No condemnation! That’s the gift God offers to His children today. It’s hard to imagine a life without fighting, disagreements, punishment, or pay-back. Who can enjoy this gift, and what are the benefits of receiving it? Our focus this week comes from what some have called the greatest book in the world - the Bible, to focus specifically on the greatest book in the bible - Romans, to the greatest chapter in the Bible - chapter 8. 

Romans 8:1-4

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. Ice Breaker: The famous actor from yesteryear, Cary Grant, once said, “Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.” What kind of insanity do you experience as you gather for family events, gatherings, or reunions?

2. Read Romans 8:1-11. It’s been said that the word ‘therefore’ is always ‘there for’ a reason. This section starts off with the word therefore. What does that word look back to? Why is this important?

3. What do these verses tell us about God? What do they tell us about ourselves and our ability to follow God’s will, or even to win the battle over sin?

4. From verses 1-4, how would you explain the Gospel to someone who feels they are not ‘good enough’ for God?

5. How would the truths from these verses transform the way we treat one another, our family, or even how we view ourselves?

For Families with Kids

Sometime this week, reread Romans 8:1-11 with your kids. Discuss the following questions:

1. What do these verses tell us about God?

2. What do these verses tell us about people, the world, or ourselves?

3. If this is God’s word for our lives, how will we obey it?

4. Create an “I will…” statement with each child detailing a specific small next step they can take this week using what they’ve learned. Write the “I will…” statements on a piece of paper or post-it note and hang them somewhere you will see often. Plan a small celebration for the end of the week when everyone has completed their “I will…” statement.