Romans 8
UNDERSTANDING WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST
Intro:
There’re so many things in Christianity that Christians do not understand and
therefore do not appropriate and appreciate.
Many would consider Christianity as a bunch of rules and regulations; rigid
and rough; always makes you feel guilty. Sometimes you think others are just
pretending to be a good person and happy in the Lord.
Theme: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in
Christ Jesus.”
Definition of terms:
“Condemnation”- opposite of justification. It refers to a verdict of guilty and
the penalty that verdict demands.
No condemnation means, no sin a believer can commit – past, present, future
– can be held against him, since the penalty was paid by Christ and
righteousness was imputed to the believer.
-not guilty
“In Christ”- united with Christ; refers to genuine believers
-This refers to the security of the believer
The ministry of the Holy Spirit. How do you know that you are in Christ?
The proof of being in Christ.
v.2, ________________________________________________________________________
v.5-8, _____________________________________________________________________
You know you have the Spirit because of your thinking and living is
according to the Spirit.
v.9-11, ____________________________________________________________________
v.13, _______________________________________________________________________
v.14, ______________________________________________________________________
-The proof that you are sons of God is because you are led by the Spirit of
God.
v.16, ________________________________________________________________________
In Roman culture, for an adoption to be legally binding, 7 reputable
witnesses have to be present, attesting to its validity. The presence of the
Holy Spirit in the life of the believer shown in His working in us, attest to the
validity that we are children of God. JMA
TRUTHS:
The Holy Spirit and His ministry in the life of a believer.
Jesus promised to his disciples that he will send another comforter. He will
teach us and guide us into all truth; He will remind us of what Jesus taught…
He started to dwell in us at the moment of our salvation. V.11, “The Spirit of
God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.”
He is the seal that we belong to God.
The evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit in us and His working is
shown in the kind of life and thinking that we are manifesting.
-When there is putting to death the deeds of the sinful nature; when there is
constant victory over sin; when there is conviction of sin; when there is
greater desire for the things of God; when the fruit of the Spirit is being
manifest in us- that is the evidence of the Holy Spirit in us. v.14, “For all who
are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”
The Holy Spirit is the guarantee that we can live according to the
standards of God and please God. Obeying God is possible, victory over sin,
saying no to temptation is possible because of the Holy Spirit. Apart from
Him, it is impossible to obey God.
-So, do not say that Christian living is impossible, or you can’t do it. Many
Christians thought that the words and commands of God are too high a
standard and too much to obey. You have the Teacher, Helper and the
Enabler.
Our struggle: Spirit vs. flesh/sinful nature
Genuine Christian struggles with sin and can commit and fall into sin. We
struggle with impure thoughts, improper emotions, dishonesty, immorality,
etc.
-That happens when v.5 we allow the sinful nature to dominate our thinking.
When we chose to listen to our selfish, evil desire, when we allow it to take
over our mind and heart, we fall into sin, we commit mistakes, regrettable
mistakes, we suffer the consequence. The Bible says that the flesh is still at
work in us, seeking its way into our heart and mind.
-That’s why the Bible teaches us to be led by the Holy Spirit. To listen to his
reminders when he brings to your remembrance that truths and principles
that you have learned from the Bible and to consider it and follow it. “If you
walk by the Spirit you will not fulfill the works of the flesh.”
What makes our life heavy, messy and weary is sin in our life. But if you want
to live a happy life, stay away from sin. Obey the Spirit’s leading.
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CHALLENGE/INSPIRATION:
Take heart! Be of good cheer! Praise the Lord!
The fact that the Holy Spirit is working in you, giving you godly desires,
producing holy and godly characters is a clear evidence that you are son or
daughter of God.
-If you struggle with sin, it’s a good sign that you have the Holy Spirit in you.
You must be afraid if there is no struggle and you easily give in to temptation
and fall into sin.

-If you are a Christian, do you see the Holy Spirit working in you? Is there any
indicator that the Spirit of God is in you?
Romans 8
If you do or there is, then take heart because it confirms that you are in Christ UNDERSTANDING WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE
and the promise of “there is therefore now no condemnation to those in HAVE IN CHRIST
Christ Jesus” applies to you.

DISCIPLESHIP LESSON

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