Romans 8
by Philip Layton
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Discussion Questions
- Do you understand and share Paul’s sense of the ‘inward groaning’ (v 23)?
- Do you have times when you wish to pray but words fail you (vv 26, 27)? How reassuring are these verses?
- How do you interpret these words of predestination (vv 29, 30)? Was Paul referring to believers who had already died? Was he talking about the Jews or Christians in general? Is this an argument for predestination for each individual?
Share your thoughts below, or tweet about it with the #boundlessbible hashtag. Don't forget this week's Children's Challenge!
Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
Today’s Scripture reading is powerful! It speaks of God’s amazing love for us all. The Spirit of God living in us. Even though we’re sinners, there’s no condemnation. Deliverance. New life!
Because God has given us his Spirit, we should now respond:
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation… (v 12).
This ‘obligation’ is to ‘put to death the misdeeds of the body’ in order that we ‘will live’ (v 13). It’s our responsibility not only to get rid of things in our life that aren’t of God, but also to nurture our spiritual life. To ask God’s Spirit daily to cleanse and restore us.
We read and hear so much today about caring for our physical bodies.
People are to exercise, eat properly, take certain vitamins. All very important. We’re also encouraged to care for our minds and emotions. To read good material that enriches us; to listen to good music, calming our spirits; to learn and develop skills so we can better interact with others.
Also very important.
But above all, we’re to grow in our spiritual walk with Christ. As we do, we become more aware of our ‘sonship’ by the Spirit. For then, we have the awesome privilege of calling God ‘Abba’:
And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’ (v 15).
‘Abba’ – Daddy! Intimacy with Creator God: ‘…heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ’ (v 17). Amazing love! How can it be?
Prayer
Father, it’s almost too much to take in. All I can humbly say in response is: ‘Thank you. I love you, Abba!’
Beverly Ivany
Tags: Romans