Study Guide
Romans Part 10
The number of laws in the United State has never been tallied. And there are some laws still in affect that are outrageous (and even hilarious!). But God's law is meant to show us something about ourselves and how to find salvation in him. Listen in as Pastor Markus Witherspoon, from our Tierrasanta campus, encourages us to celebrate what Christ as our deliverer.
In this message you will be challenged and encouraged to:
- Be honest about our inability to live God's standard
- Rest in the finished work of Christ
Newbreak’s Sermon Study Guide is an in-house resource that serves sermon-based Life Groups and/or individuals who want to reflect further on how the message contributes to their spiritual formation.
Icebreakers for Life Groups
- How did you first connect with Newbreak Church? Share a little about your journey!
- What do you think inspires people to do good? Is it something within us, something we learn, or something else?
Read Romans 7:7-13 (CSB)
The law defines and can also provoke sin.
In this section of Scripture, Paul continues his discussion of what it means to be set free from the power of sin and death. He turns his attention to the relationship between the law (God’s commandments) and sin.
In Romans 7:7-8, Paul highlights that there was nothing inherently wrong with the law. The law showed us what sin was and revealed to us what was required to be in right relationship with God. For example, how would you know that coveting was wrong if the law had not pointed that out (vs.8)?
The law is like a magnifying glass that hovers over our imperfections and our brokenness. It reveals the envy, deceit, unrighteous anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, addiction, and any other unholy thing in my life. Without Christ, the law only reveals our unholiness without offering a remedy.
The issue was that sin corrupted the purpose of the law. The law was intended to guide us toward flourishing and thriving. However, instead of restraining sin, it awakened our sinful nature, making us desire what it forbade (vs. 8-9). Once the law was broken, it resulted in death and destruction (vs. 10-13).
In summary, Paul is saying that the law is not the problem; sin is.
Discussion Questions
- How does knowing the rules sometimes make us more tempted to break them? Can you share an example?
- What are some ways we might try to justify or excuse sin, even when we know God’s commands?
- How does this passage help us see our need for Jesus?
Read Romans 7:14-25 (CSB)
I lack the power to conquer sin.
In Romans 7:14-25, Paul reminds us that the law itself does not have the power to help me abide by it. In verse 18, Paul states that although we may desire to do what is right, the desire to be good alone does not give you the power to do good.
Knowledge and self-determination won’t defeat my sin. God’s law shows me that I cannot live God’s way on my own strength. I don’t have the ability to do the good that is required of me. My experience reveals my inability to defeat sin.
Paul asks a really important question in vs.24, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” His answer is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ (vs.25). Freedom from sin and the power to live differently begins at salvation. In a sense, the beginning of salvation is the realization that I am unable to be my own Savior. Apart from Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, sin remains a formidable opponent to the work of God in my life.
Discussion Questions
- Paul describes an internal battle where he wants to do good but struggles with sin. Can you relate to this struggle in your own life? How?
- Was there ever a time when you tried to conquer sin in your life by your strength? What happened?
- How would you explain to someone who doesn’t know Jesus how Jesus can help them in their battle with sinful habits?
Read Romans 8:1-4 (CSB)
The Law takes me as a prisoner; Christ comes to be my deliverer.
The law could not save us, to no fault of its own. However, the law was never the final play. God’s sending of His Son in the flesh was His plan to accomplish what the law could not. Those who are in Christ no longer stand condemned by our sin (vs.1-2). Christ defeated the power of sin and death over us.
We are now recipients of grace and empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit (Spirit of life) to live out God’s righteous requirements (vs.3 4). We are freed from the death of our self, and freed for life in His Spirit.
For further discussion about the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us fight the desires of the flesh (i.e. walking in the Spirit), read Galatians 5:16-18.
Discussion Questions
- In Romans 8:1, Paul tells us that those who are in Christ are no longer condemned. How should knowing that we are free from condemnation change the way we interact with God? With others?
- What does it look like to walk according to the Spirit (vs.4)? What do you think stops us from embracing the Spirit-filled life?
- What is one step you can take this week to walk more in the Spirit and experience freedom from sin?
When in Romans
In the middle of the first century, in the heart of the Roman empire was a group of house churches that believed that Jesus of Nazareth, crucified and risen from the dead, was the true Lord of the world! The Romans had to be some of the bravest, most tested Christ-followers as they were heavily persecuted by the rulers of the day. Therefore, Paul writes a letter to them, expressing what he wishes he could say in person to them. The contents of this letter are so revolutionary that for 2,000 years churches all around the globe read it, reflect on it, and apply these truths to their lives. Join us as we venture through Romans and see how the gospel's message gives us a new identity and a new way to live!