Read Romans 7: 24-8:4

In 7:25 Paul exclaims thankfully- what is he thankful for?

How does someone become ‘in Christ’ (8:1)?

If you are ‘in Christ’, Paul explains that there is no condemnation over you, around you, for you. How does that make you feel?

Stand up and walk to the nearest mirror in your place. Say aloud as you look at yourself, I am not condemned. I am a part of God’s family. I am not condemned.

From what you’ve learned in the previous chapters, how are the requirements of the Law met in Jesus, so that we can stand not condemned?

Spend some time praying and praising God for setting us free from the Law, and allowing us access into His family.

Read Romans 7:7-25 again.

These are hard words in this chapter. Remember to pause and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and show you truth!

What is some of the ‘good’ that you would like to see yourself doing right now, but aren’t doing it?

Describe some of the war inside of you right now. In what areas of your life are the good & the evil going “toe to toe”?

How does this war tend to make you feel?

From what we’ve learned in Romans thus far, how would you answer Paul’s gut-wrenching question in verse 24?

Read Romans 7:7-25

Write a one-sentence summary about the tension Paul is expressing in this section in your journal.

So the Law showed them/us what was sin. It said “do not steal”, and we knew stealing was wrong. But we were also aware of the desire to take things that weren’t ours, we became more aware of the desire to sin. Ideally, the Law should lead us to life- as we obey the good commands set before us. Easy, right? Not exactly! Paul says that sin “seized the opportunity” in this. 

How does this work in your own words? What opportunity did sin seize? 

Elsewhere, Peter explains that satan is like a roaring lion- prowling about wanting to devour and destroy us. This is a sobering picture to me- thinking of sin, through satan, seeking to ensnare me and destroy me.

How have you seen this at work in your life? Where does sin take an opportunity with you?

Read Romans 7:1-6

Why do you think Paul uses this marriage illustration?

Verse 4 explains that if we have asked Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins, we become joined to Jesus. We belong to Him. Are you confident that you do indeed belong to Jesus? (if you have any questions about this, please talk to Andrew, Jess, or any of the elders- they would love to sit and talk through this with you).

When you think back to before being ‘joined to Christ’- what is some of the “fruit of death” that you remember growing?

What fruit in your life now is evidence of your being a part of God’s family? How do you see yourself growing? (Remember learning last week about sanctification?)

Sit and spend some time quietly, praying, and asking the Holy Spirit to show you how He has been at work in you, and also where He wants to work going forward.

Read Romans 7 (remember to pray!)

Do the Know, Be, Do version of study:

KNOW (What does the text say about God?)

BE (What does the text say about us?)

DO (What is the text calling me/us to do?)

Write out the whole verse that you want to stick with you throughout the day today in your journal.

As we anticipate being together for worship, spend some time preparing your heart to sit with your spiritual family.

Reflect back on the week’s devotions and bring before the Lord anything that you feel has usurped His rightful place in your heart.

Ask Him to speak as you are listening.

Read Romans 4-6

Skim quickly and look for the Know, Be, Do answers!

KNOW (What does the text say about God?)

BE (What does the text say about us?)

DO (What is the text calling me/us to do?)

Write out the whole verse that you want to stick with you throughout the day today in your journal.