Help in the Daily Battle

Men’s Small Group // February 21, 2022

This is a lesson I prepared for a men’s small group and is based on the book “Pursuit of Holiness” by Jerry Bridges (Chapter 7)

Romans 6:5-11 ESV
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. [7] For one who has died has been set free from sin. [8] Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. [10] For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. [11] So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

What does this all mean?
“He delivers us from sin’s reign into the reign of his Son.” p.52

• Old self was crucified… body of sin brought to nothing… no longer enslaved to sin… set free from sin.
• We will also live with him… death no longer has dominion… he lives to God… alive to God in Christ Jesus
• This is the key — We are to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God.
  • You must consider this, because at times it still feels like I am enslaved.
  • I am to consider my old self being crucified with Christ.

Significance of Being alive to God or United with Christ

1. We are united with Christ in all his power.
   • “Holiness is not a series of do’s and don’ts, but conformity to the character of God and obedience to the will of God.” p.52
     • Matthew 23:27-28 ESV
       “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. [28] So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
     • It’s not about our own list of supposed right and wrong actions that prove we are following Christ.
   • “We are united with the One who is at work in us to strengthen us with his mighty power” p. 53
     • Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
       Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
   • It all feels hopeless at times as we battle sin in our heart. The enemy whispering lies in our ear.
2. “He has given us his Holy Spirit to live within us.” p. 54
   • Think about this for a moment. The Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit lives within us!
     • If he was our visible companion, how does that shape your outlook? Why?
   • What is his purpose?
     • He enables us to see our need for holiness.
       • We better understand the measure of God’s holiness and his requirements for us.
     • He causes us to become aware of our specific areas of sin.
       • The enemy wants us blind to our sin… And so do we!
   • Why is this important… Long quote on page 55.
     • Consent to the teaching of Scripture is not obedience.

How do we express our dependence and reliance upon this indwelling Spirit?

1. Humble and consistent intake of Scripture
   • Humble before the Lord as we understand the deceitfulness of our heart.
   • Consistent intentional fellowship with the Word.
   • This is God’s Word to us. This is his divine inspired holy spoken word of revelation.
2. Pray for holiness
   • Do you pray for holiness in your life?

Reflection Questions

• Talk about your list of Do’s and Don’ts that help you present a false righteousness.
• Talk about whispering lies that our enemy speaks to you in your battle with sin.
• Talk about how the Holy Spirit is revealing to you about
  • Understanding God’s holiness
  • Opening your eyes to the hidden sin or depth of sin in your heart
• Pray for each other in the areas of
  • Humble intentional consistent Scripture meditation
  • Holiness to be brought into our lives