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Paul divides people into two categories: those who succumb to the tempter and 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 resist the devil and submit to the Spirit's control.

Romans 8:5-14

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.   How are you making progress in learning to resist the devil and be led by the Holy Spirit?
   
   

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

Romans 8:5-14

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 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to 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 do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life 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 God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Copyright © 2009 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

I can't take on the devil in my own strength, Lord. Help me soak up your Word so that my will will align with yours.

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