13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 

21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

1. Can you share a personal experience where you've felt a tension between your intentions and your actions?
2. The sermon states that "Rules + Effort = Failure" when it comes to truly overcoming sin and living righteously. In what ways have you experienced the truth of this statement, perhaps in your own attempts to live a "good" or "holy" life?
3. Bob talked about "Chapter 7 Christianity" as relying on our performance for our self-worth and relationship with God. How might the "upwardly mobile meritocracy ethos" (the belief that hard work and following rules lead to success) subtly influence how you approach your faith or view your spiritual struggles?
4. Paul is adamant that in Jesus you are not a slave to sin, which means change is possible and real. How does this truth empower you or challenge your perspective on ongoing struggles or areas where you've felt stuck in a "Romans 7 world"?
5. Bob said to find "windy places"—environments or practices that allow God's Spirit to work in us (e.g., prayer, worship, Christian community, accountability). What are some "windy places" in your life right now, or what steps can you take to create more opportunities for the Spirit to have His way in you?
6. Bob said to "get quick on the draw" to cry out for rescue when experiencing Romans 7 struggles, to be quick to confess, repent, and move to worship and praise (Romans 7:24-25, Romans 8:1). What does this practical advice look like for you in your daily life? How can focusing on Jesus and praise help shift you from condemnation to freedom?