The Road to Victory—Week 1 Study Guide
Finding Freedom at the Cross
ADDITIONAL READING: Romans 6, 7, and 8
Introduction
The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul and is a magnificent book of Christian beliefs. Paul, starting in chapter 1, lays out a comprehensive and detailed statement of what true doctrine is. A very helpful exercise would be to read through the entire book of Romans. Paul starts with creation and continues with God's purpose for man, the brokenness of man, the attempts by man to be right with God by following the "law," Jesus and the meaning of His death on the cross, salvation by faith, and peace with God. In chapter 6, Paul begins writing about how one is to live once the person is saved and becomes a follower of Jesus. In chapters 6 and 7, he uses a series of rhetorical questions (6:1 and 15; 7:7) to discuss what it means to be a recipient of God's grace (mercy, forgiveness, favor) and how to live.
A rhetorical question is a question that calls for a particular answer. All of the rhetorical questions Paul asks in these chapters call for a “no” answer. The question at issue in the verses above is whether we can live any way we want since we are under God's grace and not under the law (Old Testament laws). Another way to say this is: Is it OK to sin since God is merciful and loving and He will forgive us anyway? This is known as hyper grace or sometimes cheap grace theology. The idea is that God is love and because of His love and grace we can live any way we want to live. That was a strong teaching at the time of Paul, particularly in the Roman world and also among the Jews who accused Paul and other Christians of rejecting the law. It is also a prevalent teaching or practice in our time. The belief, if followed, removes all ethical and moral content or responsibility from people's live. The lives of "Christians" are then the same as non-Christians except that they are forgiven. There is no Holiness or Sanctification. From chapters 6 to 8 of Romans, Paul addresses the issue of sanctification through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Background Information
Twice in the gospels Jesus forgives people and tells them to go and sin no more (John 5:14 and 8:11). This is a strong indication that forgiveness and salvation are to be followed by a holy life. Paul uses the analogy of slaves and masters to indicate the power of sin and the power of Jesus. Slavery was common in ancient times. It is estimated that in the city of Corinth where Paul was when he wrote the letter to the Romans, one third of the population were slaves and another third had been slaves but were now freedmen. The situation was the same in the city of Rome. The slavery analogy is one that would have been easily understood at that time.
The mission of Jesus in these verses and in other verses is noted to be twofold: forgiveness of sin and release or deliverance from the power of sin (Isaiah 61:1-4; Luke 4:18-19; Romans 8:2). Note that there are only two possibilities—slavery to sin or slavery to God. Both will yield fruit. Sin will produce things we are ashamed of and ever-increasing wickedness. Slavery to God will produce the fruit of Holiness. Both have a destination: Sin's destination is death, and slavery to God's destination is eternal life.
Message Outline
I. Key Questions - Romans 6:15
Paul: Does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we’re free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? (Message translation)
Can we keep sinning once we become followers of Jesus?
Does how we live matter to God?
Why did Jesus die on the cross?
How can I overcome sin in my life?
II. The Power of Sin - Romans 6:20
Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, Everyone who sins is a slave to sin." - John 8:34
Never underestimate the power of sin in your life. Sin will manifest its power in different ways in different people. Sin always produces bad fruit and ultimately death.
III. The Power to Sin No More - Romans 6:22-23
Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. - Romans 8:2
The development of godly character is about yielding control—giving it up—so that the Holy Spirit can accomplish His powerful work in your life. - Martin Sanders
Digging Deeper Questions
What types of things do you think of when you hear the word sin? Do you consider yourself a sinner? Why or why not?
What is the downward spiral of sin that Paul mentions in verses 19-21; 23? Have you observed the power of sin in your life or in the lives of others?
What is the upward spiral Paul mentions in verses 18-19; 22-23? Have you observed this upward spiral in your life or in the lives of others?
How would you explain to someone what they must do to be saved and forgiven? Have several people in the group give an answer. Come up with a complete answer as a group.
What does it mean to be a slave to God? What would that look like in everyday life? Give some examples.
How would you help someone overcome the power of sin in their lives? Have you ever offered yourself as a slave to God? How did you do that? What happened?
What will you apply from this study in your life?
This Week’s Challenge
Invite someone to the group for next week. Hold each other accountable to do that.
Additional Resources