(Romans Series-20)

“IN ORDER THAT WE MIGHT BEAR FRUIT FOR GOD”

Romans 7:1-6 (ESV Bible)

Key Verse: 7:4, "Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God."

1. What did Paul say in 6:14? In 7:1, who does he address, what does he say about the limit of the law’s power, and why? Why would some people be confused about their relationship with the law?
2. According to verses 2–3, what was marriage like in Paul’s time? How does his illustration help us understand our old obligation to the law? How is a marriage covenant especially helpful in understanding our new relationship with Christ?
3. Read verse 4. In contrast to verses 2–3, who actually dies here, and how does this happen? What two purposes does Paul state here for our new marriage to Christ? In light of chapter 6, what kind of fruit does he mean? What does it mean to you to accept verse 4 personally?
4. In verse 5, how does Paul describe our old “marriage” to the law? Why are even the best rules not a real solution to our problem?
5. In verse 6, what contrast does Paul make? What does it mean to serve in the new way of the Spirit? In contrast to the law, how does the Spirit change our daily motivations? How does this help us in our daily walk and decisions?