Spirit Who Dwells | Romans 8:9-13

Sermon Discussion | Romans 8:9-13

1. Jeremy opened his sermon with Romans 8:9a, "You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you." When you're in the realm of the Spirit you are in the realm of how creation was meant to be. We don't use the word "realm" a lot, the dictionary defines it as a kingdom or empire. How does that better help you to understand what Paul is saying? What does it mean that we live in the "kingdom or empire" of the Spirit? 

2. Read verses 10-11. Paul is not just talking about a spiritual death but a physical one. Part of the gift of salvation is that not only does your soul receive redemption but your body does too! We are body and soul. We will be raised to new life in a physical body to live in a new physical creation. Have you ever thought about your resurrection this way? Why is it important to understand the importance of a physical resurrection? 

3. We have to participate in the life that God has given us, in the way that he wants to live; because he is a good father and knows what a good life is. Verse 12 says our obligation is to a life in the Spirit. Jeremy said, flesh reaps destruction and Spirit reaps eternal life. What are things of the Spirit you need to reap, what seeds need to be sown?...what things of the flesh do you need to put to death?

4. How do we sow in the Spirit? Lets see Romans 8:13, "If you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." The flesh is not neutral, you have to put the deeds of the flesh to death. We can start by creating a space (silence/solitude) for God to inform what deeds in our life need to die or be repented of. Training or sowing in the Spirit is a slow process that works underground. We need to intentionally engage in spiritual rhythms or practices that plant the seeds of Christlikeness in us, so that through the power of his Spirit, we live a life that is in the Spirit. Do you have regular spiritual practices or rhythms? What is one "seed" you would like to plant in your life? If God could grow one fruit in you over the next 6 months, what would you want that to be?...What could you do to encourage that growth?

*Weekly Practice*

This week, everytime you pray, start by praying Romans 8:11 - with the intention to memorize it. Next time you gather, recite it together by memory.