Further Thought: “The plan of salvation does not offer believers a life free from suffering and trial this side of the kingdom. On the contrary, it calls upon them to follow Christ in the same path of self-denial and reproach. . . . It is through such trial and persecution that the character of Christ is … Continue reading –>
How does Paul describe the new relationship in Christ? Rom. 8:15. What hope is found in this promise for us? How do we make it real in our lives? The new relationship is described as freedom from fear. A slave is in bondage. He lives in a state of constant fear of his master. He stands to … Continue reading –>
His name was Hiroo Onoda. In 1944, at the age of 23, this young Japanese soldier began one of the strangest odysseys in all of history. For twenty-nine years he lived, dreamed, planned, and struggled under the illusion that he was at war – a war that had long ago ended. Living deep in the recesses … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Christ made victory over sin possible for those who believe, not as a means of salvation, but as its result. Lesson 9, December 2, 2017 1. Have a volunteer read Romans 8:1. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. What does … Continue reading –>
Paul continues his theme, contrasting the two possibilities that people face in how they live: either according to the Spirit – that is, the Holy Spirit of God, which is promised to us – or according to their sinful and carnal natures. One leads to eternal life, the other to eternal death. There is no … Continue reading –>
“They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:5-6). Dwell on these texts. What basic message comes through from them? What do they … Continue reading –>
However good, the “law” (the ceremonial law, the moral law, or even both) cannot do for us what we need the most, and that is to provide the means of salvation, a means of saving us from the condemnation and death that sin brings. For that, we need Jesus. Read Romans 8:3-4. What did Christ do … Continue reading –>
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). What does “no condemnation” mean? No condemnation from what? And why is this such good news? “In Christ Jesus” is a common phrase in the Pauline writings. For a person to be … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Rom. 8:1-17. Memory Text: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). Romans chapter 8 is Paul’s answer to Romans chapter 7. In Romans chapter 7 Paul speaks of frustration, failure, and condemnation. In Romans chapter … Continue reading –>
