The War Between Flesh & Spirit
Paul in the seventh chapter of Romans is talking about this battle that is within him, a war that is raging within him, the flesh versus the spirit, the law of God versus the [nature of sin] that is in him.
Every human being was born in [sin].
We are sinners because we are descendants of [Adam and Eve].
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod... it'll drive it [far] from him.
- Reflect on Romans 7. Paul describes a war between flesh and spirit that rages within him. Where do you see this same battle in your own life? What desires or habits pull you away from what you know is right?
- The sermon reminds us we're born with a sin nature—we don't have to teach children to rebel or lie. How does understanding this truth change the way you view your struggles? How does it increase your gratitude for God's grace?
Wherefore the law, Paul says, was our [school master] to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.
The law is there to teach you that you cannot [save] yourself.
No matter how hard I try to do what's right, he says, I cannot [do it].
For that which I do, I allow not, for what I would, that do I not, but what I hate that I [do].
- Paul explains that God's law was given to show us we can't keep it on our own—we need a Savior. Have you ever tried to be "good enough" for God by your own efforts? What happened?
- Think about a time when you wanted to do right but found yourself doing wrong anyway. How does Jesus meet you in that place of failure?
Oh wretched man that I am. Who shall deliver me from this body of [death]?
But I thank God. Through [Jesus Christ] our Lord.
It is through that act, come on, of [sacrifice] from God. That we have victory over the wretchedness of our flesh.
There is therefore now no [condemnation].
If you are living in condemnation, come on, you are not living the [life] that God has for you.
- Paul cries out, "Who will deliver me?" and answers: Jesus Christ. How does knowing that Jesus already won your victory change the way you face your daily battles?
- Romans 8:1 declares there is NO condemnation for those in Christ. Do you live like you believe that, or do guilt and shame still hold you captive? What would freedom look like for you?
You can't control the nouns, but you take action on the verb. Don't [think] on it.
I am what I [think], not what I thought.
- The pastor draws a powerful distinction: thoughts are nouns (you can't always control them), but thinking is a verb (you choose whether to dwell on them). What recurring thoughts do you need to stop "thinking" on?
- "We don't walk by what we feel. We walk by faith." In what area of your life have feelings been steering you instead of God's Word? How can you begin to celebrate the facts of who you are in Christ?
Let no [corrupt] communication proceed out of your mouth.
And grieve not the [Holy Spirit] of God whereby you are sealed into the day of redemption.
Be [kind] to each other.
Tender-hearted, [forgiving].
One of the most [spiritual] things a person can do is forgive.
- The pastor says forgiveness may be the most spiritual thing you can do. Is there someone—especially a brother or sister in Christ—you need to forgive? What's holding you back?
- Ephesians 4:32 calls us to be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another. How does unforgiveness keep you bound to the flesh? Ask God to show you one step you can take today toward releasing someone who has hurt you.