Active Christians Today at The University of Toledo
Bible Study ~ "When in Romans: An Unbreakable Bond with Christ"
When in Romans... do as Paul asks us to do! The book of Romans is a powerful argument for justification by faith alone. This book is dangerous for those who view their faith as a set of rules that must be followed. Justification has to be found somewhere else and it can’t be through religious acts or behavior. Some have said that Romans is “hazardous to religiosity.” Paul makes it clear that no one on their own can be righteous. Only faith in Christ holds the power to make us acceptable to God. The good news? Faith is enough!
Locations & Times
Active Christians Today UToledo
Thursday 8:00 PM
To allow ourselves to trust God completely and accept free grace in Jesus can be very scary. We feel this most often when we fail in the struggle with sin and when we are suffering.
How often have we struggled with weakness? How often have we struggled in prayer? When we don’t know if we can make it and we don’t know what to say, Paul provides and answer.
How often have we struggled with weakness? How often have we struggled in prayer? When we don’t know if we can make it and we don’t know what to say, Paul provides and answer.
Opening Questions
What do you do when you struggle in prayer?
Have you ever begun praying and then had to stop because you simply do not have the words within you? How did that feel?
What do you do when you struggle in prayer?
Have you ever begun praying and then had to stop because you simply do not have the words within you? How did that feel?
Unpack the Text
Chapter Overview (and yes, verse 17 fits in both sections):
Ch. 8:1-17 Life in the spirit (continued from Romans 7:14-25)
Ch. 8:17-30 Suffering and glory
Ch. 8:31-39 An Unbreakable Bond to Christ
Chapter Overview (and yes, verse 17 fits in both sections):
Ch. 8:1-17 Life in the spirit (continued from Romans 7:14-25)
Ch. 8:17-30 Suffering and glory
Ch. 8:31-39 An Unbreakable Bond to Christ
Unpack the Text
There’s a story of a pastor who was preaching and a very enthusiastic member of the congregation kept interrupting with loud amens. This annoyed the pastor. After one more “amen” the pastor exclaimed, “Have you read the words of Paul? Scripture tells us that the Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings too deep for words. So, don’t utter them if it’s the Spirit of God!”
The pastor may have been twisting Scripture a bit to meet his needs at the moment, but these verses provide comfort for someone who is struggling with expressing the spiritual needs of the heart.
There’s a story of a pastor who was preaching and a very enthusiastic member of the congregation kept interrupting with loud amens. This annoyed the pastor. After one more “amen” the pastor exclaimed, “Have you read the words of Paul? Scripture tells us that the Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings too deep for words. So, don’t utter them if it’s the Spirit of God!”
The pastor may have been twisting Scripture a bit to meet his needs at the moment, but these verses provide comfort for someone who is struggling with expressing the spiritual needs of the heart.
When you read in verse 26 the word “groanings,” what do you think Paul is trying to say?
The Greek root word for “groan” is repeated three times in Romans 8. Creation groans (verse 22), longing for the curse of sin to be removed. We groan (verse 23) as we long for the full benefits of our adoption and redemption. The Spirit also groans (verse 26) in His intercession for us. Stenazo presents the idea of being squeezed or pressed by circumstances and indicates a passionate longing. This word is also used in Exodus 2:24 and 6:5 of the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) to speak of the groanings of the Israelites in response to their slavery in Egypt. All three occurrences of groaning in Romans 8 are related to sin and its consequences.
A lot of people go to the Lord and say, “Look, Lord, I want You to do it this way.” What is the problem with that way of praying?
What is a way to formulate a prayer using these verses as a guide?
These verses tell us that we have enormous support in the Holy Spirit. How is His help described these verses a help to us?
This specific passage is referring to intercession done for us, not through us. The Greek word translated “for” here means “over.” What a beautiful picture this paints! When we’re unable to pray or unsure what to pray, the Spirit is passionately praying over us the will of God. He works not to take our burdens away but rather to assist us with our load. Like Christ (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25), the Spirit constantly intercedes for us.
The Greek root word for “groan” is repeated three times in Romans 8. Creation groans (verse 22), longing for the curse of sin to be removed. We groan (verse 23) as we long for the full benefits of our adoption and redemption. The Spirit also groans (verse 26) in His intercession for us. Stenazo presents the idea of being squeezed or pressed by circumstances and indicates a passionate longing. This word is also used in Exodus 2:24 and 6:5 of the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) to speak of the groanings of the Israelites in response to their slavery in Egypt. All three occurrences of groaning in Romans 8 are related to sin and its consequences.
A lot of people go to the Lord and say, “Look, Lord, I want You to do it this way.” What is the problem with that way of praying?
What is a way to formulate a prayer using these verses as a guide?
These verses tell us that we have enormous support in the Holy Spirit. How is His help described these verses a help to us?
This specific passage is referring to intercession done for us, not through us. The Greek word translated “for” here means “over.” What a beautiful picture this paints! When we’re unable to pray or unsure what to pray, the Spirit is passionately praying over us the will of God. He works not to take our burdens away but rather to assist us with our load. Like Christ (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25), the Spirit constantly intercedes for us.
Who are "those" that witness all things working together for good?
What is the relationship between God and the Spirit? (8:27)
In the middle of all this joy, all this glory in Romans 8 is Romans 8:28. It’s a verse that is a foundation of hope for those who are suffering, for it reminds us of God’s purpose, love, and intentionality:
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
We’ve read it. We’ve recited it to our souls on dark days. We’ve had it said to us in the midst of trouble. Though often repeated, we might easily misunderstand this beautiful and life-giving promise.
What are some ways we might misinterpret Romans 8:28?
1. God works for our good, not our comfort. What does this mean?
2. God works according to His purpose, not ours. Does this mean He will make our dreams come true? Why or why not?
3. God works in all things, not just big things. What does this mean from a practical perspective?
We should be careful to understand that the promise of verse 28 is not for our circumstances to change. He is promising that as we walk through difficulty, He will use those circumstances to help us know Him more intimately, to obey Him more fully, and to have our character molded into the likeness of Christ. Ultimately, regardless of who or where we are, His purpose is to bring glory to Himself and His Son. God works in ALL things. The big, the small and the in between. Such is the amazingly intricate work of God—that God might be working in yet unknown ways and in yet unknown people to provide for His people in yet unknown ways.
What is the relationship between God and the Spirit? (8:27)
In the middle of all this joy, all this glory in Romans 8 is Romans 8:28. It’s a verse that is a foundation of hope for those who are suffering, for it reminds us of God’s purpose, love, and intentionality:
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
We’ve read it. We’ve recited it to our souls on dark days. We’ve had it said to us in the midst of trouble. Though often repeated, we might easily misunderstand this beautiful and life-giving promise.
What are some ways we might misinterpret Romans 8:28?
1. God works for our good, not our comfort. What does this mean?
2. God works according to His purpose, not ours. Does this mean He will make our dreams come true? Why or why not?
3. God works in all things, not just big things. What does this mean from a practical perspective?
We should be careful to understand that the promise of verse 28 is not for our circumstances to change. He is promising that as we walk through difficulty, He will use those circumstances to help us know Him more intimately, to obey Him more fully, and to have our character molded into the likeness of Christ. Ultimately, regardless of who or where we are, His purpose is to bring glory to Himself and His Son. God works in ALL things. The big, the small and the in between. Such is the amazingly intricate work of God—that God might be working in yet unknown ways and in yet unknown people to provide for His people in yet unknown ways.
How is Romans 8:28 similar to Philippians 4:13?
How does today's study impact your view of God and your position before Him? Do you have hope, encouragement, security, joy? If so, write a note of praise to the Lord.
How does today's study impact your view of God and your position before Him? Do you have hope, encouragement, security, joy? If so, write a note of praise to the Lord.
Explain in your own words Paul’s logic of Romans 8:31–32.
What might Paul have in mind in the “all things” of 8:32?
Paul employs a classic greater-to-lesser argument since God is greater than any who would stand against us. The “if” used here really carries the idea of “since”—since God is for us, what difference does it make if any take their stand against us? Paul is defining what God does for us. In verse 32 he builds on this same logic and relates it to what God gives us. He has already given us His Son who is of infinite value. Having done this, why then, would He withhold anything else of lesser value from us?
What might Paul have in mind in the “all things” of 8:32?
Paul employs a classic greater-to-lesser argument since God is greater than any who would stand against us. The “if” used here really carries the idea of “since”—since God is for us, what difference does it make if any take their stand against us? Paul is defining what God does for us. In verse 32 he builds on this same logic and relates it to what God gives us. He has already given us His Son who is of infinite value. Having done this, why then, would He withhold anything else of lesser value from us?
What is the meaning of the questions in Romans 8:33–34, and how does Paul answer them?
How can we be sure that in God’s court of law, we will be found “not guilty”?
After reading Romans 8:35, identify the meaning of the experiences in the verse and the implied answer to Paul’s question.
So, our next question becomes “if God loves us so much, why do we have tribulation and persecution?” Answer it... and then consider Paul’s response.
Verse 36 refers to Psalm 44:22. It is an interesting construct: “we are being killed all the day long.” In Psalms, it is in the context of the psalmist's concern that God was not aware of Israel's difficulties or didn't care.
How can we be sure that in God’s court of law, we will be found “not guilty”?
After reading Romans 8:35, identify the meaning of the experiences in the verse and the implied answer to Paul’s question.
So, our next question becomes “if God loves us so much, why do we have tribulation and persecution?” Answer it... and then consider Paul’s response.
Verse 36 refers to Psalm 44:22. It is an interesting construct: “we are being killed all the day long.” In Psalms, it is in the context of the psalmist's concern that God was not aware of Israel's difficulties or didn't care.
What does Psalm 44:22 mean in relation to Romans 8:36?
Ever the realist, Paul anticipates the concern and question of his readers: “If God loves us so much, why do we have tribulation and persecution?” Psalm 44:22 is in the context of the psalmist’s concern that God was not aware of Israel’s difficulties or didn’t care. Paul assumes that sooner or later we will encounter the hardships outlined in Romans 8:35, but he wants us to have confidence even in those times that God is aware, that He does care, and that our adversities don’t suggest that God’s heart for us has changed. Notice that this addresses the sufferings we endure because of our identity with Him. His compassion is fueled rather than extinguished when we suffer because of Him.
How can those being “killed all the day long” (8:36) be “more than conquerors” (8:37)?
Ever the realist, Paul anticipates the concern and question of his readers: “If God loves us so much, why do we have tribulation and persecution?” Psalm 44:22 is in the context of the psalmist’s concern that God was not aware of Israel’s difficulties or didn’t care. Paul assumes that sooner or later we will encounter the hardships outlined in Romans 8:35, but he wants us to have confidence even in those times that God is aware, that He does care, and that our adversities don’t suggest that God’s heart for us has changed. Notice that this addresses the sufferings we endure because of our identity with Him. His compassion is fueled rather than extinguished when we suffer because of Him.
How can those being “killed all the day long” (8:36) be “more than conquerors” (8:37)?
Your Story
What feelings of condemnation and rejection may Christians feel?
In what ways does knowing Christ set us free?
How does living for Christ change the desires of our heart?
What have you seen the Spirit of God do in a person's life?
What does unchecked sin and selfishness produce in a person's life?
How does seeing and experiencing God as a loving Father change your understanding of what it means to live as a Christian?
What benefits does God give to His children?
What are some of the sufferings a Christian can experience?
What does God promise to us that can make any suffering bearable?
How does suffering affect our relationship with God?
What hinders us from being what God intends us to be?
In what ways do Christians live in glorious freedom?
What frustrations do Christians feel as they wait for Christ to return?
What counsel would you give a Christian who has grown weary of waiting for Christ’s return?
What is real hope?
In what circumstances do Christians find it hard to pray?
What do we learn about God’s love for us when we realize that the Holy Spirit helps us even when we cannot pray?
What feelings of condemnation and rejection may Christians feel?
In what ways does knowing Christ set us free?
How does living for Christ change the desires of our heart?
What have you seen the Spirit of God do in a person's life?
What does unchecked sin and selfishness produce in a person's life?
How does seeing and experiencing God as a loving Father change your understanding of what it means to live as a Christian?
What benefits does God give to His children?
What are some of the sufferings a Christian can experience?
What does God promise to us that can make any suffering bearable?
How does suffering affect our relationship with God?
What hinders us from being what God intends us to be?
In what ways do Christians live in glorious freedom?
What frustrations do Christians feel as they wait for Christ to return?
What counsel would you give a Christian who has grown weary of waiting for Christ’s return?
What is real hope?
In what circumstances do Christians find it hard to pray?
What do we learn about God’s love for us when we realize that the Holy Spirit helps us even when we cannot pray?
Apply it to Your Life
What area of your life do you need to turn over to God’s mighty power? How will you?
What changes have you been resisting in your life that you are now willing to allow your loving heavenly Father to complete?
In what circumstances of your life do you need to wait patiently for God to act?
For what can you ask the Spirit’s help this week?
What area of your life do you need to turn over to God’s mighty power? How will you?
What changes have you been resisting in your life that you are now willing to allow your loving heavenly Father to complete?
In what circumstances of your life do you need to wait patiently for God to act?
For what can you ask the Spirit’s help this week?
Praise & Prayer
Respond to God in prayer and praise.
Ask for a daily filling of the Holy Spirit.
Ask for help to reckon myself dead to sin and alive unto God.
Praise God for security in Christ.
Respond to God in prayer and praise.
Ask for a daily filling of the Holy Spirit.
Ask for help to reckon myself dead to sin and alive unto God.
Praise God for security in Christ.