The story is told of a woodsman who came into town out of the woods for supplies. He was in need of several items, including a new ax. On the counter of the general store was advertised a new chain saw which was guaranteed to cut down twice as many trees in one day as any previous one. He eagerly purchased the saw. A week later he was back in the store. In rather descriptive terms he demanded his money back. When asked why, he said that before he was chopping down ten trees a day with his axe, but that now with much more effort he was lucky if he could fell one or two. The store owner looked the machine over very carefully. He checked the chain and the spark plug. He could find nothing wrong with it, so he flipped the switch and pulled the cord to start it. As it roared to life, the woodsman jumped back in surprise and exclaimed, “What’s that noise?” We smile at the ignorance of the man in that story, but often we are no different than him. God has given us the Holy Spirit, yet we continue to live in sin and defeat.
In a recent sermon I heard Romans 7, where Paul shares his struggles with sin, described as a hall that leads to the great room of Romans 8 where he starts experiencing victory over the power of sin. That should be our progression as well. The problem is that many Christians live in the hall of Romans 7 and haven’t entered into the victory of Romans 8. They use Paul’s words of defeat in his battle with sin as a normal condition for Christians and accept it as their lot in life as well. But that’s not what Paul was saying. He is not justifying our giving up in our struggle against sin. He is not saying since he lived in defeat for a time in his life that its normal for every Christian to remain there. Romans 7 describes our temporary experience of trying to live for Jesus but failing. But Romans 8 shows there can be victory (not perfection) instead of continual defeat. Paul makes it clear that it is God’s Holy Spirit that is the power for victory, the key to the change in Romans 8.
The disciples Jesus chose were ordinary people. They struggled with their faith and obedience and often failed. Matthew was the only one with an education. None were scholars, none were Levites or priests, none were synagogue leaders. They were average working men, builders and fishermen. The only one with any real sophistication was Judas.
After the crucifixion they hid behind locked doors in fear. They had run away. Even Peter despite his boasting had denied he knew Jesus. But then in Acts we see a changed group of men. The holy Spirit came on them and they were transformed (Acts 2:1-4). They were filled with the Holy Spirit. they were changed forever.
First, we see that their human frailties were transformed into supernatural gifts and abilities (Acts 2:6-11). Immediately they had courage to go outside and share about Jesus with the very people they had feared just hours before. They were untrained country workmen but suddenly able to communicate in the native dialects from regions far removed from Palestine. Some even had the power to heal, showing that if God could heal physical bodies He could heal spiritually as well. They quickly gave the credit to God and not themselves (Acts 3:1-8). they were still the same frail human beings but God’s Spirit working through them enabled them to do what they could not do in their own strength (Acts 3:11-12).
Next, we see that confidence or replaced fear (Acts 2:40). The religious leaders noted this change when they arrested them (Acts 4:13). They didn’t look any different, but they were changed from the inside. What caused the transformation? They hadn’t been trained in the power of positive thinking. Their environment didn’t change, it was still as threatening as before. No one had given them a seminar on how to evangelize. God’s Spirit had transformed them from the inside out.
Instead of running from the public, they ran toward the people to preach. Instead of trying to hide and not be seen, they boldly proclaimed Jesus. Even when threatened with arrest and death, they stood face to face with their accusers and proclaimed the Gospel (Acts 5:29). The religious leaders couldn’t understand what had happened to them.
Finally, joy and purpose be placed discouragement and anxiety. Even when arrested, they clearly proclaim the truth that had transformed them (Acts 5:27-32). Instead of the competition and continual arguing between them, they were a united force for Jesus. Despite being threatened they kept on preaching (Acts 5:41-42).
Notice that God did not remove the threats and persecution. He did not keep them from being beaten and even killed. In fact, all but John were martyred and he was severely tortured and left on the island of Patmos in isolation. Peter, the one who was the quickest to run away in the past, writes in 1st Peter 4:12-13: “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”
How did this sudden and complete change happen? What made the difference? The only explanation is the Holy Spirit that came from Jesus. He promised this in John 14:12, 16-18, 26. Acts 1:8 reaffirms it. God kept His word and the disciples were never the same.
What about you? Has God’s Spirit transformed your life? What would you be like if God removed His Spirit and presence from your life? Would it make much difference? Do you live in fear and anxiety, hiding from the danger of being rejected for your faith? If so, you are living in Romans 7 and need to move into Romans 8 where there is victory through the Spirit of God Who dwells within you.
John 14 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
What percent of your time is spent living in Romans 7, in sin in defeat?
Are you accepting that as the way you will live the rest of your life?
What do you need to do to move into Romans 8, where you live in victory through the Holy Spirit?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
Copyright © 2026