1.

Skim through the passage. What do phrases such as, “the sinful nature,” “your sinful nature,” “your sins,” “all our sins,” or “sensual indulgence” tell us about the subject of Paul’s discussion?

** The point of discussion is the way to overcome our sinful nature, and grow to the greatness of Jesus.

2.

Read v. 6.  What does receiving Christ as Lord do for a believer? (John 1:12,13)  What does it mean to live in Him? (John 14:20)  Why is it necessary for a believer to continue to live in Him? (1 John 3:6) 

** It gives us the right to become a child of God, a child born of God, not of anyone or anything else.

** To live in him means to have life-together with Jesus, just as a married couple live together. Having said this, we then need to struggle to secure a quality life with Jesus, which is the need for us to form oneness in our relationship with Jesus, being one in spirit, mind, will, emotions, etc. and so forth.

** The world is sinful. Jesus alone is without sin. Plus, it is in Jesus alone that we can have our sins forgiven, and gain power to overcome the temptations and grip of sin. 

3.

Read v. 7 and reflect on its meaning based on how the Lord God helped Abraham, a man of faith, to grow in faith as described in Genesis 12-2-4.  Why is it necessary for one to grow in faith? (Genesis 12-22; 2 Cor 3:18)

** It is for us to be able to be fully blessed by God. It is by faith alone that God can work fully in us. As well, true blessing is the blessing of having our inner person transformed into Jesus’ likeness. This is why the Lord God included in his promises to Abraham the blessing of Abraham’s “name” becoming truly great. 

4.

Read v. 8.  This passage distinguishes between the philosophy that depends on Christ and the philosophy that depends on someone or something else.  Paul describes the latter as “hollow” and “deceptive.”  In what respect is it so (cf. 23)? 

** It is hollow in that its promises to help us to grow up and gain a quality life are all empty. It is deceptive because it does not yield the result it promises. Rather, it distracts us and hinders us from picking up the true image of God as was originally planted in Adam and Eve (Gen 1:26-28). 

5. 

Read vs. 9-15.  What does this passage tell us about the work which Christ alone can accomplish?  What does this passage teach us about the significance of Jesus’ cross? 

** To fully rid ourselves of our sinful nature.

** It is significant because it alone frees us from the tight grip of our sinful nature. 

6.

Read vs. 16-19.  Here the word ‘grow’ is repeated twice.  What does it mean for a believer to grow? (Col 1:9-11)  Why is it that one can grow fully only in Christ (19)?  

** It means to pick up a Christ-like image in increasing measure, thereby becoming increasingly fruitful, bearing good fruit without limit, just as Genesis 1:26-28 says. [Remember that this is the purpose of God’s creation.]

7.

Read vs. 20-23.  What does “sensual indulgence” mean?  Why is it necessary for it to be restrained?  What does this passage indicate about the ways in which many attempt to restrain it?  Yet, who alone can help us to fully restrain it? (Romans 7:14-25)

** “Sensual” means “of, given up to, the pleasures of senses; self-indulgent in regard to food, drink, and sexual enjoyment.”

“Indulgence” means “satisfying” or “allowing oneself the pleasure of”. 

KJV for sensual indulgence is “satisfying of the flesh”. 

Basically this expression is used as opposed to the harsh treatment of one’s body. 

** It is necessary for a man to grow “up” into God’s image, for man is not just a chunk of meat, but a spiritual being. However, if one indulges in fleshly desires alone, one falls below the animal level. Speaking of the same truth, Jesus says in John 6:63 that the Spirit gives life but flesh counts for nothing. 

** Basically they rely on legalistic ways of life. 

** Christ alone. 

** 

Write a Bible testimony about the reasons why Paul exhorts each believer to continue to live in the Lord.