The Influencer

“Good morning, y’all. Today we’re diving into one of the most powerful passages in all of Scripture—Romans 8:5–17. This section gets to the heart of what it means to truly live as a Christian.

It’s not just about behavior. It’s about identity. About influence. About adoption. And the tension we live in every day between our flesh and God’s Spirit.

So here’s the question I want us to walk through together:

‘What’s the real difference between walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit?’”

Let’s read Romans 8:5–17 out loud.

[Section 1 – Walking in the Flesh vs. Walking in the Spirit – 10 mins]

Paul starts by describing two kinds of people—those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit. This isn’t about perfect vs. imperfect people. It’s about who’s influencing you—what power is shaping your desires, thoughts, and decisions.

Verses 5–6 say, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”

So let’s unpack that:

Flesh = the part of us that’s independent of God, self-driven, sinful, and proud.

Spirit = the Holy Spirit living inside of us, given at salvation to lead, convict, empower, and guide us.

Walking in the flesh means letting sinful desires drive your decisions. It doesn’t always look ugly. Sometimes it looks like pride, control, people-pleasing, or unforgiveness. Walking in the Spirit means you’re surrendered. You’re listening. You’re letting God shape your mind, your motives, and your actions.

Paul says in v.6: “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

So here’s a gut-check:

Do your decisions lead to peace or chaos?

Is your mind always consumed with self, fear, control, comparison—or with truth, grace, and trust in God?

[Ask the class:] What’s one area where you’ve noticed your flesh trying to lead lately? (Allow responses)

[Section 2 – Why Adoption Changes Everything – 10 mins]

Now Paul takes it deeper. In verses 14–17, he shifts from how we live to who we are. He says, “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Then he talks about adoption.

Let’s pause here. Why is it important that we’re not just forgiven—but adopted?

Forgiveness says, “You’re free to go.” Adoption says, “You’re welcome to stay.”

Forgiveness clears your record. Adoption changes your identity.

You don’t just get a new start—you get a new name, a new Father, and a new future. God didn’t just save you from something—He saved you for something. You’re not just “not going to hell”—you’ve been brought into His house, His family, His inheritance.

Verse 16 says, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

That means the Holy Spirit constantly reminds us—we belong. Even when we forget. Even when we mess up.

[Ask the class:] What would change in your walk with God if you truly believed—deep down—you are His child and His heir?

(Allow discussion. If no one shares, you can say: “Would you pray more boldly? Would you stop trying to earn His approval? Would you trust His timing more?”)

[Section 3 – Application and Challenge – 7 mins]

Here’s where we land the plane. You have a choice—every day, sometimes every moment.

Will I walk in the flesh or walk in the Spirit? Will I act like a slave to fear—or like a child of God?

This week, I want to give you something simple but powerful to carry with you:

👉 Every time you’re tempted—pause and ask yourself: “Who am I following right now—my flesh or the Spirit?”

Tempted to speak harshly? Tempted to dwell on lust, jealousy, fear, bitterness? Tempted to quit or isolate? Ask that question.

Now grab a piece of paper or your phone. Write down one area where you need to be Spirit-led this week. It could be a relationship. A habit. A pattern of thought. (Allow 1–2 minutes of silence)

[Close – Final 2 minutes]

The flesh is loud—but the Spirit is faithful. The flesh leads to death—but the Spirit leads to life and peace. You are not an orphan. You are not a slave. You are not trying to earn a place.

If you are in Christ, you’re already home. So walk like you belong—because you do.

Let’s pray.