Our Unfailing Hope, Part 2

Romans 8:26-30
[26] Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. [27] And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. [28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [29] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

DEEP SHEET Study Questions
1.   Where do you see worldliness in your life? How does the future hope that Paul describes in Romans 8 pluck you out of that mindset?
2.   What does it mean to be “conformed to the image” of God’s Son so that he will be the “firstborn among many brothers”? What does this say about the ultimate purpose of our salvation?
3.   What is foreknowledge, and why has it been debated among Christians? How is it related to predestination?
4.   How have you struggled with the doctrine of predestination/election? How does unconditional election foster humility rather than pride?
5.   How does Paul’s language show that this “golden chain” of salvation is unbroken from beginning to end? What practical impact does this knowledge have on the Christian life?

References: 1 Corinthians 15:49; John 17:24; 1 John 3:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 11:2; Jeremiah 1:5; Genesis 18:19; Amos 3:2; Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:7; Genesis 12:3; John 6:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:14.