Killearn DTS Romans 8: 26-34

1) In v. 26-27, Paul points out that just as we desire and struggle (groaning) to be redeemed by God, the Spirit of God groans (desires and struggles) in helping us in that process, particularly in prayer. Paul points out that we often do not know what we should pray for, but that the Spirit of God intercedes for us. Additionally, Paul points out that God knows the hearts of his believers and the mind of the Spirit.

Martin Luther stated that the Spirit assures us that we are children of God, regardless of our struggles with sin, so long as we follow the Spirit and struggle against sin. In fact, for Luther, the struggle is important, as he says it is that struggle (the cross) that is often most effective in deadening the flesh. All of creation joins us in this struggle, as does God's Spirit. Calvin notes that the fact that the Spirit interceedes for us in prayer, and that God looks at our hearts, should fill us with confidence when praying.

--What do you think the "groans" mentioned by Paul are indicative of? What does the placement of this passage show us about the importance of prayer in our redemption?

2) Verses 28-30 contain of of the more famous passages of scripture, where Paul says that in all things, God words for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to his purpose. John Wesley says that this passage refers to God's provision of Jesus to save our lost world. Calvin points out that the passage refers to the fact that God answers our prayers by using even the evils we face in life to our ultimate advantage.

In verse 29, Paul talks about the aspects of God's calling of us, which is, of course, done according with God's purposes. Paul says that those God forknew, he predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ, thus making Christ the firstborn of many brothers in the family of God. In verse 30, we read that those who are predestined are also called, those called are justified, and those justified are glorified.

Wesley states that those who are foreknown and predestined are those who are conformable to the image of God. In other words, those who God knows will submit to Him, given the opportunity, citing 2 Tim 2: 19 and Phillipians 3: 10, 21 as authority. Calvin states that Paul is detailing the order of election, and rejects that forknowledge is based on God knowing who would be willing to accept Him, for Calvin assumes that such a situation provides the creation with too much credit in the process.

--The interpretation of the term "foreknowledge" determines how a person will interpret this passage with regard to the process by which God calls a person and "predestines" him. What is your interpretation?

3) Paul says in v. 31 that in light of the great lengths God has gone to redeem us and make us holy, our response should be to realize that God is for us, and thus should not fear those who are against us. After all, if God is willing to sacrifice His Son on our behalf, then he is obviously willing to go to any lengths to provide us with what we need in our lives. Wesley and Calvin both note that verses 31-35 contain a series of exclamations where Paul details what our response should be to the difficulties of life in light of the fact of all God has done for us.

Paul goes on to say that we should not fear those who bring (false) charges against us, for it is God who justifies us and finds us acceptable (v. 33). As for those who condemn us, that should not lead us to fear because Christ was condemned on our behalf, and intercedes for us with God (v. 34).

--What sort of "charges" and "condemnation" does the world bring against Christians? Which are accurate, and which are unfair? What should be our response?

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