Advent: Part 1

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Romans 15:8-13

Read: Romans 15:8-13 and pray together

Theme: Hope  

Main Idea: True hope is found in Christ, who came and is coming again.

Questions from Romans 15:8-13

What is hope?

  • Summary: Jesus became a servant to the Jews to fulfill God’s promises made to the patriarchs, enabling the Gentiles to praise God for His mercy. 

    • Using verse 13, how would you answer the question, “What is hope?” [Hint: God of all hope = source of all hope] 

    • What was Pastor Jason’s point when he talked about the “thirsty in the desert and an offer of a cup of water versus the offer of an everflowing spring of water? Ponder Jeremiah 2:13; John 7:37-39 

    • Hope is not wishful thinking but rather a confident expectancy. How does this definition of “hope” fit with God and His faithfulness to His covenant fulfilled in Jesus Christ?   

Who is hope for?

  • Hope is for all people.

  • What do you suppose was Paul’s point in vv. 9-12 by quoting from four different parts in the Old Testament that highlight salvation coming to the Gentiles? Why is this hope for you?  

 Why do we need hope?

  • Answer:  Because we all need to be filled with joy and peace. 

  • What does “filled with joy” mean?  What does “filled with peace” mean? What is the fundamental difference between “situationally-based joy & peace” & Christ-centered joy & peace”? What symptoms do we experience when we confuse these two lifestyles?    

  • Verse 13 is known as a benediction.  What is a benediction? (Examples include Numbers 6:24-26; 2 Corinthians 13:14). Why do you think we need this kind of benediction as we are commissioned into the lost world? 

How are we to have it?  

  • Answer:  verse 13, “in believing”.  But in whom are we to believe? Ponder Proverbs 3:5-6.  How do believing in God and the power of the Holy Spirit relate? In this verse, what do we need the power of the Holy Spirit to do? 

  • How did Pastor Jason press this message upon unbelievers?  How will we follow Jason’s lead in our own relationships with unsaved family and friends?    

A closing benediction for your Growth Group

May the Lord make you glad during this remembrance of the birth of His only Son, Jesus Christ; that as you joyfully receive Him for your redeemer, you may with sure confidence behold Him when He shall come to be our judge.         

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