There is this battle inside us that has us doing the very thing we hate. We know what to do but, we don’t do it. Think about it...sin is a master that wants to control you and hold you captive. Today we are going to talk about who (not what) is the only solution.
This week’s memory verse: Romans 6:11 "You also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus."
1. Read Romans 7:15–23. Do you resonate with the struggle that Paul describes in these verses? What would be the real danger if we never sought to find a solution to this situation?
2. Pastor James talked about how Sin enslaves you. Read Romans 7:24. Notice that Paul asked “who”, rather than “what”, will free him. What are some of the “things” that people usually turn to in order to escape the struggle with sin? Why doesn’t it ever work?
3. “’It is finished.’ With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:30, NIV). Jesus’ final word on the cross announces that we have been set free. Jesus alone had the power and authority to bring to an end the power that sin has over us. What comfort do you find in the fact that Jesus already defeated the power of sin in our lives?
4. Jesus has the final word that finally sets you free. Read Romans 8:1. What are the voices of accusation speaking to you right now? How is there freedom in Christ knowing that there is no condemnation?
5. Jesus has the final word that puts an end to religious striving. Striving is in our DNA. It forces us to make great efforts in order to achieve something. Read Colossians 1:21-22. According to this verse, what did Jesus do and what is the result?
6. Jesus has the final word that puts an end to our rejection. Read John 1:12. Is there any rejection that can outweigh the privilege of being a child of God? How does one become a child of God?
7. Jesus has the final word that puts an end to our brokenness. Read Romans 3:23-24. Is there anyone who has not sinned? What does the word justified mean to you?
8. Read Romans 8:37. Jesus has the final word that puts an end to defeat. What does it mean to live in victory? How can you walk in it every day?
9. What are the five 40 Day commitments? (see pages 8 & 9 of the devotional if you get stuck) How can your group help you stick to these commitments for the next 40 Days?