Faith Journey

Romans 8 | Overview and Small Group Questions
By Gerry Peters, July 2010

Romans chapter 8 is the central chapter in the Book of Romans and central to what the Christian faith is all about.  It describes everything from what has to happen for us to receive salvation to how it actually happens and how we please God and grow in our faith.  Chapter 8 describes the relationship concerning the Spirit and the Christian and what God’s ultimate desire is for us.  We learn about the old and new nature, how we have no obligation to one but can be free to be obligated to the other.  It talks about our suffering, what God’s purpose may be in it and how it compares to what God has planned in eternity’s future.  We will discover the Spirit’s role is in prayer and how he is working to bring about the ultimate good in our lives.  Paul concludes by telling us about the power of God’s love for us and how nothing can ever stop what God wants.

When a small group looks at chapter 8, the greatest discussion can potentially come from our biggest questions about salvation to how we please God and walk in the Spirit.

The primary questions that come to mind fall within these 6 sections:

Romans 8:1-4 - The Spirit and the Law

1. What’s the reason why God can’t even look at the believer with condemnation?
2. What’s the story of the old and new nature?
3. How did we actually get a new nature?
4. What all happened when we became a Christian?
5. What role did the Spirit have in salvation?
6. What has the Spirit done that the Law could never do?
7. Is our salvation irrevocable? Is it possible to lose your salvation?
8. What is the only way that Christians can grow in their faith?
9. What does it mean to have an indwelling Spirit?

Romans 8:5-11 - We Have the Life-giving Spirit

1. Paul says that we have no obligation to our old nature.  How come we still live as though we feel we’re obligated?
2. When Christians try to satisfy our old nature, what happens to our outlook on life?
3. What happens with our old and new nature when we die?
4. How can a Christian stop habitual sin?
5. What is the only way we can please God?

Romans 8:12-17 - We've been placed in God's Family

1. This is the fantastic story of God’s adoption plan.
2. How did we get chosen?
3. Who placed us into God’s family?
4. Who was our adoption agent?

Romans 8:18-25 - All Creation is waiting in Eager Expectation

1. Paul describes all creation as groaning with expectation.  How and why do they groan?
2. How does our struggles on this earth compare to what’s ahead in eternity?
3. The angels are waiting with eager expectation.  What for?

Romans 8:26-30 - Synergy Inc.

1. We see the Triune God working together with us in synergy.
2. What purpose does the Triune God have?
3. The Spirit intercedes on our behalf when we don’t know how to pray?
4. What are the things he may be praying for?
5. What does it mean: “All things work together for good”?

Romans 8:31-39 - Can Anyone Stop God's Plan?

1. What is God’s ultimate plan for us?
2. Paul concludes by asking 5 questions:
   1. If God is for us, who can be against us?
   2. How will God, along with Christ, freely give us all things?
   3. Who will bring any charge against God's elect?
   4. Who is the one who will condemn?
   5. Who will separate us from the love of Christ?