Study Guide
Romans Part 11
Have you ever considered how much our life should be different because we have the Holy Spirit as Christ-followers? Romans 8 celebrates the way the Spirit changes us and changes our life! Listen in as Pastor Brayden Brookshier, from our Ocean Beach campus, helps us see what the Spirit-led life looks like.
In this message you will be challenged and encouraged to :
- Have a different mindset because the Spirit's influence
- Relate to God as our Father
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
- If you knew that you were going to receive a sizable inheritance in the future, how would that impact the way that you live now? (Money, stress, etc.)?
- What is one of your favorite things about being a child of God?
Read Romans 8:1-11 (CSB)
Walk in the freedom and direction of the Holy Spirit.
In this passage, Paul presents a transformative message for believers that emphasizes the freedom and direction that is available through the Holy Spirit. The passage begins in verse 1 with a powerful declaration, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus…” What a declaration of freedom! Because of our release from condemnation, we now have the ability with the help of the Holy Spirit to walk in a new way of life.
This new way of life that Paul describes is one of two options: living life according to the flesh or living life according to the Spirit (vs.5-9). The indwelling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit allows us to walk in this beautiful new way of life. Because of the Holy Spirit, we can experience a new life characterized by freedom, love, and self-control.
How does the Holy Spirit possess and provide this much power? The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, is alive in you! Let’s walk in this new way of life!
Discussion Questions
- How does the assurance of “no condemnation” in Christ Jesus (v.1) impact your daily life and your decision-making? How have you seen this truth influence your thoughts and actions recently?
- In verses 5 and 6, Paul contrasts the life of those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit. What steps can we take to set our minds on the things of the Spirit in our everyday lives?
- Verse 11 shares about the life-giving power of the Spirit. In what ways have you seen the power of the Spirit at work in your life? What steps can we take to experience the power of the Holy Spirit more in our daily lives?
Read Romans 8:12-17 (CSB)
The Spirit of adoption reminds us that God has chosen us to be His sons and daughters.
In verse 14, Paul reminds us of our new relationship and status with God as followers of Jesus. We are not just men and women who have broken free from the bondage of our “sin” master. More than that, we are men and women who have been adopted into the family of God.
Trevor Burke wrote extensively on this incredibly important teaching on adoption. He writes: “God does not only justify people and then leave them destitute with nowhere to go—he adopts them into the warmth and security of his household!
In Roman society, an adopted son began his new life in his new family with a completely clean slate, having all his debts cancelled. He would take on a new name given by his new father to accompany his new privileges and responsibilities. Paul has shown these things to be true for Christians. Our “debts” (i.e., sins) have been paid (e.g., Rom 8:1–2) and now we have a new relationship with God as sons and daughters (8:14–16).
In this new relationship, as pointed out in verse 15, we can call out to God as our “Abba,” which is a warm term of endearment used by those with close, familial bonds built on trust and love. This closeness not only impacts the way that we pray and relate to God, it also impacts our future inheritance waiting for us in eternity (vs.17).
Discussion Questions
- How has being adopted into the family of God impacted the way that you relate to God on a consistent basis? In your prayer life?
- Share a time when you cried out to God, 'Abba, Father!'—whether in a moment of need or abundance. What were the circumstances surrounding this prayer, and how did God respond?
- This passage reminds us that we are heirs of God and coheirs with Christ (vs.17) What does this inheritance mean to you, and how does it shape the way you live your life?
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!