Into the Heart of Romans
A Deep Dive into Paul’s Greatest Letter
Led by the Spirit (1|4)
Pages 86-91
Exodus 4:21-22 (NIV) The LORD said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son, and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.’”
Exodus 19:5-9 (NIV) (The Lord said to Moses) “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD. The LORD said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said.
Romans 8:12-17 (NIV) Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Paul’s teachings on justification, glorification, the work of the Spirit, and holiness often carry meanings different from what later Christian traditions have assumed. What practices help you listen to what Paul actually says rather than what you expect (or have been taught) to hear? Can you think of a time when revisiting a familiar passage in its original context changed your understanding of a key Christian idea or doctrine?
Paul’s vision of “hope” and “inheritance” in Romans 8 points to God’s future renewal of creation and our place within it. How does shifting from a “going to heaven” mindset to Paul’s earth-focused, resurrection-centered hope change the way you understand the Christian future, and the way you live your faith in the present? What aspects of your faith, worship, or daily priorities look different when your ultimate hope is resurrection and new creation rather than simply “going home to heaven”?
Paul describes believers as God’s heirs. Unlike a normal inheritance, this one comes from a living Giver, leaving us in a continual state of grateful indebtedness. How does this vision of inheritance and ongoing relationship with God shape your understanding of what it means to belong to Him and to participate in His new world?
Paul describes believers as people living “in the overlap of the ages”, already part of God’s new creation through the resurrection of Jesus, yet still living in a world marked by darkness and decay. How does this identity as God’s free children and agents of new creation shape the way you see your purpose, your prayers, and your daily life in the midst of a broken world?