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(3:) It is used with the pronouns: e.g., the pneuma of me, i.e.,
my pneuma: Matt. 12: 18, etc.
(4:) It is used with the prepositions, which affect its sense:
(1)
en pneumati, by or through the Spirit: denoting agency.
(2)
Adverbially, as meaning spiritually and sometimes, like en dolo, craftily
(II Cor. 12: 16); thus turning the phrase into an adverb.
(5:) It is employed in combination with the Divine names in seven different forms;
of which four have the article, and three are without: e.g., pneuma Theon;
pneuma Christon, etc.
(6:) It is employed with ten other nouns in the genitive case, which (by ehallage)
qualify the meaning of pneuma. These again are used with and without the
article: e.g., a pneuma of sonship (Rom. 8: 15), i.e., a sonship-pneuma.
(7:) It is employed with a second noun with which it is joined by a conjunction
(hendiadys). Thus used it becomes a superlative adjective.
These are seven different ways in which pneuma is used and which Dr. Bullinger
tabulated for our better guidance. The use of the word reveals the various ways in which
God has employed it in making His truth known. The usage indicates the various senses
in which this word is employed.
Pneuma is used of God Himself "God is pneuma" (John 4: 24).
Pneuma is used of Christ in resurrection. "A life-giving Spirit" (I Cor. 15: 45).
Pneuma is used of the Holy Spirit and His gifts and operations.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit must ever be distinguished from the Holy Spirit Himself.
Acts 2: 4 is a good example:--
"And they were all filled with pneuma hagion, holy spirit, the gifts, and began to
speak in other tongues as the Spirit, the Giver, gave them utterance."
This usage is fairly widely accepted. What we want to press upon the notice of the
believer is that many times the word pneuma refers to the new nature:--
"That which is born of The pneuma is pneuma" (John 3: 6).
"The pneuma of sonship" (Rom. 8: 15).
Let us now return to the chapters of Romans that are our present study, and, before we
leave this analysis of pneuma, go through the list again, to place each reference.
Rom. 7: 6. "Serve in newness of pneuma.--The contrast, "oldness of letter", shows
that the expression is adverbial, "a spiritual manner" (see Rom. 2: 29 and II Cor. 3: 6).
Rom. 8: 2. "The law of the pneuma of life."--Here we have the sense that is
specially associated with Paul's ministry, and indicates the law of the new nature, which
is in contrast with the law of sin and death. Spirit is contrasted with flesh, and Christ
with Adam.
Rom. 8: 4. "According to flesh . . . . . according to pneuma."--Here again the two
natures are in view.