Romans 8:19-23 In these verses Paul explains how even the creation is waiting for our redemption. What does it mean that the creation was subjected to futility? How did this happen? When Paul speaks of creation groaning and waiting, what is it that he is not saying? Why is the creation "longing" for our revelation as God's children? What does creation's subjection to futility say about our dominion over nature? What have we been given that causes us to groan for our own revelation? (54 min)

Keywords Spirit, Creation, Glory, Suffering

Romans 8:16-18 In today's passage Paul continues to explore the reality of what the Spirit has to say to us about our being God's children. With whom does the Spirit of Adoption we've received bear witness to our being God's children? If we are God's children, we are also his heirs. What are the three different kinds of inheritance that we receive because we are God's children? The third aspect of our inheritance is indissolubly linked to suffering. Why is this? How does the believer's suffering differ from that of the non-Christian? How did Paul view the suffering he experienced? If we are to share in Christ's glory, what is it? How can our suffering become a vehicle to understanding the glory that will be ours? (51 min)

Keywords Inheritance, Glory, Children of God, Spirit

Romans 8:12-15 In this week's passage, Paul describes for us the person who walks according to the spirit in contrast to the one who walks according to the flesh. Is Paul saying here that it is possible for the believer to cease to live according to the Spirit and to thus loose his or her salvation? How do we know? What other passages in the New Testament have a bearing on this question? What is not characteristic of the Spirit that the believer has received? What evidence does the Christian have that he or she is a child of God? How is the idea of addressing God as our Father new? How do we know it is okay to do so? What is the special significance of the phrase "Abba Father?" (52 min)

Keywords Spirit, Flesh, Father, Adoption

Romans 8:5-11 In this passage Paul develops in powerful detail the contrast between the believer and the unbeliever. What is the difference between this passage and Galatians 5 where he speaks about being led by the Spirit? What are some of the striking connections we find in this passage about Christ and about the Spirit? What is the key verse in this passage that clues us in to what Paul is discussing? What does it mean to "walk according to the flesh or Spirit?" What is the mind set of the unbeliever and the believer? What is the "flesh?" Though our bodies are still destined to die, due to sin, what is the promise to the believer? What is the difference between being in Christ and Christ being in us? (62 min)

Keywords Flesh, Spirit, Death, Life