BIBLE STUDY – FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018
THEME FOR THE YEAR: “UNLIMITED RICHES OF GOD’S GRACE” (Ephesians 2: 8 – 10).
TOPIC: “MARRIAGE ILLUSTRATES OUR FREEDOM FROM SIN”
TEXT: ROMANS 7: 1 – 6
AIMS:
- To show the bond in marriage
- To show the weakness of the flesh in pleasing God
- To show the power of God in delivering one from sin
INTRODUCTION:
Marriage is the union, coming together of two people, of opposite sexes with a view to building a God-centred home. It is a unique relationship ordained of God for man and woman to give and receive satisfaction of their healthy needs and desires.
The text uses marriage as a simple analogy to show that just as a married woman is free to remarry once her husband dies being that the law governing a married woman’s actions no longer has any jurisdiction over her once her husband dies (Romans 7: 1 – 3). Believers, by virtue of their new found faith and relationship with Christ, have become dead to the condemnation and penalty of the law (Rom. 8: 1) and are now married to Christ (Eph. 5: 24 – 27). While not yet married to Christ, the flesh, with its sinful passions was at work leading to death; however, once we turned to Christ we have been delivered from the law, so that we should be free to serve God in the newness of the spirit and to keep God’s law (Rom. 7: 4 – 6).
Questions for Discussion
- The law has dominion over a man as long as he lives why?
- Marriage between a man and woman produces children (fruit) in this our marriage to Christ, mention the fruits expected of us? (Gal. 5: 22 – 23; Eph. 2: 10; Col. 1: 5 -6).
- The Bible calls some people “adulterers and adulteresses? (James 4: 4) relate this to Romans 7: 3a.
- With reference to Rom. 8: 1, can you align it with the topic of study?
Conclusion: The Psalmist acknowledged that he was shapen in iniquity, and in sin his mother conceived him (Psalm 51: 5). The same way it is to everyone and that is why we all have the inclination to disobey God and live our lives the way it pleases us. Looking at many people today one can see that majority tend to follow the way of the world-unrighteousness, unholiness, immorality, wickedness and all other vices. This happens because there is a spirit behind it. However, the moment one choses to yield to the voice of God through the agency of the Holy Spirit, the person is freed from sin’s domination.
Talk Back
Memory Verse: Romans 7: 4 “That is how it is with you, my sisters and brothers. As far as the law is concerned, you also have died because you are part of the body of Christ, and now you belong to Him who was raised from death in order that we might be useful in the service of God (GNB).