12 God’s Triumph: Romans 8:26-39
12
God’s Triumph
Romans 8:26-39
At the end of the movie Patton we hear the famous general say, “For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of a triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeters, musicians and strange animals from the conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conqueror rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children, robed in white, stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting.”
GROUP DISCUSSION. What makes you feel like a conqueror? What makes you feel like the conquered?
PERSONAL REFLECTION. When have you overcome something that seemed to have you defeated? How did it happen?
Throughout his letter to the Romans, Paul built the case for the gospel: all people have sinned, God has provided the remedy in Christ, salvation is through faith and not through law-keeping, our lives must change if we accept his salvation. He spent some time contrasting the life of self-effort with life in the Spirit. Read Romans 8:26-39. (“In the same way” [v. 26] refers to the hope which the Spirit gives us [vv. 18-25].)
1. What words or phrases would you use to describe the mood of this passage?
2. Think about any times you have been at a loss about how to pray (v. 26). How did you handle that?
3. Why should we be encouraged by the Spirit’s prayers for us (vv. 26-27)?
4. Paul spoke of “the good” and “his purpose” (v. 28). What is God’s good purpose for us (v. 29)?
5. Paul claimed that God is working in every situation and circumstance in our lives to accomplish his good purpose (v. 28). How do you respond to this claim?
6. How do words such as foreknew, predestined, called, justified and glorified (vv. 29-30) help us to understand how God accomplishes his purpose for us?
7. In verses 31-34 Paul pictured a courtroom in which God is the judge and Jesus is our defense attorney. How and why do they respond to any accusations brought against us?
8. How can their verdict encourage us when we feel unacceptable before God?
9. Many first-century Christians, including Paul, experienced the hardships described in verses 35-36. Why might these experiences cause us to question God’s love for us?
10. How can Christians who are led like sheep to be slaughtered be considered “more than conquerors” (vv. 37-39)?
11. What are some areas of life where you want and need God to prove himself as conqueror?
12. How can you submit to him in order to let him have victory?
As you pray, bring your most difficult situations before the Lord. Thank him for the victories you have seen and for the victories you will see. Welcome his continued working in your lives to accomplish his own purposes.
Now or Later
Write out a “battle plan” detailing how you will yield your life more fully to God. Map out some chronically difficult areas of your life. Set forth strategies for keeping your own plans out of the way or resisting temptation. Choose an assurance from Romans 8:26-39 (or some other Scripture) and write it on a “flag” which you will symbolically or actually carry into daily battle.