Romans 8:12-17, Part 1
This sermon on part 1 of Romans 8:12-17 was preached by Robert Greene at the 9:30 a.m. service of Redemption Hill Church on Sunday, May 5th, 2019.
We encountered some technical difficulty on Sunday morning, and were not able to capture a recording. Sorry for the inconvenience. Here is the reflection guide:
We were reminded this week from Romans 8:12-17 that while our own sin can leave us doubting God’s steadfast love for us, we have the Spirit alive in us that reminds us that we are children of God. Our hope is that this will help you remember and reflect on all that God has done for you in Christ, and give you the joy and power to turn away from sin, guilt, and shame, and turn to Christ.
READ
Romans 8:12-17
12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
REFLECT
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. – Romans 8:16
When God adopts us his sons and daughters, the spirit works to transform the slave like fear we once lived in to a joyful love of the Father and freedom in Christ.
- When was the last time you called out to God as your Father?
- Do you find it freeing and joyful to know that you are a child of God? Why or why not?
- What would change in the way you live if truly believed that God was your loving Father?
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba Father. – Romans 8:15
God wants us to know and be confident in His love for us and then to come to Him in our need crying “help” to our Father.
- What is in your life right now that is causing you to fear? Who have you talked to about that? Who could you talk to this week?
- How do you respond when something comes into your life that makes you fearful (Worry, control, numbing yourself, lust…)? How do these things fail to help?
- How would trusting God as your Father help you overcome fear?
You have received the Spirit of adoption. – Romans 8:15
Our own hypocrisy and sin can leave us doubting God’s steadfast love for us, but the Spirit reminds us of who we are and whose we are.
- How has your own sin in the past caused you to doubt God’s love for you?
- When have you doubted the steadfast love of God recently? Why?
- Where in your life do you need to be confident in the Father’s love for you?
- How does the gospel assure you of the Father’s love?
RESPOND
Spend time this week reflecting and reminding yourself that you are an adopted child of God. Confess those areas of your life where you still live in fear. Take time to thank God for the work of the Spirit to remind us of the steadfast love of God and for the perfect obedience of Christ and how that now frees you from slave-like fear to a joyful assurance of the love of God.