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Romans 8:1-39

A fresh start

If my life was a bed then I would be sleeping in a very messy bed. If my life was a record I would be stuck in a very deep groove. Despite everyday being an opportunity to start afresh I find myself repeating the same mistakes. Like Paul I want to scream “O wretched man that I am, who will save me from this body of death?” Rom 7:24. The answer is Jesus Christ, and I give thanks for him. In Romans 8 we find out just how Jesus goes about saving us from our wretchedness.

A Fresh Start

A fresh start begins with a change of heart, a new outlook, a new agenda for the day. Lesson number one is that there is far more to this world than hunting and gathering, possession, experiences and relationships. Lesson two is that you need to see the world as God’s gift to you, for you to enjoy with him. Those good things you enjoy aren’t yours but come from God’s goodness. Lesson number three is seeing relationships as opportunities to give and serve of what God has given you. Lesson four is that God is much more interested in your character than in your ability. Do you bear the fruit of his spirit?

The Holy Spirit does a tremendous work in our lives, giving us a new heart, dwelling in us, adopting us into God’s family, He prays for us when we are stuck, when we suffer he points us to the coming redemption of the world and he assures us of his success in forever keeping us safe in the love of God.

A fresh start is what you can have every day, where your life can become like a bed which has been made, like a record player that isn’t stuck in the same groove. A life that grows in life because it is given life by the Holy Spirit. the Rev

Romans 8: Live the Gospel = Walk in the Spirit

Bible Reading: Romans 8

Exercises

• Discuss the contrast between being carnally and spiritually minded v1-8.

• Discuss how suffering can lead to encouragement v18-28.

• Explain the reason for our confidence v31-39? 

• Share how this study has encouraged you and how you will encourage someone.

Prayer: Heavenly Father I give you all thanks and praise for the work you do through your Holy Spirit. For the way you are making me spiritually minded, for the encouragement I enjoy knowing that Jesus will redeem me and this world, for the confidence I have that nothing shall separate me from your love which makes me more than a conquerer in Christ. Use me to spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ to my family, friends and community. Amen