
The Holy Spirit
By Sandeep Poonen1.4K38:04JHN 14:16ROM 8:16This sermon focuses on the importance of understanding and experiencing the Holy Spirit in our lives. It emphasizes the need to recognize the Holy Spirit as a person who reminds, affirms, helps, and glorifies Jesus in our hearts. The speaker encourages the audience to prioritize Jesus above all else, seek the Holy Spirit's guidance daily, and fight against the lies of the devil by embracing the truth of God's love and grace.
The Blessings of the New Covenant
By Zac Poonen1.4K1:13:59ROM 8:16This sermon emphasizes the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, highlighting the superior promises and blessings of the new covenant. It focuses on God's work within believers, writing His laws in their minds and hearts, giving them the desire and ability to fulfill His will. The speaker shares personal experiences of how the new covenant has transformed his life, bringing security, freedom from anxiety, and a deep relationship with God as Father.
Knowing God Through Prayer
By Manley Beasley1.4K1:19:58PrayerGEN 4:4GEN 5:24GEN 18:17GEN 32:24EXO 33:11ROM 8:161CO 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of communion with God. He explains that communion allows for a two-way conversation between man and God, even when one may not know what to say or how to pray. The speaker encourages listeners to establish a relationship with God through prayer, as it is a life-changing experience that knows no boundaries and is all-powerful. He also mentions the current crisis of the AIDS epidemic and highlights the need for individuals to stay connected to God in order to navigate through difficult times.
Freedom From Sin - Part 5
By Roy Hession1.4K56:11Freedom From SinROM 8:2ROM 8:9ROM 8:11ROM 8:14ROM 8:16ROM 8:27In this sermon, the preacher discusses the law of sin and death, explaining that sin brings death and separation from God. However, Jesus, who became our substitute, took on our sins and became subject to death. Through his resurrection, both the sinner and the Savior are set free. The preacher emphasizes that the weakness of the law lies in our inability to fulfill its demands, but God has provided a solution. He sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin in the flesh, so that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit. The sermon concludes with a reference to Romans 8, highlighting the freedom from condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus and walk according to the Spirit.
A Clear Gospel Message - Part 7
By Zac Poonen1.3K06:44PSA 119:105JHN 1:12JHN 14:23ACT 2:42ROM 8:16EPH 5:18HEB 10:25JAS 4:81JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life fully surrendered to Christ, highlighting the joy, peace, and fulfillment that comes from following Him wholeheartedly. It encourages listeners to seek a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, allowing Him to guide their steps and transform their hearts. The speaker shares personal experiences of living a life devoted to Christ and urges others to make the decision to follow Him completely.
Imperatives - Prerogatives of the Holy Spirit
By Devern Fromke1.2K1:09:57Holy SpiritGEN 1:27PSA 51:17ISA 5:1MAT 6:33JHN 16:8ROM 3:23ROM 8:16In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the danger of rigid and cold teachings that lack the essence and heart of God. He refers to the parable of Jehovah's Vineyard in Isaiah 5, where God describes His people as His vineyard. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose for creating humanity and how mankind often falls short of it. He shares personal experiences of leading individuals to recognize their sinfulness and turn to God, highlighting the power of God's conviction and the need for repentance.
Church History - Session 9 (The Reformation)
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.2K52:58MAT 28:19ACT 2:4ROM 3:25ROM 5:1ROM 8:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Reformation period and the challenges faced by the work of God during that time. It was believed that the old forms of medieval Christianity would be replaced by a new Bible-enlightened Christianity. The speaker also mentions the impact of John Wesley and the Methodist societies in England, where people gathered to seek salvation and encourage one another in their faith. The sermon also touches on the influence of the Jesuits and their use of sensual religion and elaborate rituals to enhance their appeal.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit - Αυτο το πνευμα, that same Spirit, the Spirit of adoption; that is, the Spirit who witnesses this adoption; which can be no other than the Holy Ghost himself, and certainly cannot mean any disposition or affection of mind which the adopted person may feel; for such a disposition must arise from a knowledge of this adoption, and the knowledge of this adoption cannot be given by any human or earthly means; it must come from God himself: therefore the αυτο το πνευμα must have reference to that Spirit, by whom alone the knowledge of the adoption is witnessed to the soul of the believer. With our spirit - In our understanding, the place or recipient of light and information; and the place or faculty to which such information can properly be brought. This is done that we may have the highest possible evidence of the work which God has wrought. As the window is the proper medium to let the light of the sun into our apartments, so the understanding is the proper medium of conveying the Spirit's influence to the soul. We, therefore, have the utmost evidence of the fact of our adoption which we can possibly have; we have the word and Spirit of God; and the word sealed on our spirit by the Spirit of God. And this is not a momentary influx: if we take care to walk with God, and not grieve the Holy Spirit, we shall have an abiding testimony; and while we continue faithful to our adopting Father, the Spirit that witnesses that adoption will continue to witness it; and hereby we shall know that we are of God by the Spirit which he giveth us.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Spirit itself--It should be "Himself" (see on Rom 8:26). beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children--"are children" of God--The testimony of our own spirit is borne in that cry of conscious sonship, "Abba, Father"; but we are not therein alone; for the Holy Ghost within us, yea, even in that very cry which it is His to draw forth, sets His own distinct seal to ours; and thus, "in the mouth of two witnesses" the thing is established. The apostle had before called us "sons of God," referring to our adoption; here the word changes to "children," referring to our new birth. The one expresses the dignity to which we are admitted; the other the new life which we receive. The latter is more suitable here; because a son by adoption might not be heir of the property, whereas a son by birth certainly is, and this is what the apostle is now coming to.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Spirit itself beareth witness,.... The thing which the Spirit of God witnesses to is, that we are the sons of God; which supposes the case in some sense doubtful and uncertain, at least that it is called in question; not by others, though it sometimes is, as by Satan, which need not seem strange, since he called in question the sonship of Christ himself, and by the world who know them not, and by good men, till better informed: but the testimony of the Spirit is not the satisfaction of others, but the saints themselves; who are ready to doubt of it at times, because of the greatness of the favour, and their own sinfulness and unworthiness; especially after backslidings; through the temptations of the devil, and because of their many trials and afflictions. Now this witness of the Spirit is to establish and confirm it; not to make the thing itself surer, for that stands on the sure foundation of predestination, on the unalterable covenant of grace, on union to Christ; redemption by him, the gift of Christ, and continuance of the Spirit; but to assure them of it, and of their interest in it; for the testimony is given "to our spirits"; so the words are read by the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, and by the Vulgate Latin; which reading seems better than with our spirits; for our own spirits are no witnesses to ourselves: the Father and Son are co-witnesses of the Spirit, but not our own spirits; the spirits of the saints are they which receive the witness of the Spirit of God, to which it is made; not to their ears, for it is not an audible testimony; but to their hearts, it is internal; to their renewed souls, where faith is wrought to receive it; to their understandings, that they may know and be assured of it; to their spirits, which are apt to faint and doubt about it. Now it is "the Spirit itself" that bears this witness, and not others, or by others, but he himself in person; who is a divine witness, whose testimony therefore must be greater than others, and a faithful one, who will never deceive; for he witnesses what he knows, and what is sure and certain: his very being and habitation in the saints are witnesses and proofs of their adoption; his powerful operations and divine landings persuade to a belief of the truth of it; and by shedding abroad the Father's love in the heart, and by the application of Gospel promises, he causes and encourages them to "cry Abba", Father; which is a wonderful instance of his condescension and grace.