Our Condition

July 9, 2023

What defines your value? Do you find value in your roles and responsibilities in your family or job? The human condition is tied to the value God has placed on us and the value we see in Jesus’ death on a cross. This death communicates to us the reality that we are infinitely valuable and devastatingly broken. The value you place on Jesus’ death affects the value you place on yourself and others around you. This is why it is fundamental to Christian belief.

Listen to Podcast

‍Essential # 5

Humans are infinitely ________________ but devastatingly ____________.

Passage

Genesis 4; Romans 5

Practice

Answer these three questions:

Do you believe that ______ is good?
Do you believe that ______ are infinitely valuable?
Do you believe that ____________ are infinitely valuable?

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.

‍HANGOUT

Share a thought or idea that has impacted you from our study through the first 5 chapters of Romans or the Essentials sermon series.

HEAR

Read Romans 6:1-7

What does it mean to be baptized into Jesus’ death?
If we have died to sin, why do we continue to struggle with temptation? (See also: Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

Read Romans 6:8-14

What are the benefits of our death with Jesus?
What does it mean to “count yourself dead to sin”? What are some practical ways you can do this?
What is the difference between offering yourself to sin as opposed to offering yourself to God? Give practical examples of both.

Read Romans 6:15-23

What does it mean to be a slave to sin? What does it mean to be a slave to righteousness?
Do you agree that everyone will serve something or someone? Why or why not?
What would you say to a person who doesn’t believe that, but instead insists that they are the master of their fate and the captain of their soul?

HUDDLE

If you had to attribute every action you took this past week as either being in service to sin or righteousness, what are the percentages? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

Our summer Bible reading plan will focus on passages related to our essential beliefs. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to affirm what is essential. How will this essential affect your life today?

Day 1: Genesis 3
Day 2: Genesis 4
Day 3: Romans 6
Day 4: 1 John 2
Day 5: 1 John 3
Day 6: Hebrews 11
Day 7: Hebrews 12

Think Deeper

Do you truly believe all people have equal value before God? Do you believe all people are of equal value?
Do you hold any political views that devalue individuals?
How can this conversation provide hope to others around you?