Not Guilty
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. How does it feel to be “let off the hook” after doing something wrong?
Bible Reading
Read Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the
law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own
Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law
might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh
do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally
minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:
for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please
God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any
man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin;
but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead
dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth
in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after
the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as
many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself
beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God,
and jointheirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. Explain how the law could not provide salvation.
3. Who is unable to please God? Why?
4. In what ways does the Spirit of God transform people?
Question 4. The Spirit of God gives people new life (John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6); empowers believers
for special tasks (Judges 3:10); helps believers worship (John 4:23–24); enables believers to spread the gospel
(Matthew 10:19–20); and guides, teaches and convicts people (Luke 12:12; John 14:26; 16:7–13).
5. How can a person attain true life?
6. Explain what it means to live by the Spirit.
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
The Bible says the judgment for sin that I deserved is already passed. Christ took my judgment on the cross.
Every demand of the law has been met. The law was completely satisfied in the offering that Christ made of Himself
for sins.…
I deserved judgment and hell, but Christ took that judgment and hell for me.…
We shall never understand the extent of God's love in Christ at the cross until we understand that we shall
never have to stand before the judgment of God for our sins. Christ took our sins. He finished the work of redemption.
I am not saved through any works or merit of my own. I have preached to thousands of people on every continent,
but I shall not go to heaven because I am a preacher. I am going to heaven entirely on the merit of the work of
Christ. I shall never stand at God's judgment bar. That is all past.
(From Unto the Hills by Billy Graham)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. How does the truth of this passage motivate you to live your life?
8. How has your life changed since you began your new life in Christ?
9. How should believers deal with feelings of condemnation and guilt?
Prayer
Father, we want to come to you, but sometimes we are too ashamed of who we are and what we have done. We're
afraid that we have done something unforgivable, afraid that you will reject us. But Father, your Word teaches
us that you sacrificed your Son as the atonement for our sin. There is no sin too deep for your hand of forgiveness
to reach. Thank you, Father, for the assurance that we are forgiven and acceptable in your sight.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
How do I feel about being judged “not guilty” by God?
Additional Questions
10. What new perspective does this study give you about Christ's sacrifice?
11. What evidence of the Holy Spirit's control can people see in your life?
12. In what areas do you need to depend more on the Holy Spirit and less on your own desires?
For more Bible passages on Christ's sacrifice for sin, see John 1:29; Romans 3:25; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews
9:26–28; 10:19–22; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.
To complete the book of Romans during this twelve-part study, read Romans 7:1–8:39.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of Romans by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing. Published by Word.
