Chapter # 8 Paragraph # 2 Study # 3
February 26, 2017
Humble, Texas
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<073> Thesis:   Our "spirit" has changed from "bondage in fear" to "freedom in hope". Introduction:   As Paul works his way through what "life by the Spirit" is about, he cautiously balances the issues of "creation reality", where "creatures" are subject to the way things work whether they know, understand, like it, or not, and "relational reality" where those who "relate" do so on the basis of a different set of principles. He warned his readers of the "death" issues involved in living as if the "flesh" and its desires is the only really important pursuit, and he promised his readers "Life and peace" if they live as if God's Spirit and His desires are the only really important pursuit. But this "warning/promise" contrast brings up the lingering issue of chapter seven's focus upon the hopelessness of trying to live on the basis of personal empowerment and rules. The outcome of such a fleshly methodology is "fear" and Paul wants to make sure that his readers do not fall into that trap. Thus, the verse before us this evening is all about how fear has been replaced by hope.