Conceptual Understanding
- Wright emphasizes the contrast between being “in the flesh” and being “in the Spirit.” How does this contrast, as explained in verses 12-13, challenge traditional understandings of Christian living as simply avoiding certain behaviors? How does the concept of “putting to death the misdeeds of the body by the Spirit” reshape your understanding of spiritual discipline?
2. Verse 14 states, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” What does it mean to be “led by the Spirit”? How does this differ from other possible interpretations, such as simply having the Spirit within? What practical implications does this have for daily life?
3. Wright highlights the significance of the phrase “Abba, Father” in verse 15. Why does he emphasize the Aramaic “Abba”? How does this term contribute to our understanding of our relationship with God as adopted children? How does this contrast with the “spirit of slavery” mentioned in the same verse?
4. Verse 16 states, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” How does Wright interpret this “testimony”? Is this a separate, mystical experience, or something else? How does this inner witness provide assurance of our adoption?
5. Verse 17 connects sonship with inheritance and suffering. How does this verse link our present experience of suffering with our future hope of glory? What does it mean to be “co-heirs with Christ”? How does this understanding of inheritance impact our perspective on present difficulties?
Growing In Intimacy with Jesus
6. Verse 17 highlights that we are “co-heirs with Christ.” What does it mean to share an inheritance with Jesus? Reflecting on Jesus’ own inheritance—his resurrection, ascension, and glorification—how does understanding ourselves as co-heirs impact your sense of belonging and connection to him? How does this concept challenge any feelings of distance or unworthiness you might experience?
7. The chapter emphasizes being “led by the Spirit.” Considering that the Spirit is also the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9), how does being led by the Spirit equate to being drawn closer to Jesus? In what ways can you become more attuned to the Spirit’s leading in your daily life, recognizing that this is also a drawing closer to Christ himself?
8. Verse 15 speaks of crying out “Abba, Father.” While this refers to our relationship with God the Father, how does understanding Jesus as the Son who intimately knows the Father deepen our understanding of this cry? How does Jesus’ own use of “Abba” (e.g., in Gethsemane) inform our own experience of intimacy with God?
9. Verse 17 links sharing in Christ’s sufferings with sharing in his glory. How does reflecting on Jesus’ own suffering and the path he took to glory shape your understanding of your own struggles and challenges? How does this perspective foster a deeper sense of solidarity with Christ in his suffering and a greater anticipation of sharing in his glory?
10. This chapter emphasizes our adoption as sons and daughters of God. How does understanding yourself as adopted into God’s family, with Jesus as your elder brother and co-heir, transform your understanding of your identity and purpose? How does this familial language, with Jesus at the center, foster a greater sense of belonging and intimacy within the family of God?
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Into The Heart of Romans, Home
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post