Romans 8:24-25

Romans 8:24-25: For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Song Recommendations (Click for YouTube videos):

I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130)

O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer

Discussion Questions:

What was the last thing you bought or that was bought for you that was meant to make you happier (like a toy or gadget)? How long ago did you get it? When was the last time you used it?

Why is it that we grow tired of the things we have?

In contrast to the fading joy of material things, what is the good news of the gospel?

Romans 8:22-23

Romans 8:22-23: For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Song Recommendations (Click for YouTube videos):

I Asked the Lord 

Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken

Discussion Questions:

What are some of the evidences you see of how creation is groaning as a result of sin? 

Like a mother in labor, creation’s groaning anticipates deliverance and new life.  How does that reality help us to live faithfully, even optimistically, in the light of current trials?

We read in v. 23 that, like creation, God’s people groan inwardly in the midst of trials and hardships.  Where are you currently experiencing hardships that cause you to “groan inwardly?”

As followers of Christ, we have the firstfruits of the Spirit, but not the full harvest; not the full and final fulfillment of life in Christ.  What are some of the ways in this life that you have been given a foretaste of heaven?  How does that help give you hope for eternal life in Christ?  

Romans 8:18-21

Romans 8:18-21: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Song Recommendations (Click for YouTube videos):

All Creatures of Our God and King

Christ Is Coming!

Discussion Questions:

Is it sinful to be frustrated with life in this fallen world?

Read Gen. 1:28-30; 3:17-19. What do these passages teach about man’s relationship to creation?

Why does creation wait with eager longing for Christ’s return?

Why does Paul mean by “the freedom of the glory of the children of God”?

Romans 8:16-17

Romans 8:16-17: The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Song Recommendations (Click for YouTube videos):

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God

O, My Soul, Arise

Arise, My Soul, Arise

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think people often struggling with knowing and believing that they are children of God?

Can you think of any promises and truths from the Bible that the Holy Spirit has personally reminded you of and driven home to you?

What are other parts of the inheritance that awaits the children of God in the age to come

What are other responsibilities that are laid upon the children of God in this present life?

Romans 8:14-15

Romans 8:14-15: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Song Recommendations (click for YouTube links):

Good Good Father

No Longer Slaves

Discussion Questions:

How are a servant and a child treated differently in a home?

Paul says we have not received a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear.  How does fear make us like slaves?  What are people afraid of and how does it force them to act?

Christians today have a lot of different ideas about what the Holy Spirit does in the life of a believer.  According to these verses, what does the Spirit do for/in us?

To summarize what Paul has been saying: The Spirit makes us want to follow God.  Because we want these things, we can know that we are living as children of God.  This motivates us to obey, not out of fear but out of love.  Does this mean we will obey perfectly?  Does a child always obey her parents?  What happens when a child disobeys?

Discuss any stories of loving adoption that you know.  How do they help you understand what it means for you to be God's child?

Romans 8:12-13

Romans 8:12-13: So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Song Recommendations (Click for YouTube videos):

A Debtor to Mercy Alone

Your Will Be Done

Discussion Questions:

Describe your relationship to someone when you owe them a great debt. Why does Paul emphasize that we owe no debt to our flesh?

Read Ephesians 2:8-10 and talk about the relationship between God saving us and our actions that follow. We are saved from something, but also to something.

Have you ever felt worthless? Have you ever felt that way when someone was trying to do something kind for you? How can Jesus do so much for you and yet not make you feel worthless?

Romans 8:9-11

Romans 8:9-11: You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Song Recommendations (Click for YouTube videos):

I Will Rise

Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Discussion Questions:

How do we know Paul isn't talking about our bodies when he talks about "the flesh"?  What is he talking about?

In Romans 8, Paul discusses how sin , suffering, and even death do not overcome God's people.  What are the things that make it hardest for you to feel confident of God's love for you?

Why does Paul mention Jesus' resurrection in verse 11?  Why is that particular event encouraging?

Romans 8:5-8

Romans 8:5-8: 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. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Song Recommendations (click for YouTube videos):

Come, O Come, Thou Quickening Spirit

More About Jesus Would I Know

Discussion Questions:

In terms of man’s relation to God, what are the only two heart settings?

Give several examples of wicked heart habits that result from sin nature.

Give several examples of righteous heart habits that result from the Holy Spirit’s work.

Is anyone able to change his or her own heart? What is the only way a person’s heart setting can be changed?

If the heart setting changes at one point in time (regeneration), why do heart habits change over time (sanctification)?

Romans 8:2-4

Romans 8:2-4: For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Song Recommendations (Click for YouTube videos):

Liberty

Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder

Discussion Questions:

When you think of “freedom” what do you think about? What picture comes into your mind?

Why did believers need to be set free in the first place?

How was our bondage to sin like Israel’s bondage in Egypt under Pharaoh?

What was required in order for our freedom to be purchased?

In what ways do God’s commands help promote true freedom?

1 Peter 5:12-14

1 Peter 5:12-14: By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Song Recommendations:

How Firm a Foundation

All Must Be Well

Discussion Question:

Peter has one message in these final verses, so there’s really only question to ask: what are some of the ways God has equipped his people to stand firm in the faith?

1 Peter 5:8-11

1 Peter 5:8-11: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Song Recommendations :

Soldiers of Christ, Arise

Thy God Reigneth!

Discussion Questions:

What things in your life might distract you or prevent you from being sober-minded?

How can you watch for and identify spiritual (invisible) enemies?

How can you be “firm in faith” or spiritually prepared to resist the devil?

In verse 10, how do the words “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” describe the Christian life? In other words, what do they tell you about what God has done for you?

What does it mean that God has “dominion”? Why should that encourage us in our fight against sin and Satan?

1 Peter 5:5-7

1 Peter 5:5-7: Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Song Recommendations:

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

More Love to Thee, O Christ

Come Away from Rush and Hurry

Discussion Questions:

How would you define humility? What is one of the main places that you would go to in the Bible to support this definition?

Which ditch on either side of the road of humility to you tend to fall in to? The ditch of thinking too highly of yourself or the ditch of thinking too low of yourself?

In what ways does the Bible say that church members are supposed to submit to the elders of their church? What ways are they NOT supposed to submit to their elders?

How is holding on to our anxieties and worries a subtle form of pride?

What is the ultimate proof that God cares for us? How does this help us know that we can cast our anxieties and worries on Him?

1 Peter 5:1-4

1 Peter 5:1-4: So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Song Recommendations:

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Forever Grateful

Discussion Questions:

In what ways is it tempting for church leaders to act like business or political leaders?

How does this view of church leadership help us remember that the church is not a place we attend but a people to whom we belong?

Who was an elder that you saw set a good example of following Jesus?

1 Peter 4:17-19

1 Peter 4:17-19: For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Song Recommendations:

Did Christ Over Sinners Weep?

Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder

Discussion Questions:

What does judgment look like for an unbeliever? For a believer?

Thinking about who God is and what He is like, why does Proverbs tell us (and Peter remind us) that it is with much difficulty that the righteous are saved? In other words, why is it so hard to save someone?

Why do you think Peter says faithful “Creator” and not faithful “God” or something else?

1 Peter 4:12-16

1 Peter 4:12-16 (ESV): 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

Song Recommendations:

Be Still My Soul

All Must Be Well

Discussion Questions:

Christians means “little Christ” or “Christ follower.” Why should we not be surprised when we are persecuted or tested?

We are told to rejoice in our sufferings? How can we rejoice when bad things are happening to us? Does this mean that anything bad that happens to us is Christian persecution?

What are some of the ways we can glorify God in the midst of Christian suffering?

1 Peter 4:10-11

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Song Recommendations:

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

Discussion Questions:

Which Christians have spiritual gifts? Why has God given us these gifts?

What spiritual gift do you think you have? If you are having this discussion with others, ask them to answer for you.

How can you use this gift in conjunction with the church and other ministries?

1 Peter 4:7-9

1 Peter 4:7-9 (ESV): 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Song Recommendations:

Oh How Good It Is

Take My Life and Let It Be

Discussion Questions:

What is one of the top five items on your bucket list (let’s just pretend you have a bucket list)?

What are some of the greatest hindrances in our world to living a self-controlled and sober-minded life?

Who is someone in your local church or relational circle that could use some earnest love? How can you show them servant-hearted sacrificial love?

What are some ways that showing hospitality is a reflection of the Gospel? How does hospitality work to build community and deepen fellowship?