March 10, 2024
Included | Romans 8:18-39
Included in Suffering
The world is broken and in pain, and so are we. All of us suffer, including (maybe especially) followers of Jesus. But Jesus gives us resources for walking through suffering: a perspective shaped by hope, prayer to process pain and grief, and the promise of his forever, unlimited love.
Songs for this week: Spotify
- What does our culture tell us about suffering and how to handle it? What has the church told you about this?
- Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. How do Paul’s sufferings affect how you read Romans 8:18-39?
- Read this translation of Romans 8:28: “We know that God co-works all things for good with those who love God.” What does this mean to you? How does it compare to your perspective on suffering?
- Read Psalm 44:22-26, a lament that Paul quotes in this passage. Share a situation where you have prayed like that or where you need to pray like that.
- How real is God’s promise of love for you? What habits or practices can you use to remind you of his love?
Bonus:
Use Psalm 13 and Romans 8:35-39 to pray together about specific situations of suffering.
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Recent Sermons
Mark 1:35 - Jesus modelled a life of restraint and rhythm, showing us how to live with peace and purpose even amid urgency through the practices he shared.
Luke 6:39-49 - Jesus reminds us that we all have teachers shaping us. Some lead us astray, but when we follow him, we learn to live as we were truly meant to.
Romans 12:1-2 - Jesus’ invitation is to follow him: to be with him, become like him, and do what he did. We surrender control to Jesus, resist the pattern of the world that shapes us, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation.
Mark 1:16-18 -We begin our series on Practicing the Way—exploring how Jesus’ rhythms of prayer, fasting, solitude, and Sabbath invite ordinary people to grow in grace and intimacy with God
Acts 17:16-34 -Paul shares the hope of Jesus in everyday language, guiding seekers toward truth and showing where their search for God had gone astray.
Acts 13:1-5 -The first Christians had small groups! They knew, because Jesus modelled it, that we’re much better in groups than we are as individuals. The group that gathered in Antioch was diverse, zoned in on Jesus and figuring out how to be outward-facing. Your own group will want all that and more!
