Message Notes
Look Back
In what way did you live out the teaching of Matthew 25 in your daily life?
Look Up
Read Romans 8:18-21
- How does the author describe the situation he was in? What was he focused on and why?
- What does it mean to “wait in eager expectation”? How easy is this for you to do? What helps you or holds you back?
- Put the promise of God found in verse 21 into your own words. How might you share this promise with someone who is not following Jesus right now?
Read Romans 8:22-25
- What descriptive word is repeated in verses 22 & 23? How does the use of this word help you understand the emotions of the author as he was waiting?
- What word is repeated in verses 24 & 25 and why? What assurances are given in these verses and how do they help you wait patiently in times of suffering?
Read Romans 8:26-28
- These verses remind us of several things that help followers of Jesus wait patiently in times of suffering. Which of these is easiest for you to remember or do? Which is the hardest?
- What does it look like for a person to “love God and be called according to His purpose”? When is it easy for you to do and when is it most difficult?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
What has God done for you? Is that enough for you to be faithful to Him today?
Notes
When life isn’t fair, when everything seems to be falling apart, do you wonder: Is God real? Does God care? There is so much wrong in the world and I don’t know what to do. All that’s left is grief, pain, loss, and emptiness. So often we expect God to fix our current situation. If he doesn’t change our circumstances, we are tempted to lose faith. Romans 8 reminds us that God is present in all our circumstances and promises us an amazing future because of Jesus' death and resurrection. We need to trust this promise, and show our love for Him and others as we hope and wait patiently.”
