Romans

Romans 7:13-25

  1. Can you think of a time when you knew the right thing to do but still found it hard to do it? What does that experience teach you about human nature?

  2. What emotions stand out to you in Paul’s words in Romans 7:13-25? What lines or expressions of his can you most relate to?

  3. What does Paul mean by saying “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (v. 15)? How does this describe the believer’s experience under grace?

  4. How does this passage deepen your understanding of the difference between condemnation and conviction?

  5. Paul describes two “laws” at work within him—the law of his mind and the law of sin (vv. 22-23). What are these two forces, and where do you see them at work in your own life?

  6. How can we avoid despair in the face of ongoing sin while still taking sin seriously and working to grow in righteousness and holiness?

  7. Paul cries out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (v. 24). Why is that question key to the whole passage? How does his answer in v. 25 give us hope?

  8. Which of the two “cries” (vs.24 or 25) is more difficult for you to believe and lean on?

  9. What would it look like for your group or church community to take seriously both the reality of sin and the greater reality of grace?

Fun question: What songs (or books or other media) come to mind when you think of someone wrestling with their own self-destructiveness? (Ben mentioned “my own worst enemy “ by Lit; “Don’t me get me” by Pink and “Anti-hero” by Taylor Swift)

Romans 7:1-13

  1. Have you ever had any memorable “campfire” arguments or discussions? Can you recall what Ben’s friends were arguing about in his opening illustration?

  2. In Romans 7:1–4 Paul uses marriage as an analogy for our relationship to the law. How does this analogy help you understand what it means to be “dead to the law” and “belong to Christ”? In what way is this analogy confusing?

  3. What are some dangers in thinking that keeping the law (or being “good enough”) is the way to be saved?

  4. Paul insists in verse 12 that “the law is holy, righteous and good.” How does this challenge the common idea that biblical commands are restrictive or burdensome?

    Can you think of examples where God’s law actually leads to freedom, flourishing, and joy rather than restriction?

    (Or read Psalm 19:7-11 for ideas)

  5. Paul says the law not only defines sin but also reveals how deep sin runs (vv.7–8). Have you ever had an experience where a good command or good thing exposed sin in your own heart?

  6. Paul describes sin as more than actions — as a power that enslaves and deceives (vv. 8–11). How does this shift the way we think about sin in our lives?

  7. If the law shows us how sinful we are and how powerful sin is, how does the cross of Christ provide the solution we need?

  8. Where do you feel the weight of sin’s power most strongly in your own life right now?

Romans 6:15-23

  1. Bob Dylan sang, “You’re gonna have to serve somebody.” John Lennon countered with “Serve Yourself.” Which perspective do you think people today are more likely to agree with—and why?

  2. Paul uses slavery as an analogy. How does understanding Greco-Roman slavery (vs. modern chattel slavery) help us hear his point more clearly?

  3. Describe in your own words the question Paul is asking in vs. 15.

  4. Paul describes sin’s origin, development, freedom, and end. Define each.

  5. What does Paul mean when he says sin leads to “death”? How do we see both present consequences and eternal warnings in this?

  6. Ben talked about the compounding effects of sin. Have you ever seen the “compounding” effect of sin in your own life or in someone close to you? (C.S. Lewis quote about compounding sin here)

  7. According to Paul, what is the origin of serving God? How is it different from serving sin?

  8. How does righteousness and sanctification “compound” in a Christian’s life? Can you think of a time when a small act of obedience or faith led to unexpected growth?

  9. Paul says that serving God leads to freedom. How is this different from the “freedom” sin seems to offer

  10. What practices (spiritual disciplines, habits, or relationships) help you keep “presenting your members as slaves to righteousness” (v.19)?

  11. Discuss the quote the sermon ended with: “You don’t have to obey the 10 commandments to be saved but you do if you want to be free.”