Romans 8.2-8- Small Group Discussion Guide

Summary
In this sermon, the pastor continues exploring Romans 8, focusing on the contrast between living according to the flesh versus living according to the Spirit. The message emphasizes that salvation is not just about eternal life but about a transformed life now through the power of the Holy Spirit. The pastor explains that Christians are learning to "walk again" - taking steps in a new direction guided by the Spirit rather than the flesh. A key point is that what we set our minds on determines our spiritual condition: setting the mind on the flesh leads to death and hostility toward God, while setting the mind on the Spirit leads to life and peace. The sermon concludes by encouraging believers to be intentional about filling their minds with spiritual things through Bible study, prayer, and Christian fellowship, noting that this spiritual mindset will be essential for enduring whatever challenges lie ahead.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to discuss Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Lord, just as this sermon spoke about setting our minds on things of the Spirit, help us now to focus our thoughts on You. May the Holy Spirit guide our conversation, reveal Your truth to each person here, and transform our thinking. We pray that this discussion would not just be an intellectual exercise but would lead to real change in how we live. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker
What's one song, book, or movie that has significantly influenced your thinking or perspective on life?

Key Verses

• Romans 8:5-6
• Romans 8:2-4
• Colossians 3:1-4
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• Isaiah 26:3

Questions

• The pastor said that 'salvation is far deeper and more profound than we so often imagine.' How has your understanding of salvation expanded beyond just 'going to heaven'?
• Romans 8:5 talks about setting our minds on things of the Spirit versus things of the flesh. What practical steps can we take to intentionally set our minds on spiritual things?
• The sermon mentioned that what you think about does something to you. How have you seen this principle at work in your own life, either positively or negatively?
• How does the image of 'walking' help you understand your spiritual journey? What does it suggest about the pace and consistency of spiritual growth?
• The pastor said, 'Your emotions are intimately tied to your rationality.' How have you experienced the connection between your thoughts and your emotions?
• In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to 'walk according to the Spirit' rather than 'according to the flesh'?
• The sermon mentioned that we need to 'pay attention to where and when you fall apart.' What are some 'red flags' in your life that indicate you might be walking according to the flesh?
• How might our small group become a place where people experiencing spiritual revival can find support and guidance?

Life Application
This week, let's put Colossians 3:1-14 into practice as a personal to-do list. First, read through the passage carefully and prayerfully. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal which specific behaviors or thought patterns you need to 'put off' (like anger, malice, or slander) and which you need to 'put on' (like compassion, kindness, and patience). Each day, focus on one specific area the Spirit highlights, journaling about your progress and praying for God's help. Pay special attention to situations where you typically 'fall apart' spiritually, and ask God to transform your mind in those moments. Come back next week prepared to share (as you're comfortable) how this exercise affected your walk with Christ.

Key Takeaways

• Our salvation is not just about eternal life but about living in God's righteousness and holiness now through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• What we fill our minds with inevitably comes out in our words, actions, and emotions - setting our minds on the Spirit leads to life and peace.
• Walking according to the Spirit requires intentional effort - paying attention, praying specifically, and changing behaviors.
• The Holy Spirit works to change what we think, want, and love from the inside out, not just modify our external behaviors.
• A growing knowledge of God leads to a growing love for God, which leads to a life increasingly dedicated to God.

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Holy Spirit who lives within us. We confess that too often we set our minds on things of the flesh rather than things of the Spirit. Forgive us for the times we've allowed our thoughts to be filled with what leads to death rather than life and peace. Holy Spirit, help us to be intentional about what we allow into our minds. Give us discernment to recognize when we're walking according to the flesh, and the courage to change direction. Transform our thinking, our desires, and our loves so that we increasingly reflect Christ. As we leave this place, empower us to be light in a dark world, to be safe places where others can encounter Your truth and grace. May our lives demonstrate what it means to walk according to the Spirit so that others might be drawn to You. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.