group questions

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Group Questions1. (review) Why do we need to “preach the gospel”

to ourselves?

2. Read Galatians 5:16. What hope is promised as we seek to “put two death” sins that keep coming back? What does it mean to “walk by the Spirit”?

3. What kind of work is the Holy Spirit doing in the lives of believers?

SaintSomeone whom Christ bought with His own blood on the cross and has separated unto

Himself to be His own possession

John NewtonMy memory is nearly gone; but I remember two

things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.

The “Gospel”a Shorthand Expression for the Entire Work of Christ (Life, Death, Resurrection) for us & His Present Work in us through the Holy Spirit.

Augustus TopladyLet the water and the blood,From thy riven side which flowed,Be of sin the double cure,Cleanse me from its guilt and power

From “Rock of Ages”

2 Stages of Cleansing from Sin’s Power that

We Need1. Deliverance from the DOMINION of Sin

1. Dominion = Reigning Power

2. Deliverance from the remaining PRESENCE & ACTIVITY of Sin

How Does The Gospel Help Us Deal with Our

Sin?1. The Gospel PREPARES us to see our sin2. The Gospel FREES us to see our sin3. The Gospel MOTIVATES us to deal with our sin

Apostle Paul(1 Corinthians 15:9 – AD 55) – For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.(Ephesians 3:8 – AD 60) – To me, though I am the very least of all the saints…(1 Timothy 1:15 – AD 63 / 64) – …Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

Romans 8:13For if you live according to the flesh you

will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live

Romans(6:2) – …How can we who died to sin…(6:8) – Now if we have died with Christ…

Colossians 1:13He has delivered us from the domain of

darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

Romans 6:12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal

body, to make you obey its passions.

Galatians 5:17For the desires of the flesh are against the

Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to

each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Galatians 5:16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will

not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Jerry BridgesWe are responsible before God to obey His Word, to put to death the sins in our lives, both the so-

called acceptable sins and the obviously not acceptable ones. At the same time, we do not have

the ability within ourselves to carry out this responsibility. We are in fact totally dependent

upon the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. In this sense, we are both Dependent and Responsible.

Philippians 1:16… he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus

Christ

How Does the Holy Spirit Work in Us?

1. Convicts Us of Sin2. Uses Scripture to Reprove & Correct Us3. Works Through our Consciences4. Empowers Us to Deal With Our Sin5. Brings Into Our Lives Circumstances that

Challenge Us

Philippians 2:12-13Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence

but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and

trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good

pleasure

Jerry BridgesIf we are prone to sinful anger, there will be

circumstances that trigger our anger. If we tend to be judgemental toward others, we will probably

have plenty of opportunities to be judgemental. If we easily become anxious, there will be ample

opportunities to deal with the sin of anxiety. God does not tempt us, but He does bring or allow

circumstances to come into our lives that give us opportunity to put to death particular subtle sins

Directions for Dealing with Sins

1. Remember the Gospel2. Depend on the Holy Spirit3. Recognize Your Responsibility4. Identify Specific Respectable Sins5. Memorize and Apply Appropriate Scriptures6. Cultivate the Practice of Prayer7. Involve One or A Few Other Believers with you

Colossians 2:13-13And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God

made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling

the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it

to the cross.

Philippians 3:9…and be found in him, not having a

righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that

depends on faith--

Romans 8:13For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the

deeds of the body, you will live.

Psalm 119:11I have stored up your word in my heart, that I

might not sin against you

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not

another to lift him up!

Hebrews 3:12-13– Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of

you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one

another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened

by the deceitfulness of sin

1 Thessalonians 5:11Therefore encourage one another and build

one another up, just as you are doing.

James 5:16Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be

healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working…