Session 8: Secured
Suggested Week of Use: April 19, 2020
Core Passage: Romans 8:12-25
The following plan is an adaptation of the plan provided in the Explore the Bible Leader Guide, Daily Discipleship Guide, and Leader Pack download. It is abbreviated based on best practices for teaching online.
1. Study Romans 8:12-25.
Note the images Paul depicts of the glorious future for God’s children.
2. Create the group meeting id.
If needed, create a unique meeting id using the online meeting tool you selected.
3. Send an email or social media post to the group.
Suggested wording: Unable to fulfill the law of sin and death, we were under its penalty. However, Jesus died on the cross as our sin offering, releasing us from the penalty of sin. Paul reminded us that we have no obligation to live according to the flesh. We are free to be guided by the Spirit. Read Romans 8:12-25 in your Bible and the comments for session 8 in your Explore the Bible Personal Study Guide. Reflect on the peace believers have in knowing their salvation is secure in Christ.
We will meet at (add time) using (name of online tool). Here is the link to our meeting: (add meeting id, password: xxxxx).
Reminder to be sent the day prior: In Romans 8, Paul reminds us that all who accept Jesus have a sure hope for a future as children of God. How would you describe the hope you have today? We will meet at (add time) using (name of online tool). Here is the link to our meeting: (add meeting id, password: xxxxx).
4. Listen to the Adult Leader Training Podcast.
Go to goexplorethebible.com/adults-training/ for an overview of the main points and some key ideas from this session.
5. Create a plan.
GREET people as they join and encourage them to share emotions that accompany signing a loan and paying off a loan.
TRANSITION: Point to the first paragraph for session 8 in the Personal Study Guide (p. 68) or in the Daily Discipleship Guide (p. 65), emphasizing that Jesus paid our sin debt through the cross to set us free from sin. Say: Paul reminds us that we are free to be guided by the Spirit, assured of a glory beyond our ability to comprehend.
Option: Use the Extra! idea. See goexplorethebible.com/leaderextras
INTRODUCE: Paul began Romans 8 by explaining that those who have accepted God’s grace are His children. They no longer live under God’s condemnation (Rom. 8:1-2). God has given His Spirit to help them live according to His desires (Rom. 8:3-4) and with confidence that He is actively working in their lives (Rom. 8:5-11).
READ aloud Romans 8:12-25, calling attention to the contrasts in verses 12-13, the relationship between God and the Father in verses 14-18, the restoration of creation in verse 19-22, and the restoration of humanity in verses 23-25.
EXPLAIN: In Romans 8:12-13, Paul declares that those who live in the flesh are going to die, but those who live by the Spirit will enjoy a much different eternal existence. We each have different titles within our family that identify relationships we have with other members; son, brother, uncle. Each title carries some type of rights and responsibilities. Just as we have responsibilities and privileges in our families, we are accountable to God for what He expects from us.
EMPHASIZE the difference between “spirit of slavery” and “Spirit of adoption” in verse 15. Highlight the significance of calling out to God as “Abba, Father!” Point to the benefits of being children of God (testimony of the Spirit, full membership in God’s family, glorified with Christ).
HIGHLIGHT the key doctrine for this session (Last Things), reading the statement: The unrighteous will be consigned to hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in heaven with the Lord (2 Thess. 1:7-12). (PSG, p. 70; DDG, p. 67)
DISCUSS: If you had to describe being a child of God in one word, what would it be? What single word would you use to describe being separated from Him? (PSG, p. 72, DDG, p. 67)
READ Genesis 3:17 and comment that creation became collateral damage as a result of humanity’s sin.
EXAMINE: Where do you see the impact of sin on nature? What can we do to be a better steward of God’s creation? (PSG, p. 74, DDG, p. 67) (Note: If using the DDG, explain that the group will have an opportunity to reflect more on these questions in the Day 4 Daily Exploration).
State: Paul used the imagery of childbirth to depict the restoration process. The stress and strain that marks the current situation point to an incredible new birth. This is true for creation and humanity.
DISCUSS: How does the groaning of creation compare to our groaning for renewal? (PSG, p. 75; DDG, p. 67)
CHALLENGE: Using the third set of questions under In My Context, invite the group to discuss the connection between our hope and our witness. Ask: Discuss as a group the connection between our hope and our witness. How can you and the members of your Bible study learn to more effectively share His hope with others? (PSG, p. 76; DDG, p. 68)
RELATE: Invite the group to share prayer requests. Lead in a prayer of commitment to live according to the Spirit until death or the time when creation and humanity have been restored.
If using the Daily Discipleship Guide, remind the group to complete the Daily Explorations this week.
RESPONSE: Ask them to share through the week using a group texts or an APP ways the truths of this session impact them in the week ahead. (If using the Daily Discipleship Guide let them know that you will be sending through the week the Talk It Out questions to the group for response.)
6. Focus on Relationships
Contact group members and remind them of the secure hope we have in Christ and the need for us to live as His children today.
Be sure to send digital copies of the next session to group members who do not have a print copy. Encourage them to read the passage and comments for session 9 prior to the next online gathering.
Send a message by Wednesday, asking the group to share opportunities they had to demonstrate that they are a child of God.