Bible Reading
Romans 8:1-11 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 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, 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. 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. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 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. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 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.”
[42:49]John 16:7-15 “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
[01:04:48]Ephesians 1:13-14 “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
[01:08:59]Observation questions
- In Romans 8:5–9, what differences does Paul describe between a mind set on the flesh and a mind set on the Spirit?
- In Romans 8:9–11, how does Paul connect the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the resurrection of Jesus? [44:06]
- In John 16:7–15, what work does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will do in the world and among his followers? Whose message and glory are central to that work? [01:05:27]
- In Ephesians 1:13–14, what happens when people hear the gospel and believe? What does the Spirit’s presence say about their future? [01:08:59]
Interpretation questions
- How does Romans 8:1–4 help explain why the Spirit’s conviction should lead a believer back to Jesus rather than into an effort to earn God’s forgiveness? [46:41]
- God is near through his Spirit, but he remains Lord. How does that distinction change what a believer should expect when asking God for direction about a difficult decision? [58:03]
- In light of John 16:13–15, how should a Christian evaluate a strong feeling of guidance that seems to conflict with Jesus’ instructions in Scripture? [01:07:26]
- Why does Ephesians 1:13–14 connect belonging to Christ with hearing and believing the gospel rather than with a Christian upbringing or church attendance? What difference does that make for someone who has always been around church? [01:11:19]
Application questions
- When you become aware of sin, do you tend to hide, make excuses, try harder on your own, or turn to Jesus? What would returning to the cross look like in a situation you are facing now? Share only what you feel comfortable sharing. [52:05]
- Is there an area where following God’s direction could cost you comfort, popularity, or approval from family? What makes obedience difficult, and what might a faithful next step look like? [45:33]
- Think about something you have recently asked God to do. How open are you to his changing your desires or plans rather than giving you the outcome you want? [58:03]
- Where are you trying to resist temptation through determination alone? How could you depend on the Spirit’s help in that struggle this week? [01:00:18]
- What burden are you carrying right now that you would like the group to know about? What might leaning on the Spirit’s comfort look like, and how could this group come alongside you? [01:04:15]
- Think of a decision before you—at home, at work, or in your responsibilities as a citizen. What biblical instructions could help shape that decision, and how could you make room to consider them before acting? [01:06:08]
- As you consider your own relationship with Jesus, what are you relying on for assurance: your background, your church involvement, your efforts, or his forgiveness and promise? How does the Spirit’s seal in Ephesians 1:13–14 speak to any uncertainty you have? [01:08:59]
