Q129_081426 Rom. 8:9,10 How Do I Know That I Have The Spirit?Q129_081426 Rom. 8:9,10 How Do I Know That I Have The Spirit?
How it Happens with Colin Cook
Colin Cook reflects on Romans 8:9–10 to address fears about lacking the Holy Spirit, especially among those battling addiction and personal struggles. He explains that faith in Christ itself shows the Spirit’s presence and encourages listeners to see both hardships and everyday joys as lived within God’s grace.
14:41•14 Aug 2026
Assurance, Addiction and the Spirit: Colin Cook on Romans 8
Episode Overview
- Believing in Jesus is presented as clear evidence that a person already has the Holy Spirit.
- Christians are described as no longer "in the flesh" in God’s sight, even though their fallen human nature is still active.
- Struggles such as addiction, depression, and job loss can be faced "in the Spirit" by thanking God and trusting His faithfulness in the trial.
- Everyday pleasures like good food or a beautiful sunset can be experienced with gratitude to God rather than as purely human enjoyment.
- Believers are urged to speak honestly to God about their troubles, trusting that He bends down to listen and cares about every detail of their lives.
“"For to believe in Jesus Christ can only happen if you have the Holy Spirit."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This episode of *How it Happens with Colin Cook* zooms in on Romans 8:9–10 to tackle a huge question many Christians in recovery ask: "How do I know that I have the Spirit?" Colin speaks directly to those who struggle with addiction, worry, depression, and everyday failures, yet still long to please God.
He unpacks Paul's contrast between living "in the flesh" and "in the Spirit", reassuring listeners that faith in Christ means there is "no condemnation" and that they are already counted as living in the Spirit, even while they still feel very human. You’ll hear simple, concrete examples: losing a job, battling addiction, enjoying a good meal, or watching a sunset.
Colin shows how each of these moments can be experienced "in the flesh"—with no reference to God—or "in the Spirit", with gratitude and trust: "Father, all that is surrounding me has been broken by the power of Christ’s resurrection." That shift of perspective is at the heart of his message. He also highlights Paul’s repeated phrases—"the Spirit", "the Spirit of God", "the Spirit of Christ", and "Christ"—to reassure anxious believers.
If someone believes that Jesus is the Christ, Colin says, it’s because the Holy Spirit is already at work: "For Peter to be able to say, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’… came from the Holy Spirit." The tone stays warm, pastoral, and realistic about ongoing struggle: health issues, financial pressure, relationships, and addictions are all named.
Yet the emphasis is steady hope: God counts believers as living in Christ’s resurrected life, and cares about "all the little details" of their lives. Anyone wrestling with addiction and wondering if God is still with them may find this episode a steady, faith-building companion. What if your cravings and crises could become places where you’re reminded you’re already in God’s kingdom of grace?
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