For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
ROMANS 8:38–39 (NIV)

SERIES OVERVIEW

Take a journey together with your small group to greater faith! If you’ve ever had feelings like, “I’m not good enough,” “I’m never going to change,” or “Life is too hard,” Romans eight is the chapter for you! Pastor Tom Holladay taught this series beginning at the bottom and moving to the top of Saddleback Mountain through each of the four sessions to help us see clearly the journey from doubt to faith—from discouragement to hope—that God has for us.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What verses about hope did you found during this last week?
2. Verse 31: Do you feel that God is on your side?
3. Verse 32: What do you think are some of the reasons many believers struggle with seeing God as miserly instead of as abundantly giving?
4. Verses 33–34: When in your life did you trust Jesus to forgive you and to no longer condemn you? If it was during this session, be sure to tell the group so they can pray for you!
5. Verses 35–39: What do you think might help you to be as convinced as Paul was that nothing can separate you from the love of God?

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

Since God has given so much to us in Jesus, we are now set free to give to others. Who do you know that needs this week to experience God’s personal, liberal, merciful, unconditional, and eternal love. Spend some time on the mountaintop of God’s assurance this week. Take 10 minutes each morning or evening to read over these assurances once again. Look at your life and circumstances in light of these promises!

PRAYER DIRECTION

As you pray for one another’s needs, also take time to specifically thank God for the truth of some of the verses in Romans 8. (For instance, “Thank you that you groan for us...thank you that you are using all things to work together for good in our lives...Thank you that nothing can separate us from your love...)