Problem: There is an emphasis in Rom 8:1-17 that is not always seen in its proper dimensions. It is Paul's emphasis on the involvement of the Spirit in every aspect of the Christian life. It is the purpose of this thesis to examine Rom 8:1-17 in order to bring out this emphasis on the work of the Spirit.

Procedure: In considering the emphasis on the spirit in Rom 8:1-17, it seems that Rom 8:2 presents a basic statement of the work of the Spirit in the Christian life. The main idea is that the Spirit of life has delivered the believer in Christ Jesus from the power of sin and death. The approach of this thesis is to deal thematically with vss. 3-17 to demonstrate that the theme of Rom 8:2 is in fact developed by Paul in these verses. The Spirit does deliver the believer from the power of sin, according to vss. 12-14. The positive side of this is introduced in Rom 8:4 where the Spirit is seen to enable the believer to live a righteous life. In the face of the inevitability of death, the assurance of life can be the present possession of the believer because of the indwelling Spirit of God (vss. 14-16). The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus gives more than assurance. He is life, now and eternally, as stated in vss. 10-11.

Conclusions: Examination of Rom 8:1-17 does show that Paul develops the theme of Rom 8:2 in the following verses of this passage. There is can be seen that Paul sees the Spirit involved in every aspect of Christian living. It is also noted that the experience of the Spirit is only available to those who are in a faith-relationship with Jesus Christ. The understanding of this is vital to a successful Christian life.