Romans 8:18-30

Grow

• Look up the word “glory” in a dictionary. Which definition best fits the way it’s used in this passage? Why? (For an outline of biblical usage, see here.)

• What does it mean to be “called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28-29)? Check out this explanation from GotQuestions.org.

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• Who do you know who’s suffering right now? How can Romans 8:26-27 help you better pray for them this week? As you pray, ask the Spirit to intercede on their behalf.

• Listen to the song Firm Foundation. Share specific ways God has been your firm foundation with someone who needs your encouragement this week.

Connect

• Discuss ways we add to creation’s “groaning” (Rom. 8:20-22). What do we need to do differently?

• Do you believe God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good (Rom. 8:28-30)? Discuss how this can be true even in desperate situations.

Romans 8:9-17

Grow

• To better grasp how we can put to death the deeds of the flesh by the power of the Spirit, watch this J.D. Greear video on Romans 8:1-17.

• For a deeper understanding of the name “Abba Father” (Rom. 8:15), check out this explanation.

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• Specifically, how can your actions this week “bear witness” that you are one of God’s children and heirs (Rom. 8:16-17)?

• Listen to the song This Is Amazing Grace. Share with another person all the ways you have seen God’s amazing grace in your life.

Connect

• Discuss how taking wrong thoughts captive and confessing sin can help you say “no” to the flesh and “yes” to the Spirit.

• Share examples of how the Spirit has moved you toward radical holiness, fearless freedom, family prayerfulness, and/or the hope of glory (Rom. 8:12-17).

Romans 8:1-8

Grow

• Copy Romans 8:1 on a card. Read it every morning when you wake and every evening before bed until you know it by heart.

• Why couldn’t the law give life (Rom. 8:3)? Learn about the purpose of the law by watching this BibleProject video.

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• Romans 8:4-5 urges us to walk according to the Spirit by setting our minds on the things of the Spirit. Consider one (even small) way this would affect the way you treat another person this week. Then commit to do it!

• Summarize Romans 8:1-4 in your own words. How can you share this truth through your words or actions this week?

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• How can what we learned today help us to walk according to the Spirit?

• Listen to Blessed Assurance several times. Then journal how the truths in this song help you set your mind on the things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5).

Romans 7:7-25

Grow

• To better understand what “holy” means (v. 12), check out this article. Then explore how the law is useful for Christians still today with this one.

• Consider the biblical meaning of “sin” by watching this BibleProject video.

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• While our struggle with indwelling sin can seem like a battle we can’t win, Tim Keller called it, “The battle you can’t lose.” Why is that the case (see v. 25)? How could you use this truth to encourage another person this week?

• Share the song You’ve Already Won with someone needing hope. Pray together for victory.

Connect

• Share examples of ways we serve the law of God with our minds but the law of sin with our flesh (v. 25). How does Jesus deliver us from this dilemma?

• What does Paul mean when he says it is our indwelling sin that is doing the sinful actions, not our truest self (v. 20)?