Lean In // 5 Minutes
What is a great underdog story?
Leader Note: There is something about a great underdog story that inspires us to believe just like them, we can overcome adversary and become all we are meant to be. It points out that anyone and everyone, no matter what life has dealt them, that there is an opportunity of greatness available. Keep in mind in sharing to point out the suffering they went to and how it connects to the ultimate victory those characters experience.
Look Down // 15 minutes
Read Passage – Read Romans 8:17-30
What do you learn about suffering?
Sample Answers:
- it is impacting all of creation
- creation is groaning because of it
- it is causing frustration
- it it is causing bondage and decay
- it is not worth comparing to the glory that is being revealed in us
- it is causing pain
What do you learn about hope?
Sample Answers:
- That we are having glory revealed in us
- That we have the hope of adoption
- That the best is being revealed in us
- That good is being worked out for the children of God
- We are justified
- We are called
- We have to be patient for this hope
Leader Note: Be sure to really point out the way the passage brings up groaning as an expression of the present suffering that is happening. This will help in your transition to the following questions and the discussion. Highlight the work of the spirit as the one creating opportunity to see and experience this Hope.
Look Out // 10 minutes
Where is our world groaning?
Leader Note: Refer back to the passage and how it talks about the way the Earth is groaning and experiencing this across all of creation. A couple examples of answers would be:
- Relationships (Marriage, Friendships, Family, Kids)
- Sickness
- Taxes
- Politics
- Conflict
- Injustice
Look In // 20 minutes
Where are you groaning, waiting for things to get better?
Where is the Spirit at work? What is your hope in this season of suffering?
Leader Note: This is a great time to lean into stories. The hope is that people will identify their struggle and in the second portion of the lean in, to sit in silence for a moment and really listen in for what God might be saying to them in this season of struggle. Take time either right after they share or at the end to pray for each person for renewed patience in the suffering and a greater sense of the Spirit’s work in this season. Don’t be hesitant if someone responds with “I don’t hear anything.” Simply ask for the Spirit to reveal Himself when praying over them.
Live It Out // 10 minutes
How could you bring hope to those who are suffering?
Leader Note: “There is strength for today because there is hope for tomorrow.” Have this be the theme in praying for those in the group that voiced a struggle they are waiting to be released from? Talk about the healing service from the weekend. Be bold and lay hands and pray with boldness. Point back to the Lean In and remind them that the groaning makes way for the glory.
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Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.