LED BY THE SPIRIT
Romans 8:1-17
Key Verse: 8:14
1. What declaration does Paul make (1; 7:5-6; 23-25)? What has God done for “those who are in Christ Jesus,” and how1 (2-3)? For what reasons (4)?
2. How does Paul contrast two kinds of people (5-8)? Think about the differences in mindsets, consequences, and attitudes toward God.
3. What assurance can we have and why (9)? What happens when the Spirit of Christ2 lives in us (10-11)?
4. What obligation does a believer have and not have (12-13)? Why is this important? Read verse 14. What privilege belongs to those who are led by the Spirit? What does it mean to be led by the Spirit?
5. How does the Spirit change the status of and empower believers (15)? How can we have assurance that we are children of God (16)? What blessings do God’s children have (17)? What is the result of sharing in Christ’s sufferings?
The word “flesh” appears twelve times in verses 3-13. It is translated from the Greek word “sarx.” In the context of this passage, it refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit. [See NIV footnote.}↩
“The Spirit,” “the Spirit of God,” and “the Spirit of Christ” are used interchangeably. This refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity.↩