Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Romans 7:24 – 8:1, 31-39), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [7:24] What does Paul mean when he exclaims, “Wretched man that I am”? How is this Christian kind of self-understanding at odds with the self-talk promoted in our culture? Where did Paul get this self-understanding from? Do you ever feel about yourself what Paul is expressing here? If so, how, specifically?

• [8:1] “Condemnation” is a relational problem. How? Why? God has decided, acted, and declared that there is no condemnation for you, if you are in Christ Jesus (by faith). Do you believe this? Why would this be hard to believe? Why should you believe it?

• [8:31-39] In this section Paul assumes hostile accusations are being made, even violently, against Christians and the Church. Circumstances like these can cause us to worry deeply, especially that there might be something wrong in our relationship with God. How does Paul address that concern? How is this concern addressed in other places in the Scriptures? Have you experienced the expression of hostility and condemnation from unbelievers toward you as a Christian or toward the Church? What’s your response to that, and why?