Romans 8 | Week Two
Who’s Gotcha
Begin by sharing prayer requests and praying for one another
Read Romans 8:12-17 aloud as a group
Key Takeaways
This week we explored Romans 8:12-17, learning about three major benefits of being led by the Holy Spirit:
A Better Leader - We're no longer obligated to follow our sinful nature
A Better Family - We're adopted as God's children with full rights and privileges
A Better Inheritance - We're co-heirs with Christ to all God's promises
Discussion Questions:
The Definition of a Christian: Pastor Randy stated that Romans 8:9 gives us the most succinct definition of a Christian: "If you have the Spirit of God living in you, you are a Christian." How does this definition challenge or clarify your understanding of what it means to be a Christian?
Two Masters: Paul says we have an obligation, but "not to the flesh." What does it mean practically that we're no longer obligated to our sinful nature? Why do we still feel drawn to it?
The Adoption Metaphor: In the Roman world, adoption was a legal transaction involving adults that could never be reversed. How does understanding this cultural context deepen your appreciation for being "adopted" by God?
Putting Sin to Death: Verse 13 says, "if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." The sermon explained this as "what you feed grows and what you starve dies." What specific "misdeed" do you need to starve this week? What will you feed instead?
Living as Heirs: If you truly believed you were a co-heir with Christ, how would your daily decisions change? What would you do differently this week?
The Choice: The sermon emphasized that in Christ, "it's the first time in your life you have a choice" about who you will serve. What does it practically look like to "say yes" to the Holy Spirit's leading in everyday moments?
Crying "Abba, Father": The passage describes believers crying out "Abba, Father" with joy. When was the last time you felt that kind of intimate joy in your relationship with God? What hinders you from experiencing that more regularly?
This Week’s Discipleship Rhythm: Repentance & Prayer
This week, identify one sinful pattern you need to starve. Spend time confessing that sin in prayer and asking for God’s help to starve that sin patter. Write down three specific ways you'll feed your spirit instead (Scripture reading, worship, prayer, fellowship, etc.).
Spend time each day addressing God as "Abba, Father" in prayer. Journal about how this intimate language affects your relationship with Him.