session 6 A Life you cAn’t Live on your own

session 6

A Life you cAn’t Live on your own

70 S E S S I O N 6 © 2013 LifeWay© 2013 LifeWay

The PointGod’s Holy Spirit lives in you and empowers you.

The Bible Meets LifeJust as we cannot save ourselves; we cannot live the Christian life ourselves. Left

to ourselves, we would face continual defeat. We are not left alone. Jesus Christ

comes to live in us through the presence and power of His Holy Spirit. He is the

One who empowers us to stand against sin, to walk righteously, and to live every

aspect of life for His glory.

The PassageRomans 8:8-17, 26-27

The SettingRomans 7 shows us the conflict between the continual struggle with sin in our

lives and the power and work of Christ in our lives. Romans 8 shows us that

there is another law at work besides the law of sin: the “law” of the Spirit. In this

chapter we see the benefits we experience because of the presence of the Holy

Spirit in our lives.

B i B l e S t u d i e S f o r l i f e 71© 2013 LifeWay© 2013 LifeWay

Romans 8:8-17, 26-27 (HCSB)

8 those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 you, however, are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, since the spirit of God lives in you. but if anyone does not have the spirit of christ, he does not belong to him. 10 now if christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 And if the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his spirit who lives in you. 12 so then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, 13 for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

14 All those led by God’s spirit are God’s sons. 15 for you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, father!” 16 the spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with christ—seeing that we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

26 in the same way the spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the spirit himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And he who searches the hearts knows the spirit’s mind-set, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Key Words

suffer with Him (v. 17)—Believers do not suffer to gain salvation. Their path, however, sometimes involves opposition and hardship.

unspoken groanings (v. 26)—The phrase describes the intensity with which the Spirit intercedes.

What does the Bible say?


Notes

GEt iNto thE StuDYDISCUSS: Ask the opening question

on page 59 of the Personal Study Guide

(PSG): “Who do you depend on

and why?”

GUIDE: Direct the group to search “The

Bible Meets Life” for the reason why

Jennifer, the person in the story, needed

someone to depend on.

SUMMARIZE: This world can be a scary

place without the companionship of

others. In Romans 8 Paul reminds us that God will never leave us alone. As children in

His family, God has provided His Holy Spirit to guide us and protect us.

TRANSITION: Let’s consider how the Holy Spirit helps us.

PRAY: Thank God for living within us by His Holy Spirit.

10 minutes

TIP: To avoid feeling rushed, prepare early. It’s hard to feel satisfied with your preparation if you’re reading the material for the first time the night before.

B i B l e S t u d i e S f o r l i f e 73

thE PoiNt God’s Holy Spirit lives in you and empowers you.

© 2013 LifeWay© 2013 LifeWay

Notes

Romans 8:8-13

8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in

the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone

does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 Now if Christ

is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of

righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives

in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal

bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you. 12 So then, brothers, we

are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, 13 for if you live

according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to

death the deeds of the body, you will live.

READ: Call on a volunteer to read Romans 8:8-13.

SAY: “Christians are under the direction and protection of the indwelling Spirit.”

GUIDE: Lead the group to call out details about the Spirit using the

“Romans 8:8-13” section on page 62 of the PSG.

DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 62 of the PSG: “If the Spirit lives within us,

why is it sometimes so difficult to sense His presence?”

TRANSITION: The Holy Spirit does more than empower our walk.

StuDY thE BiBLE10 minutes


Romans 8:8-13 Commentary

Paul glued his teaching points in verses 8-13 with the two-letter Greek word de, a particle that contrasts

and emphasizes. The word occurs in verses 8, 9 (twice), 10 (twice), 11, and 13. Paul used it to connect

his teaching in a tight grouping for emphasis, impact, intensity, and persuasion. What’s so important in

verses 8-13 that today’s believers should both understand and practice them?

Verses 8-9. Paul first stated that those who are in the flesh cannot please God. The word flesh

here refers to persons who are not Christian believers and thus do not have the Holy Spirit residing

in their lives. Consequently, he or she is unable to be or to do what pleases God (Heb. 11:6). Paul then

stated the key evidence of their salvation. They were not in the flesh. Rather they were in the Spirit,

meaning living in obedience to the Holy Spirit as He empowered and directed them. Paul was not yet

done characterizing the Roman believers. He penned his words in strong conviction: the Spirit of God

lives in you. Lives conveys the sense of permanent residence. The Holy Spirit’s absence from one’s life

is certain proof he or she is not a Christian.

Verses 10-11. Paul pointed out two wonderful results of the Spirit’s presence and work in believers’

lives. The first is the fact that the body is dead. Likely Paul referred to the Christian’s physical body

and its certain death. Even though Christ lives in believers, we will die physically because of sin. The

first result of Christ’s living presence in all believers is wonderful news—the Spirit is life because

of righteousness. Likely Paul’s teaching here means the final outcome of the life-giving Spirit

in Christians is resurrection to life. In verse 11, Paul emphasized the relationship of the Holy Spirit to

resurrection. If means since and thus certainty. It points to reality: the Spirit, the One who raised Jesus

from the dead lives in all believers. The same Spirit will also bring all believers’ mortal bodies

to life.

Verses 12-13. Here Paul drew a conclusion. So then let the Roman believers know he was nearing the

end of instructions about the Holy Spirit’s presence and work, and consequently their opportunities

and responsibilities. Paul next referred to his readers as brothers, a term of equality and esteem,

identifying them as Christians. Using the word live three times, Paul pinpointed how believers should

not live and live. First, Christians have no obligation or debt, none whatsoever, to live according to

the flesh, referring to sinful desires still resident in all believers. Life lived according to the flesh

is the distinguishing mark of a person without the Holy Spirit. Second, Paul characterized believers

as those who by the Spirit…put to death the deeds of the body. The Holy Spirit, living and

working in Christians’ lives, powerfully enables them to spurn sin rather than embrace sin.




Notes

Romans 8:14-17

14 All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. 15 For you did not receive a spirit

of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by

whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with

our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of

God and coheirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may

also be glorified with Him.

READ: Enlist a volunteer to read Romans 8:14-17.

DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 63 of the PSG: “What causes believers to

question if they truly belong to God?”

DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 64 of the PSG: “How can I know that I am

truly saved?”

GUIDE: To help with this discussion, point the group’s attention to the actions

of the Holy Spirit in the “Romans 8:14-17” section: He guides, dispels fear, and

provides an inner testimony.

ENHANCEMENT: To begin to comprehend the incomprehensible reality of the

Holy Spirit’s power, use Pack Item 5: “Spirit Empowered.” Invite the group to

ponder how they recognize God’s Spirit in a believer.

TRANSITION: The Holy Spirit gives us power and wisdom in every area of life.




In verses 8-13 Paul taught that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live godly, not sinfully. Sinners,

once without power to conquer sin, now as Christians can walk the pathway of righteousness. Paul

stressed the permanence of the Spirit’s living relationship in all believers. Note the fact of every believer’s

relationship with the Spirit. Christians are God’s children. Paul used adoption to describe our family tie

to the Spirit. God’s people call Him Father. Believers are God’s children and therefore heirs of God

and co-heirs with Christ. Christians, furthermore, will be glorified with Him.

One can sense this family belongingness in verses 14-17 where Paul penned four realities regarding

the Holy Spirit’s relationship and effect with all believers. First, they are led by Him. The original verb

translated led is in a form that implies characteristic behavior—not flawless, but not whimsical or

occasional. He enables them to turn their backs to sin’s open doors, speaks persuasively to their hearts

about obeying a particular biblical teaching, emboldens believers to witness for Christ in a hostile

situation, fills them with love for a mean-spirited relative or coworker, or strengthens personal faith in

God when trials overwhelm. Such actions only the Spirit enables.

The second result of the Spirit’s indwelling is that believers come into God’s family by adoption. When

the Roman Christians heard and believed the gospel about Christ, they did not receive a spirit of

slavery to fall back into fear. A fearful relationship with a cruel master was not the outcome of their

faith. Paul next focused on the comforting outcome of the Father’s embrace of those He makes His own.

God’s adopted children, secure in His loving welcome with opened arms, cry out, “Abba, Father!”

Abba was an Aramaic term for “father” (Mark 14:36). With confidence but not irreverence, believers can

approach the Heavenly Father and receive His loving attention and response.

Third, believers’ relationship with the living God confirms again and again and again that we belong to

God’s family. How so? Paul pointed out that the Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit.

What is the subject of this continuous communication, and what is the wonderful result of this ongoing

testimony we hear not with our ears but with our hearts? The answer is we are God’s children.

Fourth, if (here meaning “because”) in fact believers are God’s children, then they are heirs of God as

well as co-heirs with Christ. Because Christians are God’s children, they have an inheritance awaiting

them in heaven. That inheritance is sharing in the Father’s and the Son’s glory. Serving and suffering

for Christ now will result in sharing in His glory in heaven. The promise of such an everlasting state is

unspeakably glorious and grand. Grace leads to glory forever for those who, by grace through Christ, are

His own forever. For His family members, this is our certain inheritance.




Notes

Romans 8:26-27

26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we

do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes

for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows

the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the

will of God.

READ: Choose a volunteer to read Romans 8:26-27.

SAY: “Left on our own, we tend to return to our default mode of spiritual

weakness. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can accomplish

greater things.”

DO: Direct group members to complete in the activity on page 65 of the PSG.

The Spirit in My Life

An action of God’s Spirit that is most meaningful to me:

God’s Spirit lives in me.

God’s Spirit is life.

God’s Spirit leads me.

God’s Spirit adopts me into His family.

God’s Spirit helps me in my weakness.

God’s Spirit intercedes for me.

Why is that action of God’s Spirit so meaningful? ________________________

_____________________________________________________________

DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 65 of the PSG: “How would your life be

different if you were more aware of the Spirit’s activity?”

ENHANCEMENT: Use Pack Item 1: “Do Over” to wind up this six-session study.

TRANSITION: Let’s conclude by choosing at least one action we’ll take to let the

Holy Spirit guide and protect us.




Paul’s introductory phrase In the same way connects his teaching in verses 26-27 to the previous

context in verses 18-25.

There Paul focused on the reality that both creation and believers groan to be released from the

marring and scarring sin has created with devastating effect on the earth and on all people. Until

that time of global change (v. 21) and believers’ “redemption of our bodies” (v. 23), the Holy Spirit is

interceding in prayer on behalf of all God’s people.

Paul connected his teaching in these two verses with the statement in verse 23, where he pointed out

that those with the Spirit “groan” within themselves as does the Holy Spirit on behalf of all believers.

Although similar, the groanings are not identical. Believers groan for heaven and the “redemption of

our bodies” (v. 23), while the Spirit groans in prayer for believers with unspoken groanings.

The reason the Spirit prays on our behalf is to help in our weakness. Sometimes our weakness is

that we do not know what to pray for as we should. He, thankfully, does know.

The Holy Spirit is perfectly aware of the Father’s will. Consequently the Spirit intercedes for the

saints according to the will of God. Paul’s point is that believers sometimes find themselves

uncertain what to pray or inadequate to fully express to God their prayers apart from the Spirit’s work

on their behalf. The Spirit’s groanings express our hearts and our needs more fully and precisely than

we ever could and with truer insight as well. He knows every believer intimately and God’s will for

each one perfectly.

The Holy Spirit faithfully intercedes for us in ways too deep for language to fathom but always for

God’s glory in our lives.




Notes

LiVE it outGUIDE: Direct group members to recall Jennifer’s opening story of panic and fear

of being alone with no one to help her. Contrast this with all the Holy Spirit does

for each believer. Invite volunteers to name a way they would like to let the Spirit

guide them, referring to the three examples on page 66 of the PSG.

> Acknowledge that you are powerless. Confess to God that you need the

strength that comes only through His Holy Spirit.

> The next time you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Follow His

guidance.

> Pray as you read. Learn to recognize God’s voice as you read the Bible.

Wrap It Up

SAY: “You are not alone. There is no power stronger than the Holy Spirit. In what

way is the Lord leading you to alter your rhythm and routine?”

5 minutes

8 0 S E S S I O N 6 © 2013 LifeWay© 2013 LifeWay

My group's prayer requests

Additional suggestions for specific groups (women, men, parents, boomers, and singles)

are available at BibleStudiesforLife.com/blog.

Fear No Evil

“Mommy, I’m hearing voices,” my youngest daughter told us when we lived overseas. “They’re telling me to do bad things like kick my brother and disobey you. They’re waking me up at night and scaring me.” We’d recognized her belligerence, but we chalked it up to culture shock and navigating a foreign school system. My husband, Patrick, had been under spiritual attack since the moment we moved to France, so in some ways we weren’t surprised. But we didn’t expect voices.

to continue reading “fear no evil” from HomeLife magazine, visit BibleStudiesforLife.com/articles.

B i B l e S t u d i e S f o r l i f e 81© 2013 LifeWay© 2013 LifeWay

Do Over: Experience New Life in Christ

There is so much we could say and discuss about the truths and wonders of salvation, and in the last six weeks we’ve

been able to touch on six of those great truths. The goal has been for us to understand what Christ has done for us and

how we can live out that salvation on a daily basis. We are not saved simply for some future event, but we are saved to

live in Christ and for Christ now.

Christ Salvation—and every aspect of our lives—begins and ends with Jesus Christ. Those who want a “do over” with their lives can only do so if they come to Christ and live in Him.

82 © 2013 LifeWay

The message of the Book of Romans is to be the message of our lives. Missional living is engaging the culture around us with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is more than words; it is showing the power and work of Christ through our changed lives.

The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ. What brings individuals together is the shared connection we have through Jesus Christ. He changes individual lives, and consequently, He empowers the church as we come together.

Culture

Community

B i B l e S t u d i e S f o r l i f e 83© 2013 LifeWay

Documents

session 6 A Life you cAn’t Live on your own