Greetings! Below you will find questions which reference the sermon preached this past Sunday at The Park. I encourage you to begin your group with a time of greeting and introductions. You may choose to reorder the questions below or to write your own. Work hard to facilitate discussion and avoid allowing yourself or another member to speak the entire hour. Ultimately we trust you with leading your group.
Martin Luther says of Roman’s, “This letter is truly the most important piece in the New Testament, It is the purest Gospel. It is well worth a Christian’s while not only to memorize it word for word but also to occupy himself with it daily, as though it were the daily bread of the soul.” What’s your relationship to Romans? Do you read it often? Do you memorize it? Why or why not?
- What are some observations you had from this chapter? Were there any new insights you learned about the passage from the sermon?
- What theology was present in this chapter?
- What did you learn about God from reading this chapter?
- Romans 8:5-9 describe two basic states, “controlled by the sinful nature” and “controlled by the Spirit”. Is it possible for a Christian to revert back to being controlled by the sinful nature? Are these states permanent, or can a person move between the two?
- How does Paul say you can tell the difference between those who are concerned with “flesh” and those concerned with “the Spirit”?
- This chapter describes the Holy Spirit extensively. What are some of the functions / benefits of the Holy Spirit from this chapter? Look specifically at verses 12-26.
- How is adoption a wonderful image for the work of God in the lives of believers? (verse 15)
- Read verses 31-34. As believers we are given some great promises. What impact do these have on your life. How do these cause you to worship God more?
- Does your theology give more weight to the predestination of God (Calvinism) or to human responsibility (Arminianism) with respect to salvation? What makes you feel this way?