"The Spirit Helps Us"

Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview 

The Spirit helps God's children as we await our glorious future.

Digging Deeper    

Read Romans 8:14-27

1. Practically speaking, what does it (or should it) look like for us to be “led by the Spirit of God” (verse 14) in the common, ordinary tasks of life? 

2. Romans 8:13-17 expresses three massive changes that happen for people who are “led by the Spirit of God” (v.s 14):

a. From slaves to adopted sons

b. From being afraid of God to being able to call God “Abba” (= Dad)

c. From no future hope (the implication of being a slave) to having an inheritance  

Consider these three transformations and comment on the one that lands

on you. Why is it significant for you now?

3. When Paul wrote Romans, being a son meant having a secure identity, legal status, physical/financial inheritance, and an expectation to live in line with your dad’s leadership.  

We who have trusted in Christ have “received the Spirit of adoption as sons.” (8:15).  What are some of the (sweet) implications of the fact that we have been adopted by God into his family, as his sons and daughters? 

4. When Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, he addressed God the Father as “Abba” (Mark 14:36). It expressed closeness, intimacy, and trust, perhaps similar to a child affectionately calling their father “Daddy.”  If you’re a follower of Jesus, you get to relate to God in a similar way as Jesus himself. Why should all this blow us away?

5. Imagine waking up each morning deeply knowing that God is your perfect Father who loves you, looks out for you, and welcomes you to call him “Abba.” How might this affect your contentment, peace, or joy?

6. As God’s children, we are heirs - “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (8:17). What is one thing Pastor Brett said about this reality that you found helpful or encouraging? 

7. Rom. 8:18 says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (cf. also 2 Cor. 4:17).

What does this mean? Are there moments in your life that you find what this verse is saying hard to believe? Please share.

8. On a practical level, why is it good for us to remember that “the creation was subjected to futility,” but will also “be set free from its bondage to corruption” (8:20)?  How does the Bible’s teaching on creation in this verse differ from a secular perspective? Why is it important for us to get this right? 

9. Rom. 8:26-27 tells us, “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”  Did you find these two verses (and Pastor Brett’s comments on what they teach) encouraging? How so? Please share.

Prayer