Adoption
Romans 8:1-17

I. Intro
Big Idea: We are either controlled by our flesh or lead by the Father who loves us.

II. No Condemnation
A. You’re included because of Christ’s performance. Romans 8:1-2; James 1:17
B. Righteousness comes only in Christ. Romans 8:3-4

III. Mindset
A. Mindset makes the difference. Romans 7:19; 8:5
B. Paul isn’t offering good advice, but good news. Romans 8:6-7

IV. Realms
A. Trust transfers us in Christ from death to life. Romans 8:9-11; Hebrew 10:14
B. Our commitment frees us. Romans 8:12-13

V. Adoption
A. Fear not. Romans 8:14-16
B. Joining lives is costly, and good. Romans 8:17

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What was a low point of your last week? What was a high point?
• What’s something from God’s Word you’ve been learning, or relearning, lately?
• Why does reading the Bible as good advice miss the mark of why God gave it to us?
• What’s something that helps you focus on God’s faithfulness?
• How do you know if you’re being governed by God’s Spirit instead of controlled by sin?
• How has knowing God as a good Father helped you overcome your fears?
• How has your commitment to Christ and others set you free?
• What’s something you could use prayer for? Pray for one another

The Struggle
Romans 7:7-25

I. Intro 
Big Idea: We’re either waging a war we can’t win, or living out a victory already achieved.

II. Seized 
A. The Law made Paul conscious of his sin. Romans 7:7-8
B. We all have two selves. Romans 7:9-13; James 2:10

III. Agreed 
A. We have a sin nature. Romans 7:14-17; 1John 1:8
B. Paul is honest. Isaiah 64:6; Romans 7:18-20

IV. Wretched 
A. You’re the biggest problem. Romans 7:21-23
B. We’re jars of clay. Romans 7:24; 2 Corinthians 4:7-16

V. Delivered 
A. Give thanks. John 3:19-21; Romans 7:25
B. There’s hope! Romans 7:25
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The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• If you had the last week to do over, what would you do differently?
• What was something from Sunday’s message you found meaningful, challenging, or confusing?
• In what ways do people underestimate the power of sin?
• Why might some people find Paul’s honesty about his struggles alarming?
• How are humility and giving thanks related?
• How can having hope in God’s salvation, despite our struggles, help us to witness?
• What’s a struggle you could use prayer for? Pray for one another.

Marriage                                                                                                                                                                          Romans 7:1-6

I. Intro  
Big Idea: Joining our lives to Christ means we live when we die.

II. The Law                                                                                                                                 
A. We all live under God’s revealed truth. Romans 7:1
B. The Law doesn’t die, we must die. Romans 7:2

III. Another Man                                                                                                                           
A. We’re all adulterers. Romans 7:3a
B. We all need to remarry. Romans 7:3b

IV. Fruit                                                                                                                                        
A. Marriage is a work of trust. Romans 7:4
B. We settle for shallow relationships. Romans 7:5

V. Released                                                                                                                                      
A. Renew your vows. Song of Songs 6:3; Romans 7:6  
B. Reflect the better marriage. John 15:5

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• Finish this sentence: If I could just…
• What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
• What’s a way people in our culture are unknowingly religious?
• Why are vows important?
• Is it possible to have a fruitless saving faith? Why or why not?
• How does trusting God lead to bearing fruit? Any examples?
• What’s a way churches settle for legalism rather than the fullness of the gospel?
• What’s a specific way you can grow in your marriage with Christ? Pray for one another.

Slaves 
Romans 6:15-23

I. Intro 
A. Big Idea: We are either slaves to sin, or captivated by God’s liberating grace. Hebrews 12:2

II. Obligations   
A. Grace doesn’t set us free to sin. Genesis 4:7; Exodus 34:7; Psalm; 11:5; Romans 6:15;14:23
B. Grace makes us obedient. Romans 6:16

III. Claimed                     
A. The heart develops devotional patterns. Romans 6:17; Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter3:18
B. Grace removes our chains. Romans 6:18

IV. Ashamed  
A. We can stack success in Christ. Romans 6:19
B. Everyone’s susceptible to the insanity of sin. Romans 6:20-21; Hebrews 12:1

V. The Gift.
A. Obedience means taking part in eternity.  Romans 6:22
B. We can reflect the gospel. Romans 6:23 

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What was a high point of your holiday season? 
• Why do you think Paul included Romans 6:15-23 at this point in Romans? 
• How do people misunderstand or misapply God’s grace?

• How can reading the Bible on a regular basis help us grow in grace? (Can you think of any Scriptures that support your view?)

• What’s a specific example of how God’s grace has enabled you to obey?

• How is pursuing holiness tied to eternal life?

• What’s an area in your life you need to apply the gospel to? Pray for one another.