Message Study Notes for March 13, 2022

Series:  The Book of Romans “Christianity Exposed”

Title: God’s Pursuit of Your Heart

God never gives up on us, and we should never give up on those God calls us to reach.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

God works to transform our lives through:

• The Power of the Life-Giving Spirit!

Romans 8: 5-6 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

John 16:7-14

• The Blessing of a Pursuing Father!

Romans 8: 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

• The Inseparable Grace of a Savior – Jesus!

Romans 8:34-35   Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?

Romans 8:35b-37 Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? … 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

What does God want us to do with this newfound freedom?

Pass this good news on to others as their lives depend on it. 

Romans 10:14-15  But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Family/Group Study Notes for March 13, 2022

Series: The Book of Romans “Christianity Exposed”

Title: God’s Pursuit of Your Heart

• What things can you do to become more aware of what God desires of your life?  If our good deeds are not a means of getting us to heaven, why are they important?  What does it show?
• Read Romans 8:1-2.  What is this passage saying to you?  What makes this statement true?
• Read Romans 8:3-8.  What is the promise in this passage?  What does it mean to walk by the flesh?  How can you walk more through the gift of God’s Spirit?  God is saying that His Spirit is available to us to help as we seek Him.  How could this change the outcome of situations as you seek the Sprit instead of giving into the flesh?  Share some examples. 
• Read Romans 8:9-11.  What does it mean if the Spirit of God is dwelling in you?  How does this relate to the phrase “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me”?  Who do you now live for?
• Read Romans 8:12-17.  What is the work of the Spirit in this passage?  What is the gift of being an heir of God?
• Read Romans 8:18-39.  Highlight the phrases in this passage that stand out the most to you?  Share with the groups why you chose those.
• Having seen the power of the Spirit’s indwelling in lives, what is your plan to walk in the Spirit more and your flesh less?
• Gather in smaller groups and pray for each other’s plans.