Main Scripture Reference - Romans 7:18-25

Other Scripture References: Mark 7:21-23; Jeremiah 17:19; Proverbs 4:23; James 1:22; Hebrews 12:14; Genesis 25:30-34; & James 1:13-15

INTRO–‘Something is Wrong!’Read Romans 7:18-25

From Presidents to Pastors and everywhere in between, good people have failed in the area of self-leadership, becoming victims to their own passions and wrong doing. Even Solomon, the wisest man in the world who wrote 3 books of the Bible, succumbed to moral failure and lost the trust of his people and to God. You as well are dealing with a dysfunctional and destructive force within you and victory will never happen until you realize that you alone are powerless to overcome it.

• Without naming the person, do you know someone who had a major moral failure that completely shocked you? Why were you so surprised?


• How would you describe the battle going on within your own soul between doing right or wrong?

THE FIRST SOURCE–‘The Heart’Read Mark 7:21-23 & Jeremiah 17:19

In order to understand where this battle originates in your life, you must identify the sources of that conflict. In Mark, Jesus clearly identifies the first source as the heart as the place in which evil resides. The heart is the center of your will and it’s your will that determines your choices. It is in your heart where you rationalize, justify and make excuses for not obeying God’s will and commands setting your desire above the desires of God. However, being a Christian means not just believing in Jesus, but obeying Jesus, pursuing holiness and godly integrity. You no doubt listen to your heart when making decisions but unless you listen and follow God’s word you will never win the battle over sin. Read Proverbs 4:23; James 1:22 & Hebrews 12:14.

• When you became a Christian, did you understand that belief in Jesus included obedience to following Jesus as well? Where have you struggled being a fully dedicated disciple of Christ?


• How do you balance listening to your heart and obeying God’s word?

THE SECOND SOURCE–‘The Flesh’Re-read Romans 7:18-19 & Genesis 25:30-34

The second source of conflict is what Scriptures calls ‘the flesh’ or the human sinful nature that all humans inherited in this fallen world. Your sinful nature wants to operate as an autonomous being, without want or need of being dependent or obedient to God. When you are controlled by the flesh, your self is put at the center of the decision making process and you edge God out of the role of leader and guide of your life. The flesh also desires to live in the moment fulfilling lustful desires, totally disregarding the consequences of your actions. And once your appetites get a beachhead they will take over your life. You were called to live by the Spirit and not the flesh and only in the power of the Spirit can you defeat this powerful force within.

• What are some ways you typically edge God out of your decision making?


• Do you ever think of the long term consequences to your daily actions? What about when you know you are doing wrong?

THE BATTLE–‘The Stages of Sin’Read James 1:13-15

Finally, to fully understand sin, you must be aware of the stages of its addictive cycle. The first stage is enticement and it is here that you will either succeed or fail in your desire to live a Godly life. Sin always puts out a lure or bait to entice you to do wrong with a promise of happiness and fulfillment. However, the quicker you set aside the lure the easier it is to avoid sin and moral failure. The longer you look and think about the lure the closer you are to taking the bait.

• Different lures are attractive to different people. Name some lures that don’t entice you and some that do.


• How quick do you recognize temptation when it comes at you? Are you quick to dismiss contemplating it?


• How can you become more pro-active in keeping yourself away from enticing and tempting situations?