Romans 8:12-17 - Small Group Discussion Guide

Summary
In Romans 8:12-17, Pastor Paul explores the transformative truth that Christians are no longer obligated to live according to the flesh but are called to be led by the Spirit of God. The sermon emphasizes that because the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in believers, we have access to a completely different kind of life - one that is not bound by sin or worldly ideologies. This new life requires putting sin to death through repentance, confession, and replacement with Christ-centered living.
The pastor warns against divided loyalties, where Christians compartmentalize their faith instead of allowing it to transform every aspect of their lives. He calls believers to live as God's agents on earth, led by the Spirit through studying God's Word, prayer that includes listening, and obedience that demonstrates love and trust. The sermon concludes with the reality that this Spirit-led life may require endurance and suffering, but it leads to the incredible privilege of being children of God who can call Him 'Abba, Father.'

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning grateful for Your Word and the truth it reveals about our identity as Your children. As we gather together to discuss what it means to be led by Your Spirit rather than the flesh, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want each of us to learn today. Help us to be honest about the areas where we still struggle with divided loyalties, and give us courage to put to death those things that separate us from You. Holy Spirit, lead our conversation and help us encourage one another toward the abundant life You have made available to us through Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker
What's one habit or routine in your daily life that you find yourself doing almost automatically, without really thinking about it?

Key Verses

• Romans 8:12-17
• Romans 8:11
• Matthew 5:29-30
• Matthew 5:14-16
• John 5:25-26
• Psalm 119:92-93
• Psalm 62:1-2

Questions

• What does it mean that we are 'no longer obligated to the flesh' according to Romans 8:12? How should this truth change the way we view temptation and sin?
• The pastor used strong language about 'putting sin to death' rather than just managing it. Why do you think Scripture uses such radical language when talking about dealing with sin?
• How can we practically identify when we're being led by the 'spirit of this age' versus being led by the Spirit of God in our daily decisions?
• The sermon mentioned that our faith is not meant to be private but lived out publicly. What are some ways we can let our light shine before others without being self-righteous?
• What does it look like to have 'divided loyalties' as a Christian? Can you think of areas where Christians today might struggle with this?
• The pastor emphasized making prayer 'as much an act of listening and adoration as asking and demanding.' How can we develop better listening skills in our prayer life?
• Romans 8:17 mentions that we must 'suffer with Christ' to be glorified with Him. How do we prepare ourselves mentally and spiritually for the reality that following Christ may involve suffering?
• What practical steps can we take this week to replace sinful habits or thoughts with Christ-centered alternatives?

Life Application
This week, identify one specific area where you've been living with 'divided loyalties' - where you've been following worldly wisdom instead of God's truth. Choose one practical step to 'put to death' this pattern and replace it with obedience to God's Word. Additionally, commit to spending time in prayer this week where you focus more on listening to God than making requests, asking Him to lead you by His Spirit in this area of your life.

Key Takeaways

• Christians are no longer obligated to live according to the flesh but are called to be led by the Spirit of God who dwells within them
• Sin must be actively 'put to death' through repentance, confession, and replacement with Christ-centered living - we cannot cohabitate with sin
• Divided loyalties between God's truth and worldly ideologies will eventually lead to living as a practical atheist
• Being led by the Spirit involves studying God's Word, developing a listening prayer life, and making obedience a priority
• Following Christ may require endurance and suffering, but it leads to the incredible privilege of being God's children who can call Him 'Abba, Father'

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible truth that we are no longer slaves to sin but are Your children, led by Your Spirit. We confess that we often struggle with divided loyalties and ask for Your forgiveness where we have compromised. Help us to have the courage to put sin to death in our lives and to live wholeheartedly for You. Give us wisdom to discern Your voice above the noise of this world, and strength to endure whatever suffering may come from following You faithfully. Thank You that we can call You 'Abba, Father' and that we are heirs with Christ. May our lives this week reflect the reality that we stand on Christ, the solid rock, and that all other ground truly is sinking sand. In Your precious name we pray, Amen