Romans 8:1-13
Introduction
This week we are beginning a new series on the 7 deadly sins. They are called “deadly” not because they are beyond the grace of God, but because they rob us of life, joy, love, and freedom. This week is about helping us see that because there is no condemnation in Christ, we can honestly and seriously fight sin by the power of the Spirit.
Introductory Questions
When you hear the phrase “7 deadly sins,” what thoughts, feelings, or connotations come to mind?
Do you think our culture still believes in “sin”? Why or why not?
Read Romans 8:1–13
8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[d] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[e] his Spirit who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you from this passage?
What does it mean that there is “no condemnation” for those who are in Christ Jesus?
In verses 2-4 How has Jesus give us the conditions and means nessecary to set us free from sin?
According to Romans 8:5–8, what is the difference between setting the mind on the flesh and setting the mind on the Spirit?
Why does Paul speak so seriously about sin if Christians are already forgiven?
What does Romans 8:13 tell us about our role in fighting sin?
What does Romans 8:13 tell us about the Spirit’s role in fighting sin?
What would be the danger of having a low view of sin?
How might this play out in someone’s thought life and actions?What would be the danger of having a low view of the power of God to forgive and transform?
How might this play out in someone’s thought life and actions?
Application Questions
What are some ways we might prefer managing sin over killing sin?
What is the difference between fighting sin by shame and willpower, and fighting sin by the Spirit in the knowledge that there is no condemnation?
What would it look like for this group to become a safe but serious place to fight sin and experience the joy of forgiveness together over this series?
Prayer
Break into smaller groups for prayer, with men and women separate if helpful.
Are there any particular sins you are looking to fight over this series?
Where do you want to experience the transforming work of God’s Spirit?
Spend time praying:
thanking God that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
asking God to help us take sin seriously without falling into shame
asking the Spirit to help us put sin to death
praying that this group would become a safe but serious place to fight sin and experience the joy of forgiveness together