MORE THAN CONQUERORS
September 19, 2010 Romans 8:31-37
More Than Conquerors #6 "The inscrutable power by which we are is either for us or against us," wrote H. Richard Niebuhr. "If it is neutral, heedless of the affirmations or denials of the creatures by each
Several people have written helpful comments to me about these sermon study guides. I would love to hear from you, too. If you have a comment, suggestion or response, please let me know at DavidR@ChristChurchPlano.org. 1. Take away the Bible for a moment and consider how very little we would know about God without it. What sources in the world and nature might tell us something about God? Read Psalm 19 for help. But what specifically do we learn about God in Romans 8:28-30 that we would NOT know if we were not told? 2. How many questions does Paul ask in vs. 31-36? Be sure you understand the purpose of each question? Paraphrase each question so you are sure to get it.
other, it is against us, to be distrusted as profoundly as if it were actively inimical (hostile). Put positively, the persuasion we need if our existence is to have point and purpose--the faith we need, if you will-is assurance that life can be trusted. The question of meaning or meaninglessness...is fundamentally a question of "trust or distrust in being itself," as Niebuhr insisted. - Ernst Becker
3. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” How has God demonstrated that He is ‘for us’? Read Romans 5:6-8 In what way is the cross the ultimate sign of God’s incredible love for us? Look at Acts 14:16-18. For an amazingly rich view of God’s love for us, read aloud Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:16-21. 4. Considering that God is for us, does it mean then that life can be trusted? Read the section on the left as Ernst Becker summarized the vital element of faith in a person’s happiness. Answer this question for your own life: Can God be trusted? Do you trust Him, no matter what, that all things will work together for good? (Romans 8:28) 5. Read the other questions Paul asks? Which one seems to relate more to your life than the rest? What do these questions tell us about God? What do they tell us about humanity? 6. The phrase “More Than Conquerors” is a compound word made up of two words we know: “Hyper” and “Nike”. Super-Nike! Or, as I mentioned in the message, “Nike + +” How can this perspective give you new insight into the problems and challenges you are facing? Read the whole sentence of verse 37. Why would it be important to memorize this statement? 7. Paul’s first question is a question for all of us: What then shall we say to these things? What conclusions are you drawing about God and about his nature/character/love? What conclusions do you draw about your faith? Be specific and real in your answers.