Lesson 7: Spirit and Freedom (ROMANS 8:1–39)
Lesson 7
Spirit and Freedom
(ROMANS 8:1–39)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Romans 8:1–39. This lesson references chapter 7 in Be Right. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
Romans 8 is the Christian’s “Declaration of Freedom,” for in it Paul declares the four spiritual freedoms we enjoy because of our union with Jesus Christ. A study of this chapter shows the emphasis on the Holy Spirit, who is mentioned nineteen times. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Cor. 3:17).
—Be Right, page 97
1. What are the four spiritual freedoms Paul talks about in Romans 8? What is your reaction to the gift of this freedom, offered to those who follow Jesus?
More to Consider: Wiersbe writes, “The ‘law of double jeopardy’ states that a man cannot be tried twice for the same crime.” How is this law like the truth afforded us by Jesus’ payment for our sins on the cross?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Romans 8:1–39 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. What strikes you about this verse?
Going Deeper
3. Go through Romans 8 and circle all of Paul’s references to the Spirit. What does this tell you about the role of the Spirit for those who are no longer under the law? What are some of the things the Spirit does on our behalf?
From the Commentary
The legalist tries to obey God in his own strength and fails to measure up to the righteousness that God demands. The Spirit-led Christian, as he yields to the Lord, experiences the sanctifying work of the Spirit in his life.
—Be Right, page 99
4. How do Christians go about “yielding” to the Lord? What is the sanctifying work of the Spirit?
From Today’s World
The world does not recognize that there is a difference between things “of the flesh” and things “of the Spirit.” In fact, most of what is presented to Americans today through the media and advertising promises to satisfy only fleshly desires. Take a moment to recall the various messages that have passed before you today (in magazines, on the radio, television, or Internet, in advertising). Consider the point and purpose of those messages.
5. What was the purpose of those messages you’ve recalled? In what ways do they speak to fleshly desires? Does this mean that all popular media is bad? Why or why not? What changes when you view these images or hear these messages through the filter of faith (a life fixed on the things of the Spirit)? How do you go about doing that?
From the Commentary
To be “in the flesh” means to be lost, outside Christ. The unsaved person lives to please himself and rarely if ever thinks about pleasing God. The root of sin is selfishness—“I will” and not “Thy will.”
—Be Right, page 100
6. What are some ways unsaved people live to please themselves? What are the greatest temptations Christians face to do the same thing? How does one turn from desiring to please only him- or herself to desiring to please God?
More to Consider: Read 1 Corinthians 6:19–20. How does this passage speak to the way in which we are to live as men and women who have the Holy Spirit within us?
From the Commentary
What a difference it makes in your body when the Holy Spirit lives within. You experience new life, and even your physical faculties take on a new dimension of experience. When evangelist D. L. Moody described his conversion experience, he said: “I was in a new world. The next morning the sun shone brighter and the birds sang sweeter … the old elms waved their branches for joy, and all nature was at peace.” Life in Christ is abundant life.
—Be Right, pages 100–101
7. What does the “new world” of a life with the Holy Spirit look like? In what ways do you see this life as abundant? How is this lived out and in evidence in your church or other community of believers? Why is it important to recognize this “new dimension” offered by the Spirit? How can our recognition and embracing of the Spirit’s role in our lives impact the lives of those around us?
From the Commentary
Today the Holy Spirit groans with us and feels the burdens of our weaknesses and suffering. But the Spirit does more than groan. He prays for us in His groaning so that we might be led into the will of God. We do not always know God’s will. We do not always know how to pray, but the Spirit intercedes so that we might live in the will of God in spite of suffering. The Spirit “shares the burden.”
—Be Right, page 103
8. Why is it important to know that the Holy Spirit “groans” with us? What are the other roles of the Holy Spirit as expressed by Paul in Romans 8?
More to Consider: Respond to this Wiersbe quote: “We do not need to fear the past, present, or future because we are secure in the love of Christ.”
From the Commentary
The believer needs to enter into each new day realizing that God is for him. There is no need to fear, for his loving Father desires only the best for His children, even if they must go through trials to receive His best.
—Be Right, page 105
9. How does the belief that “God is for us” help us when we’re facing difficult circumstances or trials? Is it always easy to believe God is for you? Why or why not? What sort of spiritual growth comes from trusting God that has our best interests in mind?
From the Commentary
God does not shelter us from the difficulties of life because we need them for our spiritual growth (Rom. 5:3–5). In Romans 8:28 God assures us that the difficulties of life are working for us and not against us. God permits trials to come that we might use them for our good and His glory. We endure trials for His sake (Rom. 8:36), and since we do, do you think that He will desert us? Of course not! Instead, He is closer to us when we go through the difficulties of life.
—Be Right, page 106
10. What does it look like to endure trials for God’s sake? How is God closer during these times? Does God feel closer during these times? Why or why not?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Romans 8:1–39. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. What does it mean to you to know that the Holy Spirit is “groaning” on your behalf? What are some of the life circumstances you’re facing that cause you to look to the Holy Spirit for guidance and help? How are Paul’s words in this chapter of Romans encouraging to you?
12. What are some ways you still try to “please self” instead of “please God”? What drives those desires? What would it take to trust the Holy Spirit to help you with those areas that are still driven by pleasing yourself?
13. Is it easy for you to believe God is “for” you? Why or why not? When is it most challenging for you to trust that God’s purposes are for your good? According to Paul, what is the Holy Spirit’s role in helping you to believe and embrace this truth?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to learn more about the role of the Holy Spirit in your life? Embrace the freedom offered by the Spirit? Turn from pleasing self to pleasing God? Be specific. Go back through Romans 8:1–39 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: The Holy Spirit plays a variety of roles in a believer’s life. Take some time this week to learn more about the Holy Spirit. You can do this in a variety of ways: simply by studying the Bible (use a concordance to search for “Spirit” or a Bible dictionary to track down key verses); reading books on the Holy Spirit; or talking with a pastor or other church leader.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the “Going Forward” section in this lesson. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Romans 9:1–33. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapter 8, “Did God Make a Mistake?” in Be Right.