Romans: Life in the Spirit

Romans Study.png

ROMANS: WEEK EIGHTEEN

Read Romans 8:1-11

This week’s study focuses on two parallel lives, the root of each stemming from either living according to the flesh or according to the Spirit. Whatever you live according to is determined by what you set your mind on: the things of the flesh or the things of the Spirit. To set your mind is more than just thinking about something though, but instead, it implies a deeper focus on something - to become preoccupied with it, to let your attention and imagination be captured by something. In the words of Timothy Keller, “Wherever your mind goes most naturally and freely when there is nothing else to distract it - that is what you really live for.” 

Read Romans 8:1-11 and journal through the following questions this week: 

  • What does verse one tell us about being “in Christ?” See also 1 Corinthians 6:17, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20

  • What does it mean to be condemned? The Greek word for condemnation used here is katakrima (you can find the definition here). 

  • What is the “law of the Spirit of life”? (v. 2) See John 3:6, Acts 1:3-8

  • What does the Spirit of life set us free from? (v. 2)

  • How does the message found in verses 1-2 affect our response to sin?

  • What are the two things people can set their minds on? (v. 5)

  • What results are yielded when you set your mind on things of the flesh? (v. 5-8)

  • What results are yielded when you set your mind on things of the Spirit? (v. 5-10)

  • What does “things of the flesh” include? Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Peter 4:3, 1 Peter 2:11, Mark 7:21-23, Revelations 21:8, and James 4:1-17

  • What does “things of the Spirit” include? Read Galatians 5:22-26

  • Where do we find “things of the flesh”? Read Mark 7:20-23 and 1 John 2:15-17

  • Where do we find “things of the Spirit”? See John 15:4-5, Galatians 5:24

  • What do you do with your solitude? 

  • What does this suggest your mind is set on?

  • What did the Spirit do for Jesus? (v. 11)

  • If this same Spirit dwells in you, what does this mean for you and your future? (v. 11) See also 1 Corinthians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 4:14 and 1 Thessalonians 4:14

Romans Bible Study.png

Reflect & Respond

  • What does this passage teach me about God?

  • How does this change the way I live? 

Scripture to memorize

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” -Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yelena is the founder and editor in chief Tirzah. Yelena works as an attorney in tax and in her spare time, she is working on her first book for unmarried twenty-something women in extended waiting seasons and running Tirzah. She has a passion for pointing young women to Christ, and enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

TheologyGuest UserBible study, Romans, Holy SpiritComment