Mission Hills Church
The difference between religion and relationship, when we’re talking about God, is what we’re following. If we’re following the rules, that’s religion, but if we’re following Jesus, that’s relationship. Following Jesus is about learning to rest in the grace of God’s love and respond to the life flowing from his Spirit. Join us for a faith-changing series about what it really means to follow Jesus from what many have called the most important chapter in the entire Bible – Romans 8.
Good News: God has already provided all the momentum you need to be on mission with Jesus in every area of your life this year.
Better News: We don't have to work hard to create moment, we just have to catch it.
Romans 8:1 NIV
1. We’ve all sinned.
"…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23)
2. Sin leads to death.
For the wages of sin is death, (Romans 6:23).
3. Jesus paid our wages with his life.
Romans 5:18 NIV
Romans 8:1 NIV
Where in my life am I calling God a liar?
Romans 8:2 NIV
In the hands of the Spirit, God’s law brings life. In the hands of sin, God’s law brings death.
When we’re controlled by sin, the rules actually inspire rebellion.
Romans 7:7-11 NIV
1. God’s law protects us from pain.
2. God’s law keeps us in the pasture.
Do I see God's commands as a pen or a pasture?
For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh... (Romans 8:3a)
...God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering... (Romans 8:3b)
...and so He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us... (Romans 8:3c-4a)
The fight for righteousness has already been won; we just have to take hold of the victory.
"...who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." (Rom. 8:4b)
John 20:22 NIV
Following Jesus isn’t about rowing harder, it’s about raising sails to catch the fresh wind of God's Spirit.
Am I rowing hard or raising sails?
Other questions for reflection:
1. Where in my life am I calling God a liar?
2. Do I see God's commands as a pen or a pasture?