In verse 1, Paul echoed Jesus’ words: “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17). As The Message puts it, “Those
who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud.” Paul said there are basically two kinds of people: those oriented away from God and toward self, and those oriented toward God (living by the Spirit). The second group form Christ’s new community, living in peace.

• Verse 5 spoke about what our life is based on, not about every detail of our actions. How have you sensed yourself shift, over time, from basing your life on self-interest to basing it on the principles God’s Spirit teaches you? Where is the “growing edge” of your life right now—in what areas is that shift (not without struggles) taking place?
• In verse 3, Paul wrote that God sent “his own Son to deal with sin.” Moralistic religion often reinforces condemnation by telling us that it’s entirely up to us to “deal with sin” in our lives. How can trusting that Jesus has already dealt with our sin, and rid us of condemnation, free up our energy to live out the positive principles of service and community God calls us to? How can you keep your faith focused on Christ and the good he offers you, rather than focusing on the bad you don’t want to do?