As we progress through life, inevitably, we will all go through transitional phases. These are time periods in our lives where a major change happens which shifts how we view the world and how people view us. Sometimes, these transitions are weird and difficult for us to grasp at first. The transition that was most like this for me was my transition into police work earlier in my life. Going from a civilian to a police officer was very jarring and weird for me. My first time in a police car, I remember thinking to myself that everyone was driving so slowly, which confused me until I realized that I was affecting everyone around me. Every driver saw me coming, immediately took a glance at their speedometer, and drove more carefully. It was hard to walk into a restaurant for lunch and immediately feel the environment change. It took time for me to not feel weird about this transitional time of my life.  

1. What was a transitional phase of your life that took some getting accustomed to? How long did it take for this change to not feel weird? 

As we have been studying the process of sanctification, and more specifically, what the Holy Spirit does for us in that process, we come to a passage of Scripture where Paul tells us that there will be a transition, and this transition will change the way we interact with the world as our identities change. 

Romans 8:12-17 says, “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For 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. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”  

Paul recognizes that though the Holy Spirit has begun the sanctification process in us, we will not automatically live the way that we should. It is a transition, and it is weird for us to comprehend. Where previously our nature was fleshly, violent, and sinful, now Paul is pushing us to live righteously and “by the Spirit” kill the areas of our lives that were sinful captivity for us. It is a challenge to crucify our flesh, as Galatians 5:24 speaks of when it says, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”  

2. How do you trust the Holy Spirit to help you avoid sin? When considering specific times that the Holy Spirit has guided you away from sinful behavior, how do those moments impact your faith? 

3. Verse 13 tells us that if we live according to the flesh, we will die, but if we put to death the deeds of the body, we will live. What does this look like in our lives? What does it mean to die versus live in this context? 

Paul continues in verse 14 by telling us that if we live a life that is humble enough to be led by the Spirit, we are sons of God. We are adopted into the family of God. We are given a new identity. Not only is God Lord and Master, and not only is He the sovereign omnipotent Creator of the universe, but He is our Father. He makes us His sons and daughters. He looks at us as His little children. We do not follow God out of fear of His might, for the Holy Spirit places in our hearts the cry of “Abba! Father!” He is our dear father.  

4. How does the relationship of a father and son differ and impact your life when compared to a relationship of master and servant?  

5. How does being a child of God impact your life and daily decisions? How does the idea of adoption affect your view of God’s love and grace? 

As adopted members of God’s family, we must recognize that our all-powerful Creator is a relational being who sincerely desires that we draw near to Him. When pondering how our Father in Heaven is in control of all things and cares for us as a father caring for His child, it should bring us a sense of calm. Regardless of how heavy the weight of the world gets, we can run into the open arms of our Father, who loves us. We can rest in the knowledge that no matter how terrible things might seem, our eternity is in His hands, and He has us. That sense of security brings such a feeling of freedom. That is what Paul means in verse 15 when he says, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” We are free from the slavery of fear. We are free from the shackles of the cares for this world. We do not have to be afraid of the worst possible outcome, or even death, because we know that we are in the hands of our Father, who will never leave us or forsake us.  

6. What are some areas of your life where you might feel enslaved? How can the Spirit help you overcome these? 

7. When looking at verse 16, what areas of your life have you felt the reassurance of the Spirit? 

As we come to our final verse, Paul writes, “And if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” He tells us that to live according to the Spirit is to follow Jesus. Following Jesus means wonderful things, but it also means that our lives will have turmoil and persecution. Jesus told His disciples that the world would hate them because the world hated Him. The same is true for us; if we exemplify Jesus in our lives, there will be difficulties. Paul wrote that we will “suffer with him.” However, in so doing, we demonstrate the light and hope of Jesus to a dark and hopeless world. Our suffering and persecution are not without cause because we glorify God when we act this way. Paul tells us that we will be “glorified with him.” 

8. How do you reconcile the idea of suffering with your understanding of being a child of God and an heir of His promises? How does this influence your perspective on current trials and challenges in your life? 

9. How can you push yourself to attain a greater sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life? What practical steps can you take to align your will with His will? 

10. How does the recognition that we are children of God change how you view the community of the church?