Week Four: What is My Picture of Self? Part Two

READ 

Read the following passage aloud slowly.
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. (Romans 8:5-11)

1. (After the first reading, leave a moment of silence to reflect on this question) 
   What stood out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase caught your attention during this particular season of your life?
2. Read the passage again slowly.
3. (After the second reading,  leave a moment of silence to reflect on this question) 
   As you consider what stood out in your reading, how might God be inviting you to reorient your picture of your self?

DISCUSS

Use the following questions to guide group discussion

1. Have you ever thought of sin in the way Chris described it, “We are curved in on ourselves?”
2. What are some examples of how humans are curved in on themselves?
3. Chris said that “God desires to unbend us, not to make us loveable, but because God is love.” What are some ways that you think God can unbend us?
4. Jesus said “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” What does it mean to “lose” your life for Jesus’ sake?

View a pdf of this guide here.