The Cross, The Spirit & The End of Condemnation

Romans 8:1-4 - This week we continue through Lent into Resurrection Sunday with a consideration of Romans chapter 8, which is widely considered one of the most gospel-rich, beautiful, and hopeful chapters in the entire Bible. The first four verses highlight the end of all condemnation for those who are in Christ. But what is condemnation? And is it really necessary? And how does the end of it really become good news for us and for our neighbors? The answers are found in the death of Jesus on the cross, the resurrection of Jesus to new life, and His sending of the Spirit to those who have trusted Him. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 1 of our series "The Cross, The Spirit & The End of Death]
Questions for discussion: 1) Cameron argued that our cries against injustice in the world are tied to God's condemnation against sin. Why do we need God to be a God who will condemn sin? 2) The Bible depicts God as one who cares about both the great tragedies of the world as well as the micro-, heart-level desires that we harbor (and everything in between). Talk about how this puts us on the wrong side of God's condemnation. 3) Into all of this, Paul declares "there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus." How does this truth land with you? 4) How was the law "weakened by the flesh?" 5) Discuss how God "condemned sin in the flesh" through Jesus's death. 6) How is the Holy Spirit's empowerment different from a pep talk meant to motivate us to keep the law?