Discussion Questions from 02/21/2010 Sermons at WBC

Yesterday, I preached out of Luke 15:17-24 in the morning and Romans 8:26-30 in the evening.
Both are MASSIVELY important texts to say the least. Sometime later today, you should be able to watch, listen, and download the outline here.

I hope yesterday will not be the only day you contemplate the truths we discussed. Here are some discussion questions to take you a bit further in thinking through these things.

From the Sermon from Luke 15:17-24 ("A Scandalous Reception: A Picture of Grace"):

1. Why is it significant that the father ran to embrace his wayward son (see verse 20)?

2. If the father in the story represents God and the younger son represents sinful man, how can God embrace a sinful, disobedient, and rebellious person with no consequences? What about the sin? Did the father just 'brush it under the rug' or was something else going on?

3. What was the father doing when he ordered the robe, the ring, and shoes to be placed on this son?

4. Why did the father order such a huge celebration? What would they have been celebrating? What would have been the cause of celebration?

5. Who should get the credit/glory for what happened to the son? Did the wayward son have anything to do with the status he was given? Is this how you view and understand your salvation experience, or do you give yourself some credit in what happened?



From the Romans 8:26-30 sermon ("God's Commitment to Our Conformity")

1. What do Paul's questions in verse 31 tell us about what he had just written in verses 26-30?

2. According to verse 29, what is the purpose for the believer's existence?

3. How should understanding our purpose change the way we view our lives and God's will for our lives? Does this mean God wills for us to live pain free lives? When bad things happen or when dark seasons occur, what is God doing?

4. In verse 26, Paul writes: "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness." "Likewise" connects these verses (vs. 26-30) with the preceding verses (vs. 18-25). "Weakness" means "limited understanding." So, Paul is talking about how humans have a limited perspective of God's purposes when they endure trials and suffering. How does Paul give the believer hope when he or she is suffering but does not understand?

5. What do verses 26-27 tell us about God's commitment to make us more like Jesus?

6. Go ahead and meditate on verses 28-30 of Romans 8. What else does Paul say that can assure the believer of the reality that God will make us more like His Son Jesus?