Small Group Bible Study Guide: “We Are Free”
Bible ReadingRomans 8:1-17 (ESV)> 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
> 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
> 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
> 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
> 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
> 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
> 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
> 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
> 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
> 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
> 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
> 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
> 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
> 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
> 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
> 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
> 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Observation Questions- According to Romans 8:1-4, what has God done for us through Jesus that the law could not do?
- In the sermon, what does the pastor say is broken in the life of a believer, and how does he illustrate this? [[44:01]]
- What does Paul say is the result of setting our minds on the Spirit instead of the flesh? (Romans 8:6)
- How does the sermon describe the difference between condemnation and conviction for those who belong to Christ? [[44:01]]
Interpretation Questions- The sermon says, “God’s truth is the only sure foundation.” Why is it important to anchor our lives in God’s truth rather than our own opinions or the culture’s shifting standards? [[26:06]]
- The pastor mentions that transformation begins with obedience, not just desire. What does it look like to step out in obedience even when you don’t feel like it? [[51:07]]
- According to Romans 8:15-17, what does it mean to be adopted as God’s children, and how should this affect our sense of identity and security?
- The sermon talks about sharing in both Christ’s suffering and glory. How might suffering for your faith be part of your spiritual inheritance? [[01:06:31]]
Application Questions- The sermon challenges us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” and not be swayed by the loud voices of culture. What is one specific “voice” or influence in your life that you need to tune out this week? How will you do it? [[26:06]]
- When you stumble or fall into sin, do you tend to feel condemned or convicted? How can you remind yourself of the truth that “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”? [[44:01]]
- The pastor said, “You will hunger for what you feed on.” What are you feeding your mind and heart with most these days? Is there a change you want to make in what you’re consuming? [[01:00:29]]
- Think about a time when you waited for your feelings to change before obeying God. What would it look like to act in obedience first and trust God to transform your heart and mind as you go? [[51:07]]
- The sermon says that being led by the Spirit is our new identity. What is one area of your life where you need to invite the Holy Spirit to lead you more fully? [[01:01:15]]
- The pastor shared a story about a young girl who suffered rejection and even physical harm for sharing her faith, but kept loving and reaching out. Is there someone in your life who has rejected your faith or made it hard for you to follow Jesus? How can you respond with love and perseverance this week? [[01:10:02]]
- God calls us to walk forward without fear, confident in His presence and promises. What is one step of faith you sense God is asking you to take right now, and what is holding you back? [[01:21:40]]
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person walk in the freedom, identity, and hope that is ours in Christ.