12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

1. Kauflin notes that “the Spirit seeks to conform us to the image of Christ by making us aware of his presence and power.” (p. 129) To what extent (for the past three months) have you been experiencing God’s presence in our worship services? Share.

2. What was the process of becoming adopted by God? (8:14-15)

3. How do we know that we are children of God? (8:16)

4. Kauflin: “Only Jesus can lead us into God’s presence, and he accomplished that through his substitutionary death.” (p. 134) When you come to our worship services, do you expect to experience God’s presence? (pp. 132-135) To what extent should your expectation be connected to our singing and preaching?

5. What is the role of the Spirit in mediating God’s presence in our worship services? How can the Spirit play a more prominent role in our worship services? (Note: Romans 8:15 teaches us that we “cry” out to God. This cry is a fervent, zealous, and passionate cry to our Father.)

6. Discuss Kauflin’s practical suggestions (desperate dependence, eager expectation, humble responsiveness) for pursuing God’s presence (pp. 135-143) Which one(s) do you need to develop and why?