Romans 8:18-38
I was preaching one Sunday and it dawned on me mid-message that what I had done in my preparation was what my church attending audience could and should be doing for themselves. In fact, I became convinced that if I were to continue in this practice, I would be an accessory to the crime of perpetuating a spiritual welfare culture. I recall thinking; at some point mamma bird must force her babies to leave the nest. If she does not, they will not learn to fly nor feed themselves. They will perish and it will be the mother’s fault.
In my email excerpt I alluded to a powerful tool for followers of Jesus. I said that it was a catalyst to transformation; a key to discovery; a pathway to wisdom and that It could be the first step into a great adventure. I warned however that it would have a price tag. Have you figured out my riddle?
The tool is “the question“; the cost is “the thinking” invested in answering the question. Slowing life down where heart-level, prayerful thought can be invested into interaction with the the Lord in the scriptures is integral to spiritual growth, yet sadly, it is our custom to leave this chore to pastor.
If I were to rate a pastor my criteria would not be how many people attend their services or the size of their budget, rather it would be how many Christians have they kicked out of the nest and taught to fly and feed themselves. There is certainly a place for them but I contend that the best preachers and teachers are the ones that serve as catalysts. They ask penetrating heart-level questions which send believers off to their prayer closets and bibles to encounter God for themselves.
So, my gift to you today are simply questions which relate to our passage. If you take the time to search out their answers, I predict your wings will grow and that you will feel nourished in a way that passive listening (even to the best sermons) cannot accomplish. Enjoy your in flight meal….
What could you learn from this passage regarding what Paul believed to be normal emotions for a follower of Christ?
If we feel that we have not prayed with pinpoint prophetic accuracy on a matter, what hope might this passage offer? and why?
What precisely does this passage say is capable of separating us from God’s love?
In what set of circumstances does Paul say we will overwhelmingly conquer?
What is Paul asking us to compare our “present” circumstances with?
What does the process entail from predestination to glorification?
What is the “big event” that Christians and creation are greatly anticipating?
On what basis might a follower of Christ take courage when the events of their life seem wasteful, unfair or painful?
After reading the passage and seeking the truth in response to these questions, what stands out as the thing God is trying to most impress upon you?