Romans 8:18-30
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This is the twelfth sermon in our Romans series looking at the first eight chapters of the book.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
WARM-UP Questions
- What do you think it means to have a life of expectancy?
- How has the certainty of future glory given perspective to present sufferings?
Read Romans 8:18-25
- If Paul doesn’t say that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” in order to diminish our suffering, what does he mean?
- What are the various ways that Paul tries to give us some perspective?
- In verse 19, what does the phrase “the sons of God to be revealed” mean?
- Why is creation longing for the glory of the children of God to be revealed?
- Would you describe yourself as a hopeful person? What does Christian hope look like? What is the relationship between hope and living expectantly?
- What are the practical ways in which we can express such hope?
Read Romans 8:26-30
- How do you think that the Holy Spirit helps you pray – including from the depths of your heart?
- How do you see God working for good today? Do you see God working for good in and through you?
- What are the five actions that God takes towards his people?
- If God’s purpose for us is to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus, how can we work with him?
- What is a common way that verse 28 is misunderstood? What does Paul actually mean?
- In verses 28-30 we see that God is the source of our salvation, our hope, and our future. How can we encourage each other to keep looking to God and be excited about the future he has planned for us?
- How can we rediscover, or perhaps discover for the first time, the excitement of what it means to be children of God?
- How would you briefly sum up Paul’s message to the Romans in chapters 1-8?
- What has most challenged you in our series on Romans? What has most encouraged you?
APPLY (this week): Choose a verse from Romans 1-8 and make it a memory verse this week. Consider how it shapes your proclamation of God’s Gospel of grace.
Prayer
Loving Heavenly Father, we give you great thanks and praise for your Gospel of Grace. Please help us, even amidst great suffering, to live expectantly as we await the certainty of future glory as we trust in your Son. Please be at work in us and through us, in the power of your Spirit, for your Kingdom and for your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
Audio
- “Romans Re-Examined” by Dick Lucas (Five Parts)
- Romans 8:18-27” by Rory Shiner
- “Freed by the Spirit” by Peter Adam (on Romans 8)
- Peter Carolane on Romans 8
Video
Helpful Books and Articles
- Romans (Read, Mark, Learn Series) by William Taylor (St Helens Bishopsgate)
- Romans (The Story of God Bible Commentary Series) by Michael Bird
