Romans 8:26-28
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
We do not know.
We do know.
5 Unshakeable Convictions v. 28
1. God is at work.
2. God is at work FOR THE GOOD
3. God is at work for the good IN ALL THINGS
4. God is at work for the good in all things FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM
5. God is at work for the good in all things for those who love Him and are CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSES
-John Stott
Romans 8:29-20
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Predestination - a few views…
- conformed to the image of his Son -
Romans 8:31-36
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
Psalm 44:22
Sheep to be slaughtered
Romans 8:37
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Greek - hypernikomen -
hyper - in place of, over and above, more than
Nikao - overcome, conquer, - Winged Victory - Nike - statue in the Louvre in Paris - goddess of victory
Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Victory -
1. Against supernatural forces
2. Lifelong Battles
3. Eternal Results/ Rewards
4. No Greater Cause
“Christianity’s unsurpassed offers: meaning that suffering cannot remove, satisfaction not based on circumstances, freedom that does not hurt but rather enhances love, an identity that does not crush you or exclude others, a moral compass that does not turn you into an oppressor, and a hope they can face anything, even death.”
Tim Keller, Making Sense of God
Prayer -
Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 56:11 - In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
Psalm 3:5-6 - I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
Communion
Small Group Questions
Romans 8:1-27
Opening Question:
• If you had to describe your spiritual life in one word right now, what would it be? Why?
No Condemnation – Life Through the Spirit (Romans 8:1-11)
• What does it look like to set your mind on the Spirit rather than the flesh in daily life?
• Where do you need to surrender control to the Holy Spirit this week?
No Defeat – Living as Children of God (Romans 8:12-17)
• What does being led by the Spirit look like practically?
• How does knowing you are an heir of God change the way you live today?
No Separation – Hope in Suffering (Romans 8:18-27)
• How can Paul’s perspective on suffering (v. 18) help you in your own struggles?
• When have you longed for something better, like creation groaning for renewal?
• How does the Spirit’s intercession (v. 26-27) change how you think about prayer?
Closing Reflection & Prayer:
• Where do you need the Spirit’s help most right now—freedom from sin, assurance of your identity, or strength in suffering?
• Pray together, asking the Spirit to guide, strengthen, and intercede for your group.