Romans 15:4-13

Go Deep

(Romans 15:4-13)

Why does the church place such an emphasis on hope during the Advent Season?

According to Paul how can we have hope (v. 4)? What role does the Scriptures play in instilling hope within us? Do you think “cherry-picking” inspirational verses is enough to give us hope? Why or why not?

How is endurance related to hope? Does hope cause endurance or does endurance cause hope?

What does Paul have in mind when he speaks of encouragement? What is Christian encouragement?

What role does Scripture play in encouragement?

List five ways that Christians in our church could better encourage each other. Try to include specific things that have encouraged you.

In verse 5, Paul shares a prayer for church unity. For what purpose (see verse 6) does he pray for this? How does church disunity work against this purpose?

How can a church have unity? What if the people in the church think differently about some things – is unity still possible?

What did Paul mean by, “Accept one another” in verse 7? If we took this instruction seriously, how would we carry it out?

In this text, Paul gives God two titles: “The God of Endurance and Encouragement” (literal translation of verse 5) and “The God of Hope” in verse 13. In what sense is he the God of these things?

Read verse 13. What is the relationship between “trusting” and being filled with joy and peace?

What is the relationship between being filled with joy and peace and “overflowing with hope”?

If someone who was hopeless came to you for advice, what would you tell them based on this passage?