Everybody wants to be free, yet freedom to many is elusive. What if chains fell off your life in areas where you've been bound for years? What if things that have held you hostage for decades fell to the ground in the presence of God today? This week we will talk about the idea that sin does not have to bind you.
1. Read Romans 7:15. Can you resonate with this verse? How would your life change if you could break free from this cycle?
2. Read Romans 7:18–19. Why don’t we do what we know we’re supposed to do? Why do we keep doing the things that we know we shouldn’t do?
3. Read Romans 7:24 (The Message). "I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?" We have all experienced the power in us that overrides our will and desire. We know if we do it, we will be overwhelmed by guilt, it will bring regret, it will bring hurt, but we do it anyway.
4. What would you give to find freedom from these things that dominate your life?
5. Read Romans 7:25. What does this verse say Jesus does in our lives? Is that your experience?
6. Read Romans 6:1. Paul is about to give us the answer to his questions in this verse. Before we get to that, why do some people think that they are free to sin and then just ask Jesus to forgive them?
7. Read Romans 6:2-4. What is Paul saying here? In the end, aren’t we all looking for a “new life” or freedom from our sin? How are we set free from our sin?
8. Read Romans 6:5–7. You have been set free! How would your life be different if you lived in the reality of these verses?
9. The hard question is, how do we live out this promise? How do we take steps to live in victory?
10. Read Romans 6:11. What does it mean to “count yourself dead to sin”?
11. Pastor James said we need to “Assert our freedom in Jesus Christ.“ How do we make assertions in our lives every day? Why do we struggle to make assertions about our sin?
12. Read Romans 6:13. Paul said, “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness.” The implication is that we are holding back areas of our life from God. What area of your life are you holding back from God?
13. When we follow (give in to) our evil desires, it leads to destruction. How has that worked out for you so far? Why is it better to trust Jesus than to trust our own wants and desires?
14 Read Romans 6:14. We have a new master. We don’t live under the master of sin, but we live under the grace of our Savior. This is how we fight. We already live in freedom. We don’t fight for our freedom; we fight from our freedom! Why does the enemy not want us to know that? What happens when we fall for the enemy’s lies?
A great assertion to claim in your life is: "Sin is not my master! I have been set free in Christ!"