Sunday School Lesson June 19, 2022
Subject: Indwelt by the Spirit
The Point: The Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives affirms our relationship with God.
The Passages: Romans 8:9-17
Study The Bible: Romans 8:9-11
1). The Holy Spirit indwells every believer.
- You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.
- Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.
- And if the Spirit of him who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.
Lasting truths from: Romans 8:9-11
* At the moment a person trusts Jesus, God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, indwells every believer.
* Because the Holy Spirit gives life, eternal life isn’t something that will happen in the future. Believers receive it at the moment of conversion.
* At the resurrection of the dead, the Holy Spirit will overpower the effects of death, and give life to the mortal bodies of believers.
2). The Holy Spirit leads every believer.
Romans 8:12-14
12 So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh,
- because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
- For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.
Lasting truths from: Romans 8:12-14
* Since Christians are led by the Spirit, they have no obligation to live according the flesh.
* The Spirit will lead followers of Jesus to die to the flesh.
* Christians do not sanctify themselves alone. The Spirit gives them both the desire and ability to live by the Spirit.
3). The Holy Spirit affirms every believer is a child of God.
Romans 8:15-17
- For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba’, Father!”
- The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.
- and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Lasting truth from: Romans 8:15-17
* Even though God is holy and exalted. He has adopted us through His Spirit and desires intimacy with us.
* The Spirit confirms that we are a child of God through the inspired Word of God so no believer needs to worry that he or she isn’t born again.
* Suffering with and for Jesus is inevitable, but so is being glorified with Him!
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Some Christians believe they do not receive the Holy Spirit apart from a “second blessing” that occurs some time after they have trusted Jesus. How would you explain to them that the Spirit actually indwells all Christians the moment they believe I Jesus?
- What did Paul mean when he wrote we are not obligated to the flesh, and what are the implications for our sanctification?
- How could you use this passage to help a Christian who is having doubts about his or her salvation?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”