Summary: Text: Romans 5:1-5; 2 Corinthians 3:7-12 April 6/7, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) What is Hope? Hope’s Opposite Hope’s Companions Living with Present Hope Living with Eternal Hope Discussion Questions: Our present series, “Beginning to Live,” focuses this week on hope. When was a time that you experienced the realization of one of your greatest hopes? While the message explores broad themes of hope, our study this week will look at Romans 5:1-5. Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Then read these verses aloud. Looking at Romans 5:1-2, what would you say are the sources of Christian hope? Based on your previous answer, how would you describe your own personal sense of hope in Jesus Christ? Do you have hope in Him or not? What shows that to be true? In verses 3-4, Paul indicates that suffering and hope are related to one another. How does Paul explain that? Part of what Paul is describing is a different perspective on suffering and trials. What trials or sufferings are you facing right now? What would it practically look like to live within your sufferings out of the approach Paul describes in Romans 5:3-4? In verse 5, Paul references the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives now when we come to God by faith through Jesus Christ. What is the Holy Spirit’s role in hope-filled living? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together.
