Romans 8:5-13
Connect:
Share how you have seen God in the Highs and Lows of your week.
Prayer:
Pray that God would lead your discussion time and bring fresh insight, conviction, and hope through your time together.
Review:
Words matter. Some words describe us; some words define us. In this six-week journey through Romans 8, we'll unpack six theological words that describe what God has done, is doing, and will do for those who are in Christ. These aren't just words to understand; they’re realities that reshape our identity, our lives, our suffering, our hope, and our future. From no condemnation to no separation, Romans 8 shows us the unbreakable work of God. We'll define the words, and the words will define us.
This week we looked at what it means to be “Sanctified” and the new way of living in the power of the Holy Spirit…
The Grand Tour of the message: Thinking back on what you heard this Sunday…
o What did you learn about God?
o What did you learn about people?
o What did you learn about yourself?
o What do you want to commit to putting into practice?
Reflection:
Personal Experience & Discussion:
Discuss: What is your favorite way to “unplug” in your free time— hobbies, books, videos, hiking… Share about your favorite free time activities around 2 questions: “How does this help make life better?” and “What if I spent all my time doing this?”
Reflective Discussion (Remember to look at the context of the verses as you are reading! Look for key terms and help the group unpack and define them):
Read Romans 8:5-13. What stood out to you and why?
In v5,6, Paul talks about what our mind is “set on”. This is our focus, our drive, our motivation, what we are pursuing, what governs decisions and ultimately helps us to make sense of what we do, say, think, etc. DISCUSS: How has this changed/shifted since you were born again?
v7,8 make it clear that our ‘flesh’ (the sinful nature we were born with) wants nothing to do with the will of God and leading of the Spirit; we are naturally self-obsessed people (ouch!).. DISCUSS: What is the difference (in our motives, our actions and consequences) between living for our own pleasure and living to please God?
v 9-11 address the new life we know in Jesus! DISCUSS: What does it mean that the Spirit lives in us/ gives life?
v12-13 talk about an “obligation” to live life in the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. This is not a “try harder”; this is about an exchanged life! DISCUSS: What does it mean to “put to death the misdeeds of the body” by the Spirit (as opposed to by our own efforts, letter of the law, institutional control, etc.)?
Application:
They say, “You are who you are in the dark” (when no one’s watching). It is worth taking the time this week to ask prayerfully, “Lord, does my focus in my own time/ thoughts/ home life… please You?”
Prayer:
Spend some time thanking God for the gift of the Holy Spirit Who works in us the will and the power to live a life that pleases God.
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