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Jumpstarter 6 of 10

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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 12:1-2 Living Sacrifices  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 6
The lesson argues that being the Spirit’s temple “carries responsibility” and claims, “If we defile our bodies through ungodly conduct, the Holy Spirit will withdraw from us… Without the Spirit of God, we cannot be saved.” How does that square (or clash) with modern evangelical assurance frameworks, and what would it change about how you handle “private” sin?
Another way to ask: The lesson says if we defile our bodies, the Holy Spirit may withdraw, and without the Spirit we can’t be saved. How does that fit or conflict with common evangelical “once saved, always saved” thinking, and how would it change how you handle private sin?

Direct Answer In the transcript, assurance is closely tied to continuing holiness and preserving the Spirit, not to a one-time profession that guarantees safety regardless of conduct. That clashes with frameworks that treat private sin as compatible with secure salvation, because Bercot warns the Spirit may withdraw if we defile the temple.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot states, “being a temple of the Holy Spirit carries with it responsibility.”
  • He warns plainly: “If we defile our bodies through ungodly conduct, the Holy Spirit will withdraw from us.”
  • He concludes, “Without the Spirit of God, we cannot be saved,” and says Paul exhorts us “to preserve the Spirit of God… Otherwise… we will lose the kingdom of heaven.”
  • He ties holiness to acceptability: “the only living sacrifice that is acceptable to God is a Holy One,” and it “is not something that comes automatically.”
  • He frames Paul’s commands as real obligations, not automatic outcomes: “Paul does not say… simply believe, and then God will do all these things for us.”
Discussion Follow-ups If the Spirit’s presence can be forfeited through defilement, how should that affect confession and accountability? What “private” behavior would you treat differently if you believed it threatened your spiritual life?

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