Tools for Lasting Change Master ListRomans 6-7Note 1: During class discussion of each tool the instructor should select a sample area/issue with which people typically struggle. He should then lead a discussion regarding how the  particular tool can be used to help resolve the issue. A few possible specific areas or issues might be:PornographyKindnessDisciplining childrenAngerTime use PrayerMisusing mediaWeightWorryLazinessStewardship of moneyTaking the Lord’s name in vainCo...  Read More...

Lesson 13A Real WarRomans 7:21-25IntroductionOur reminder: the primary focus of Romans 6/7 is -  how can we live our lives here on earth in a manner that approximates our righteous standing before God in heaven? So the real issue in these chapters is Change or how to move from where we are to where we ought to be.Illustration: A mother told her son not to go swimming. However, when he came into the house his mother noticed that his hair and bathing suit were wet.   Read More...

Lesson 12 I Will but I Don’t; I Won’t but I DoRomans 7:13-20IntroductionOur reminder: the primary focus of Romans 6/7 is -  how can we live our lives here on earth in a manner that approximates our righteous standing before God in heaven? So the real issue in these chapters is Change or how to move from where we are to where we ought to be.Illustration: At the end of their first date, a young man takes the young lady back to her house and they are standing on the front...  Read More...

Lesson 11Who Struggles with Sin?Romans 7:14-25 OverviewIntroductionBy understanding the sinfulness of sin as put forth in 7:13, we have set the table for the fourth question raised in these of two chapters. What then, should we give up the pursuit of spiritual maturity in light of our constant struggle with sin? 7:13-25. He answers “no; absolutely not.No matter how dominant sin is; no matter how deadly it’s effects; no matter how bleak and discouraging; we must never give up.   Read More...

Lesson 10  The Sinfulness of Sin Romans 7:13IntroductionOur reminder: the primary focus of Romans 6/7 is -  how can we live our lives here on earth in a manner that approximates our righteous standing before God in heaven? So the real issue in these chapters is Change or how to move from where we are to where we ought to be.We have organized our thoughts around four questions:A. What then, should we sin habitually so that God’s glorious grace is lavishly displayed?   Read More...

Lesson 9Sin and the LawRomans 7:7-12IntroductionLet’s remember that the larger subject still is sanctification or living a godly life. Our reminder: the primary focus of Romans 6/7 is -  how can we live our lives here on earth in a manner that approximates our righteous standing before God in heaven? So the real issue in these chapters is Change or how to move from where we are to where we ought to be.   Read More...

Lesson 8The Christian and the LawRomans 7:1-6IntroductionIllustration: Thelma and Victor Hayes struck it rich. In August of 2005, the Canadian couple won more than $7 million in the lottery.There are a few additional facts that make the story interesting.At the time they won, the Hayes' had been married 63 years, and both of them were 89-years-old.During a televised interview, Thelma and Victor were asked the typical question, "What are you going to do with the money?" The cou...  Read More...

Lesson 7Slavery and FreedomRomans 6:20-23IntroductionOur reminder: the primary focus of Romans 6/7 is -  how can we live our lives here on earth in a manner that approximates our righteous standing before God in heaven? So the real issue in these chapters is Change or how to move from where we are to where we ought to be..Vs 19 commanded us to present ourselves “…as slaves to righteousness…” that is, slaves to ethical conduct or obedience.  Do it now ...  Read More...

Lesson 6Does Free Grace Mean Freedom to Sin?Romans 6:15-19IntroductionOur reminder: the primary focus of Romans 6/7 is -  how can we live our lives here on earth in a manner that approximates our righteous standing before God in heaven? So the real issue in these chapters is Change or how to move from where we are to where we ought to be. We have organized these two chapters around the four questions found in 6:1; 6:15; 7:7; 7:13.The first question was,  Should we sin habitua...  Read More...

Lesson 5Serving GodRomans 6:12-14IntroductionOur reminder: the primary focus of Romans 6/7 is -  how can we live our lives here on earth in a manner that approximates our righteous standing before God in heaven? So the real issue in these chapters is Change or how to move from where we are to where we ought to be. Before we look at the imperatives in v 12-14 let’s think about the significance of the “in Christ” concept that concludes v 11. The phrase appears 141x...  Read More...

Lesson 4 Alive with Christ Romans 6:8-11IntroductionOur reminder: the primary focus of Romans 6/7 is -  how can we live our lives here on earth in a manner that approximates our righteous standing before God in heaven? So the real issue in these chapters is Change or how to move from where we are to where we ought to be.Illustration: Two old fellows were walking along the shoreline of a lake when a frog came hopping up to them.Creaking with age, one of the old-timers slo...  Read More...

Lesson 3United with ChristRomans 6:5-7 IntroductionThe overarching issue in these chapters is Change or how to move from where we are to where we ought to be. llustration regarding change: When Ole quit farming and moved, he discovered he was the only Lutheran in his new town of all Catholics. That was okay, but the neighbors had a problem with his barbecuing beef every Friday. They were not allowed to eat red meat on Fridays, but the tempting aroma was getting the best of th...  Read More...

Lesson 2 Being Dead to SinRomans 6:2-4IntroductionOur reminder: the primary focus of Romans 6/7 is -  how can we live on earth in a manner that approximates our righteous standing before God in heaven? So the real issue in these chapters is Change or how to move from where we are to where we ought to be. Dying to sin… Could this be a scene in a study group? This lady’s contribution to the group certainly misses Paul’s teaching!   Read More...

Lesson 1 From Justification to Sanctification Romans 6:1Introductory MattersAsk if any class member speaks or reads French. Give written statement with instruction to read when asked. Today we embark on a study of Romans 6 + 7.  In order to adequately grasp the teaching of these chapters we must first understand their place in the larger argument of the book.   Read More...