Freedom by the Spirit
• Romans 7 talks about "the law," the struggle with sin, and the consequences of sin. The "law of sin" enslaves people to sin (7:23, 25). And sin results in "death" (7:5).

• How can people be freed from the "law of sin" and "death"? Read Romans 8:1-4.

1. How can people be set free from condemnation and the law of sin and death?

• A person under sin is condemned by God's law, but those who are united with Christ through faith (that is, those who are "in Christ Jesus") are not condemned (8:1). Through Christ, "the Spirit of life" (that is, the Holy Spirit) sets them free from the realm of sin and death (8:2).

• The written law was unable to set people free because sinful people could not obey the law (8:3, cp. 7:6). So what the law could not do, God did, by sending his own Son, Jesus Christ. The Son entered into the human condition, took our sin upon himself, and died for our sin.

• Jesus Christ fulfilled "the righteous requirement of the law." He was sinless, but he died for our sins so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us (8:4).

Life by the Spirit
• Romans 8:5-8 describes two categories of people: 1) those who live according to the sinful nature (flesh); and 2) those who live according to the Spirit (8:4). Read 8:5-11.

2. What are the contrasts (differences) between those who live according the sinful nature (flesh) and those who live according to the Spirit? (8:5-8) What are the results or consequences of these different ways of living?

• After describing the two categories of people (8:5-8), Paul directly addresses Christian believers, and describes their situation (8:9-11). He says, "You, however, are not controlled by the sinful nature (flesh) but by the Spirit" (8:9a, NIV).

3. What is the relationship between the true believer and the Holy Spirit? (8:9)

4. According to verses 9-11, what is the effect or benefit of the Spirit in the believer?

Living by the Spirit
• After describing the believer's relationship with the Spirit, Paul makes application to Christian living.
Read 8:12-13. Christian believers have an obligation. It is not to live according the sinful nature (flesh), but rather to live according to the Spirit.

5. What does it mean to "put to death the misdeeds of the body?" (8:13) How is this accomplished?

The Spirit of Adoption
• Believers are not only set free from slavery, they enter into a special relationship with God. Read 8:14-17. The believer is adopted into God's family and becomes a child of God.

6. What part does the Holy Spirit play in our family relationship with God?

Reflection/Application
† Which better describes you? Living according to the flesh, or living according to the Spirit? Which one do you want? The Bible says life and peace come by the Spirit, and the Spirit is received through faith in Jesus Christ. What do you need to ask, or do?

† As a believer, reflect on who you are - a child of God, with the Holy Spirit living in you. When people look at your life, do they see a person living according to the Spirit? Identify some specific attitudes and actions that you need to "put to death." Read Colossians 3:1-17, and take appropriate steps, asking God to help you change by the power of the Holy Spirit.