Romans 8:18-25 - Small Group Discussion Guide

Summary
This sermon from Romans 8:18-25 explores the concept of glory that Paul says far outweighs our present sufferings. The pastor explains that this glory refers to the complete remaking of all creation and the full revelation of God's glory, with believers at the center of this cosmic redemption. The message addresses how we currently live in tension between God's kingdom being present now through Christ and the Holy Spirit, while still experiencing a world broken by sin. Creation itself groans under the weight of sin, waiting eagerly for the revealing of God's children when Christ returns. The sermon emphasizes that God's plan is always at work, even when circumstances suggest otherwise, and that our hope lies solely in God's powerful goodness. The pastor connects this passage to the broader biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation, showing how God's redemptive plan unfolds from the fall in the garden to the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with His people and wipe away every tear.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with grateful hearts, knowing that You are always at work even when we cannot see it clearly. As we gather to discuss Your Word together, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today. Help us to set aside our own preconceptions and distractions, and make us receptive to the truths You want to reveal through our time of fellowship and study. Holy Spirit, guide our conversation and help us to encourage one another as we explore the hope we have in Christ. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker
What is one thing in nature (like a sunset, mountains, ocean, etc.) that always makes you stop and think about God's greatness?

Key Verses

• Romans 8:18
• Romans 8:19
• Romans 8:20-21
• Romans 8:22-23
• Romans 8:24-25

Questions

• Paul says he has 'considered' or 'done the math' on his sufferings versus God's glory. How do you personally wrestle with comparing your current struggles to God's promises?
• The passage describes creation as 'waiting with eager longing' or 'on tiptoe' for God's children to be revealed. What does this imagery tell us about the scope of God's redemptive plan?
• How does understanding that creation itself groans under the weight of sin change your perspective on environmental issues or natural disasters?
• The sermon mentioned that we live in tension between God's kingdom being here now and not yet fully revealed. How do you experience this tension in your daily life?
• Paul describes our current groaning as like 'the pains of childbirth' - meaningful pain that leads to new life. Can you think of a time when you experienced this kind of purposeful suffering?
• The passage emphasizes hope in what we cannot yet see. What are some practical ways we can maintain hope when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises?
• How does knowing that God's plan has been unfolding from Genesis to Revelation affect your trust in Him during difficult seasons?
• The sermon contrasted biblical hope with evolutionary or progressive ideologies that promise human perfectibility. Why is it important to ground our hope in God rather than human solutions?

Life Application
This week, when you face difficulties or see brokenness in the world around you, practice the discipline of 'doing the math' like Paul did. Take time to consciously compare your current struggles with the glory that God has promised to reveal. Write down one specific way you can remind yourself daily that God's plan is at work, even when you can't see it clearly.

Key Takeaways

• God's plan is always at work, even when suffering and brokenness make it seem like He has lost control
• The glory that awaits believers involves the complete remaking of all creation and the full revelation of God's glory
• Both creation and believers groan together, waiting for the revealing of God's children when Christ returns
• Our hope is secure in God alone, not in human solutions or ideologies that promise earthly perfection
• The sufferings of this present time cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed to us

Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for reminding us today that You are always at work, even in the midst of our groaning and waiting. Help us to live with the confident hope that comes from knowing Your plan is unfolding perfectly, from Genesis to Revelation. When we face suffering or see the brokenness around us, remind us that these present troubles cannot compare to the glory You will reveal. Give us patience as we wait, strength as we endure, and eyes to see glimpses of Your kingdom even now. May we be people who point others to the solid rock of Christ, knowing that all other ground is sinking sand. We eagerly await the day when You will wipe away every tear and make all things new. Until that day, help us to live as faithful witnesses of Your goodness and grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.