Romans 8: How God Loves UsSample

Freedom from Our Flesh

Reflect / Discuss

• Do you ever struggle to do the right thing?
• What do you think it means to live according to the Spirit?

Consider

Do you ever feel like you can’t help but do the wrong thing, like you are powerless to change? In reality, we are powerless to change. When Paul talks about living according to the flesh, he is talking about the human condition. We were all born into a life of sin, in a fallen world. No matter how hard we try, we cannot change this. The good news is that Jesus died to do what we are powerless to do! Through His death and resurrection, we are able to live by the power of the Spirit and not our own human weakness. 

Life by the Spirit means that we are honest about our struggles. Paul said in another one of his letters that God’s strength is made perfect in our weaknesses (II Corinthians 12). When we have fellowship with the Holy Spirit, we allow Him to search our hearts and reveal the areas that are lacking. When we confess these weaknesses and struggles, the Bible promises that our God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness (I John 1).  It might seem scary to be honest with a perfect God about our sins and struggles, but the very first verse of chapter 8 assures us that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ!” Jesus died for us and took on our sin so that we could freely accept His righteousness. He also died so that imperfect people could live lives that are holy and pleasing to God by the power of His Holy Spirit living in us! 

Act

• What area of your life have you been struggling to change or improve? Surrender that issue to God in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in you to make His desires your own.