Romans 8:7-11 - Small Group Discussion Guide

Summary
In this sermon from Romans 8:7-11, Pastor explores the dramatic contrast between those with minds set on the flesh versus those filled with the Holy Spirit. He begins by highlighting how the mind set on the flesh is hostile to God, cannot submit to God's law, and cannot please God. This hostility manifests in opposition to God's created order, family structure, social order, and moral truth, eventually spreading from personal rebellion to public injustice.
The sermon then pivots to the transformative reality for believers who are "not in the flesh but in the Spirit." The pastor explains who the Holy Spirit is - our helper, comforter, Spirit of truth, guarantee of salvation, source of freedom, and Spirit of grace. He emphasizes that the Spirit of God indwells believers permanently, empowering them to live righteously in a spiritual battle. The sermon concludes with a call for Christians to embrace personal holiness and live courageously as Spirit-filled children of God.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who dwells within us. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to understand the power and presence of Your Spirit in our lives. Help us to recognize the contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to Your Spirit. May our discussion today draw us closer to You and empower us to live as Your children in this spiritual battle. Guide our conversation and reveal what You want each of us to learn today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker
What's one small daily habit that helps you feel more connected to God?

Key Verses

• Romans 8:9
• Romans 8:11
• 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
• 2 Corinthians 3:17
• John 14:16-17

Questions

• How would you describe the difference between a mind that is 'set on the flesh' versus one that is 'set on the Spirit' based on this passage?
• The pastor mentioned that 'hostility to moral truth is a sure sign of a mind that is set in opposition to the Spirit of God.' How have you observed this in our culture today?
• In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit as your helper or comforter in difficult situations?
• The sermon states that 'the Holy Spirit is our guarantee.' What does this mean to you personally in your faith journey?
• How does the concept that 'where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom' impact how you view your struggles with sin?
• The pastor emphasized that 'our first line of defense in spiritual warfare is personal holiness.' What practical steps can we take to pursue holiness in our daily lives?
• How does knowing that the Holy Spirit will 'never leave you and never forsake you' affect your confidence in facing life's challenges?
• In what areas of your life do you need to be more aware of and responsive to the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance?

Life Application
This week, commit to being more intentionally aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life. Choose one area where you've been struggling with 'fleshly' thinking or behavior and deliberately invite the Holy Spirit to transform your mind in this area. Each morning, acknowledge the Spirit's presence within you and ask for His guidance throughout the day. Each evening, reflect on moments when you recognized His work in your life. Keep a simple journal of these observations and be prepared to share one insight with the group next time we meet.

Key Takeaways

• The mind set on the flesh is hostile to God and cannot please Him, while the mind set on the Spirit brings life and righteousness.
• The Holy Spirit is the presence and power of God within believers and the church, serving as our helper, comforter, guide to truth, and guarantee of salvation.
• The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is permanent - He will never leave believers and will be with us for all eternity.
• We are in a spiritual battle, and our first line of defense is personal holiness empowered by the Spirit.
• Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom from slavery to sin and the manipulation of falsehood and evil.

Ending Prayer
Lord God, we thank You for the incredible gift of Your Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Thank You that we are not left to fight spiritual battles in our own strength, but that Your very presence empowers us from within. Help us to live in the freedom that comes from Your Spirit, rejecting the hostility of the flesh and embracing the righteousness that comes through Christ. May we be increasingly aware of Your Spirit's guidance, comfort, and power in our daily lives. Give us courage to stand firm in this spiritual battle, to pursue personal holiness, and to be bold witnesses for You in a world that desperately needs Your truth. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen.