We have seen in Romans 8 the identity of the Christian as one who is in the Spirit. In verses 12-13 Paul begins to show us the activity of the Christian: Because we are no longer captive to the flesh, we should not live according to the flesh. God and Christians each have a role in sanctification: fighting our sin must be by the Spirit and his power, but Christians must also take an active role in battling sinful habits.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
THINKING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
How does Paul start verse 12? What does this mean? How does it help us understand the verses that follow?
Who are we debtors to?
FEELING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
What does living according to the flesh lead to? Is that the end; what can we have hope in?
What is our role in sanctification? What is the Spirit’s role in sanctification? Read also 1 Corinthians 15:10; Philippians 2:12-13; and Colossians 1:29).
DOING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
What do you think about sin? Do you feel the weight of it in your life? Do you believe that it is something you need to actively put to death? How can you and we as a church grow in this?
In what ways are you living according to the flesh? How are you/can you actively put sin to death in your life?
