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When In Rome: Shouldsville vs. Graceville

November 5, 2023 • Sylvia Thomson • Romans 7:21—8:2, Romans 8:5–17, Galatians 5:22–23

Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life:


1. Have you ever been to Shouldsville?


2. If so, which shop do you frequent the most: Guilt Shop, Shame Shop, Debt Shop, or the Castle of Confusion?


3. Has condemnation ever stopped you from believing that God is good or that He has good things for you? Read Romans 8:1-2: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Are you ready to go to Graceville?


4. What do you think it means to live by the Spirit? Read Romans 8:5-7: Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 


5. Galatians 5:22-23 says, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Can you see the fruit of the Spirit at work in your life?

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