PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS

The Holy Spirit as the Power for Holy Living – Part 1: The Holy Spirit makes us Sons of God (Chap. 8:1-16)

Your Questions?

Any Questions from last topic or from preparation for today?

Review

The Gospel Introduced (Romans 1:1 – 1:15) The Gospel Defined (Romans 1:16-17) The Good News of God-Righteousness to all

who believe on Christ The Universal Need for Righteousness

(Romans 1:18 – 3:20) The Basis and Terms of the Gospel (Romans

3:21-31) RIGHTEOUSNESS, JUSTIFICATION, REDEMPTION,

PROPITIATION, GRACE, FAITH

Review (continued)

The Agreement of the Gospel with the Old Testament (Romans 4)

The Practical Benefits of the Gospel (Romans 5:1-11)

The Victory of Christ’s Work over Adam’s Sin (Romans 5:12-21)

The Gospel’s Way to Holy Living (Romans 6) The Place of the Law in the Believer's Life

(Chap. 7)

The Holy Spirit as the Power for Holy Living – He makes us Sons of God Read Romans 8:1-4 According to v3 & 4, what did God accomplish

through the death of Christ which the Law failed to accomplish? God made it possible for us to fulfil what the Law required!

How did He accomplish this? In Christ’s death, God condemned completely sin in the flesh

– the sinful nature of man – putting it to death. Now a believer walks according to the Spirit, not the old nature.

According to v2, what is the effect of life in Christ? The power of sin and death is broken – we are free to live for

God!

What is the importance to you of Paul’s statement, “No condemnation” in v1?

The difference between saved and unsaved

Read Romans 8:5-8 In verses 5-6, what is the difference between

an unsaved person and a saved one? The unsaved person lives according to the sinful

nature, and regards the things of the flesh. They are dead!

The saved person lives according to the Holy Spirit and values the things of the Spirit. They have life, and peace in the Spirit!

In verses 7-8, why is it impossible for an unsaved person to please God? They have a carnal, fleshly mind which is not able to

be subject to God – their mind is hatred against God.

What is a real Christian?

Read Romans 8:9 What does this verse say about what it really means to be

a Christian? A real Christian is no longer in the flesh – but in Christ! A real Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling inside If this is not so, a person is not a real Christian!

Do you think it could be possible for a person to become a Christian by good living, keeping the commandments or other religious practices? A person is not a Christian without the Holy Spirit dwelling in them

– no matter what they say, or do.

What do you think about the idea that a person could be a Christian but not yet have received the Holy Spirit? This verse shows that such an idea is completely false – if you do

not have the Holy Spirit you do not belong to Christ!

The Power in a Christian life

Read Romans 8:10-11 What is the source of life in a person who is

truly saved? As sin produces death in those who are unsaved, the

Holy Spirit produces life in those who are saved and in-dwelt by Him.

What assurance does the Christian have concerning the future, because the Holy Spirit dwells in them? As the Holy Spirit raised up Jesus from among the

dead, the believer not only has power over sin in this life, but also has the assurabce of physical resurrection – when they will finally be redeemed from the presence of sin for ever!

No longer a debtor to sin

Read Romans 8:12-16 Why is the believer no longer under an

obligation to sin? We are now God’s children, and led by His Spirit.

What does the Holy Spirit produce in a believer? A real sense of freedom and peace (v15) An instinctive awareness of our Father’s love and

care (v15) The assurance that we are God’s children (v16)

Joint-Heirs with Christ

Read Romans 8:17 What can we learn about God and His

purposes for us? God is abundantly gracious – He has not only

forgiven our sins, but He has made us equal heirs with Christ

God purpose is not only that we should live for Christ now, but that we should be glorified together with Christ at His coming.

What should our attitude be to suffering? We must remember that it is a privilege to suffer with

Christ, and that as God’s children we will also be glorified together with Him.

For next time:

The Holy Spirit as the Power for Holy Living (Part 2) – Romans 8:18-39 Try to read the passage two or three times before our

next meeting Think about what the passage says about

God’s purposes for Creation God’s purposes for His Children The Holy Spirit Suffering as a Christian

Think carefully about your position before God Read pages 65-69 in Alive and Free Write down any QUESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO

ASK