BRENTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 2013
BRENTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH OCTOBER 2013 PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE CONTENTS OCTOBER 6 TRIUMPH OVER TRIBULATIONS... 3 By the help of God s Spirit, we can triumph over the tribulations of life. OCTOBER 13 ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD... 10 The Spirit s unfailing help in prayer and God s unfailing purpose for our lives help us endure through our present sufferings. OCTOBER 20 NOTHING SEPARATES US FROM GOD S LOVE... 17 We are more than conquerors through Christ. OCTOBER 27 THE CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE...25 Neither lineage nor merit is a factor in salvation, but election as mediated by God s justice and mercy.
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 6, 2013 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, Abba, Father! 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God s children, 17 and if children, also heirs heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God s sons to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23 And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience. ROMANS 8:15-25 (HCSB) 3 Triumph Over Tribulations Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 6, 2013 INTRODUCTION 1 The three most common fears among adults are the fear of flying, the fear of public speaking, and the fear of heights. Of these three, which are you most afraid of? If none, what is your greatest fear? 2 Where do you think fear comes from? 3 What place does fear have in the life of the disciple? Paul s teaching in Romans 8:15-25 reminds us of what we know and experience every day there are present sufferings both for God s children and all of creation, because we are living in a broken world. But Paul encourages us that with the hope of future glory and the help of God s Spirit, we can triumph over the tribulations. 4 Triumph Over Tribulations Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 6, 2013 UNDERSTANDING > Read Romans 8:15-17. Think about the incredible shift from being slaves of sin, which Paul described in Romans 7, to children of God. What are some of the key characteristics of our status as God s children? With what aspect of your life do you have the hardest time remembering and embracing the promise that you are an heir of God? Has following Jesus cost you anything or caused you suffering? Describe, and explain what makes your relationship with Him worth the suffering. Because we re co-heirs with Christ, we join in Christ s suffering, which cost Him His life. As you likely know by now, life in this fallen world isn t easy, and it can often be more challenging for Christ-followers striving to live as citizens to two 5 Triumph Over Tribulations Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 6, 2013 worlds. But the future glory that awaits us make the suffering bearable. This future glory is the focus of the next set of verses. > Read Romans 8:18-23. What does this passage have to say about personal and global suffering? What can we learn from Paul about the attitude God wants us to have as we face suffering? Not only believers but creation itself, according to Paul, eagerly waits with anticipation for that day of glorification and freedom from sin s dominion, a day when God s sons will be revealed. How have you experienced the groanings of creation recently? What news stories have given evidence of this reality? 6 Triumph Over Tribulations Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 6, 2013 From what aspects of life on earth do you most look forward to being set free? Paul mentions the redemption of our bodies as one of the things we have to look forward to. Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. What are the characteristics of the resurrection body Christians will receive? Read verse 23 again. The Holy Spirit acts as the firstfruit, or down payment, for our future glorification. What are some of the key benefits of having the Spirit within you? How has the Holy Spirit s presence changed the way you view the present sufferings of this life? > Read Romans 8:24-25. 7 Triumph Over Tribulations Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 6, 2013 According to Paul, how are we to live in the meantime while we wait for our future glory? How do you know the future glorification you read about in Scripture will actually happen? What does Paul teach about Christian hope? APPLICATION 1 Does hope come easily for you? Why or why not? 2 How does the promise of future glory help you live more positively in our broken world? 3 How can we encourage each other to live in hope and patience as we face our present sufferings? 8 Triumph Over Tribulations Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 6, 2013 THIS WEEK How well are you doing at trusting God with your present sufferings this week? How can our future glory encourage you today? With whom do you need to share the hope of Christ? Memorize: Romans 8:24-25. Read the text for next week s study: Romans 8:26-30. 9 Triumph Over Tribulations Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 13, 2013 26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified. ROMANS 8:26-30 (HCSB) 10 All Things Work Together for Good Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 13, 2013 INTRODUCTION At some time or another we ve all experienced the challenges that come with prayer. Blocking out distractions, keeping our minds focused, and making adequate time for communion with God always seem to be struggles when life presses in. Maintaining active prayer lives is harder than we admit. 1 If you had to pick one word to describe your prayer life, what would it be? 2 What is the greatest struggle you face in your prayer life? 3 What do you think is the purpose of prayer? 11 All Things Work Together for Good Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 13, 2013 UNDERSTANDING > Read Romans 8:26-27. Describe a time when you struggled with prayer. What eased the situation? Why does the Holy Spirit get involved in our prayer lives? The Spirit works in believers to search their hearts and to ascertain their true concerns. This work of the Spirit shouldn t be confused with God s sovereign knowledge. Paul was referring instead to the Spirit s assistance to believers, helping us pray according to the will of God even though we don t know how to express it. What is encouraging to you about the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer? Why? 12 All Things Work Together for Good Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 13, 2013 How should we feel to know the very Spirit of Christ is praying for us? What are some positive effects these truths can have on our prayer lives? > Read Romans 8:28-30. Paul s assurance to the Roman Christians that God s Spirit dwelt within them and interceded for them led him to consider another reassuring truth: All things work together for the good of those who love God. What is the relationship between verses 27 and 28? What do you interpret Romans 8:28 to mean? What does it not mean? 13 All Things Work Together for Good Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 13, 2013 What confidence does verse 28 give believers about events that occur in their lives? How have you seen God bring something good out of a bad situation in your life? The promise here in Romans 8:28 is for those who love God, those who submit to God through faith in Jesus Christ. God loves all people and expresses that in His attitude to all, but those who love God gain special benefits from their Father-child relationship with Him. What does verse 29 give as the bottom line (goal) of God s work in us? How do these verses give us reason to thank God even if we don t fully understand them? How should we be reassured by the truth that God has known a plan for our lives since before creation? 14 All Things Work Together for Good Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 13, 2013 APPLICATION 1 God is working all things together for good. What does this truth and the rest of Romans 8:26-30 tell you about God? 2 God is busy conforming you into the image of Christ. What is your responsibility in this process, and what needs to be your response to Him this week? 3 What lessons about prayer did you learn from today s text? How will you go about implementing those lessons? 15 All Things Work Together for Good Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 13, 2013 THIS WEEK Reflect on some of the difficult times in your life, especially in your faith journey, that you later found God used for good. What did you learn about God from those experiences? How was your relationship with Him impacted? How well are you doing at trusting God with your circumstances this week? What might the Holy Spirit be praying on your behalf this week? Who do you need to encourage and comfort this week? What can you do to comfort that person well? Memorize: Romans 8:28. Read the text for next week s study: Romans 8:31-39. 16 All Things Work Together for Good Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 20, 2013 31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He did not even spare His own Son but offered Him up for us all; how will He not also with Him grant us everything? 33 Who can bring an accusation against God s elect? God is the One who justifies. 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. 35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. 37 No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, 39 height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! ROMANS 8:31-39 (HCSB) 17 Nothing Separates Us From God s Love Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 20, 2013 INTRODUCTION 1 What situation in your life has required the most perseverance and determination from you? What motivated you to go the distance? 2 At what times do you find it the most challenging to persevere in your relationship with God and the work He has called you to? What factors make perseverance so tough in those moments? UNDERSTANDING Throughout Romans 1 8, Paul describes God s redeeming grace and the result of Jesus sacrificial work on the cross. In Romans 8:28-30, Paul described a sequence of salvation that ends in the Christian s glorification, something that has already occurred. Thus God s character is now being revealed in us. In light of this truth, we enjoy a right standing before God that cannot be revoked. On the heels of this truth, Paul encouraged the believers in Rome to endure in their faith. 18 Nothing Separates Us From God s Love Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 20, 2013 > Read Romans 8:31-32. In these verses, Paul posed three questions meant to spur believers confidence in and praise of God. This final section of Romans 8 is the height of Paul s argument in the Book of Romans up to this point. Why was Paul almost speechless as he reviewed what he d written so far to the Romans? What was he certain about? What is the point of each of Paul s rhetorical questions? Name some things that can be against us in this world. Why did Paul say God is enough to overcome all that is against us? What does it mean to you to read that God is for you? If you are for someone or something, what does that entail? 19 Nothing Separates Us From God s Love Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 20, 2013 How can we be assured God won t get tired of being for us? What are some of the needs (v. 32) you have on a regular basis? How has the enemy attempted to defeat you when it comes to those specific needs? How can the certainty of God s love help you fight off the enemy s attack? > Read Romans 8:33-34. Read Romans 8:1. What do verses 8:31-34 reveal as the reason why there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus? Why is this good news for us? How should this truth change how we live each day? 20 Nothing Separates Us From God s Love Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 20, 2013 God has taken care of the greater things, our eternal destiny and our standing before God. We should not allow lesser things to shake our faith in God. They simply are not qualified to do so. > Read Romans 8:35-39. Paul had used rhetorical questions throughout the Book of Romans. In this closing section of chapter 8, he asked perhaps the most important question a Christian can consider: Can anything separate me from the love of Christ? What in verses 35-39 gives you evidence of God s unwavering love for you? What does it mean in the context of these verses for believers to be victorious? Of the things listed in Romans 8:35,38-39 that cannot separate believers from the love of Christ, which stands out to you the most, and why? Share an 21 Nothing Separates Us From God s Love Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 20, 2013 example from your own experience that relates to that point. Why can these things not separate believers from the love of Christ? Look again at the contrasting pairs in verses 38-39. Which of these causes you the most fear, and why? How can the assurance of God s constant love help you deal with threats in your present experiences? APPLICATION 1 What evidence of God s love do you see in your day-to-day life? 22 Nothing Separates Us From God s Love Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 20, 2013 2 What difference does trusting in God s love for you make as you try to persevere through difficult times? In what situation will you trust Him more this week? 3 What is the closest you have come to feeling the despair and loneliness of being separated from God like Paul describes in Romans 8:31-39? How was your relationship with Him impacted? What will you do differently if you are ever in a similar situation? 4 What steps can you take to be more aware of all the positive actions Christ Jesus has done/ is doing for you? How can we help remind each other of this truth? 23 Nothing Separates Us From God s Love Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 20, 2013 THIS WEEK In what ways have you felt like more than a conqueror this week? What situations have left you feeling defeated? How have you been reminded of God s unwavering love for you today? What is one need you have for God s unlimited supply of power? Pray specifically for His power in that area and the awareness and confidence to tap into that power. Make an intentional effort to discuss God s faithfulness and love with your family this week. Help your kids understand why Jesus work on the cross gives us confidence that God is with us always. Memorize: Romans 8:37-39. Read the text for next week s study: Romans 9:1-18. 24 Nothing Separates Us From God s Love Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 27, 2013 1 I speak the truth in Christ I am not lying; my conscience is testifying to me with the Holy Spirit 2 that I have intense sorrow and continual anguish in my heart. 3 For I could almost wish to be cursed and cut off from the Messiah for the benefit of my brothers, my own flesh and blood. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple service, and the promises. 5 The ancestors are theirs, and from them, by physical descent, came the Messiah, who is God over all, praised forever. Amen. 6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Neither are they all children because they are Abraham s descendants. On the contrary, your offspring will be traced through Isaac. 8 That is, it is not the children by physical descent who are God s children, but the children of the promise are considered to be the offspring. 9 For this is the statement of the promise: At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son. 10 And not only that, but also Rebekah received a promise when she became pregnant by one man, our ancestor Isaac. 11 For though her sons had not been born yet or done anything good or bad, so that God s purpose according to election might stand 12 not from works but from the One who calls she was told: The older will serve the younger. 13 As it is written: I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau. 14 What should we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not! 15 For He tells Moses: I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy. 17 For the Scripture tells Pharaoh: I raised you up for this reason so that I may display My power in you and that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth. 18 So then, He shows mercy to those He wants to, and He hardens those He wants to harden. ROMANS 9:1-18 (HCSB) 25 The Children of the Promise Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 27, 2013 INTRODUCTION 1 Has someone ever treated you mercifully? Share the experience with your group. How did this make you feel? 2 How did God work in your life to bring you to salvation? Why were you in special need of His mercy and patience? UNDERSTANDING Earlier in Romans, Paul had voiced condemnation to the Jews who were relying on their religious obedience, rather than faith in Jesus, for their salvation (Rom. 2 4). Paul s harsh criticism of the Jews blindness to God s work might make a reader think that Paul had turned his back on the Jews, his own people. Romans 9:1-5 prove that couldn t be further from the truth. > Read Romans 9:1-5. 26 The Children of the Promise Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 27, 2013 Describe Paul s emotion in this passage. How strongly do you sense a burden for a lost person or group of persons? What do you think you would be willing to sacrifice to see people come to know Jesus? Or what have you sacrificed in the past? How did Paul demonstrate that a deep love for someone leads to personal evangelism? What specific unbelievers need you to reflect God s concern for them? How does our awareness of an unbeliever s need for mercy and grace change our attitude and actions? The state of the Jewish people led Paul to address an important theological issue in the next set of verses. 27 The Children of the Promise Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 27, 2013 > Read Romans 9:6-13. What is the theological question at hand? Why is this a problem? What does Paul s answer seem to be? What does it mean to be chosen by God? Why is this significant in affirming His love for us? > Read Romans 9:14-18. What is the next objection Paul addresses in verse 14? On what is God s favor based? Since mercy can be defined as not receiving what is deserved, 28 The Children of the Promise Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 27, 2013 why is it important for us to remember God s mercy? Re-read verse 16. When did you experience God s mercy in salvation? Allow one or two people to share their answers aloud if they desire to do so. How do you respond to the truth that God s choosing does not depend on human will or effort? Why is remembering this truth important for Christians? How do you rationalize it with the biblical truth of human responsibility? Although we probably never will be able to understand how God s sovereignty and human responsibility work together, they work together and not in contradiction to each other. We may be thankful God offers mercy in accordance with His purposes. God is not accountable to humanity for how He exercises His sovereign freedom. At the same time He ex- 29 The Children of the Promise Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 27, 2013 tends patience that many sinners, both Jews and Gentiles, will be saved. How have you seen God s sovereignty and human responsibility work together in your faith journey or in the salvation story of someone you know? What evidence of God s sovereign mercy can you point to in your life today? APPLICATION 1 What are the practical benefits of what the believer learns from Romans 9? Particularly, what do you learn about God? What do you learn about salvation? What do you learn about humankind? 2 What individuals or people groups do you feel particularly burdened for with regard to their salvation? Ask God to show great mercy to them and save them. 30 The Children of the Promise Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 27, 2013 3 Recall a time in your life when you doubted God s control, but later you realized how He had been working in your life all along. 4 How can today s passages help you recognize God s love for you? 5 What should be your response to God when you reflect on His sovereignty and mercy? 6 How should our lives reflect God s mercy to the world around us? 31 The Children of the Promise Brentwood Baptist Church
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE OCTOBER 27, 2013 THIS WEEK Did our discussion on Sunday have an impact on how you feel about your own salvation? If so, what changed? Where are you growing in your understanding of God and His will for your life through our study of Romans? Have you had the opportunity to extend mercy to someone this week? Be on the lookout for the chance to demonstrate God s mercy and love to another person. Memorize: Romans 9:15. Read the text for next week s study: Romans 12:1-21. 32 The Children of the Promise Brentwood Baptist Church