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Paul divides people into two categories: those who let themselves be controlled by their sinful nature and those who follow after the Holy Spirit. All of us would be in the first category if Jesus hadn't offered us a way out.

Because we've said yes to Jesus, we're no longer condemned. But it's not a done deal. We must consciously choose daily to defer to the Spirit's control.

Romans 5:14

1. How, according to verse 10, has trusting in God's provision in Christ changed your standing with God?
2. What is the basis (vv. 9b-11) for your assurance that you possess eternal life?
3. What is a reliable indicator (vv. 8, 12–14) that the Holy Spirit is resident in your life?
4. What are the implications of this for your thought life (vv. 5-7)?
5. Do you find verse 9 reassuring or sobering?
6. Are you drawing on the Holy Spirit's power to turn away from sin's appeal, so that you can resist temptations as they arise?

Ask God to help you each day to consciously choose to turn control of your mind over to the Holy Spirit."

5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will.

8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.) 10 Since Christ lives within you, even though your body will die because of sin, your spirit is alive[a] because you have been made right with God.

11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as he raised Christ from the dead, he will give life to your mortal body by this same Spirit living within you. 12 So, dear brothers and sisters,[b] you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it[c] and its evil deeds, you will live.

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children[d] of God.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Your Word says that You bless those whose hearts are pure. Grant me the willpower to become and remain inwardly pure.

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