Connect Consider your frontlines. What freedom do you have in living out of the Spirit, rather than up to a standard of life in the Spirit?
Warm-Up
- In everyday life, what is the best part about being a Christian? What do you find more difficult?
Read Romans 8:18-25 (A Gospel Perspective)
- What does Paul say is not worth comparing with the “glory that will be revealed in us”?
- What did Paul say (previously in verse 17) goes hand-in-hand with sharing in Christ’s glory?
- Is Paul making light of the suffering that we experience? Why would he say it doesn’t compare?
- What are common ways that people approach the reality of suffering in our lives and world? How does a Gospel perspective empower us to see the depth of suffering and the height of our hope?
- How has a Gospel perspective (of the hope that we have in Christ) change how you face trouble?
Read Romans 8:26-27 (God helps us by his Spirit)
- From v.26, what is one of the gifts that God has given us to help us? With what weakness in particular?
- Why are these ‘groans’ likely not a reference to a special type of prayer discussed elsewhere?
- How does the Holy Spirit help us to pray? Does this mean we don’t have a part to play in prayer?
- In what ways do you ever find prayer difficult? How might you be encouraged in your prayer life in the knowledge that the Spirit intercedes for you as does the Son at the Father’s right-hand (i.e., v.34)?
Read Romans 8:28-30 (God works for the good)
- What does God work for? What does “for the good” mean? What doesn’t it mean?
- Do you ever find it difficult to trust in God’s good purposes? What helps you to press on?
- How has our ultimate future been secured? How does that give you confidence?
- The theology of ‘predestination’ is one of the most hotly debated topics from the Bible. What — according to Paul — are those in Christ predestined for? (Note that’s the emphasis in this passage.)
Read Romans 8:31-39 (God secures us in his love)
- What challenges does Paul name in verse 31-36 that Christians face? Is this still true today?
- Can anything separate us from God’s love for those who are in Christ? How does knowing the security of God’s love help you to wait patiently for Jesus’ return? What reminds you of this love?
Apply When do you find it most difficult to wait patiently for Christ’s return? Which of the three ‘gifts’ could most help you at the moment to live with patient hope?
