Explore
1. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be
revealed to us.” — Romans 8:18 (ESV)
Pastor David described Christians as a waiting people and said the hardest part is waiting for something we
can’t yet see. What are you waiting for right now? How does the promise of verse 18—that future glory far
outweighs present suffering—shape the way you wait?
2. “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them
from afar...” — Hebrews 11:13 (ESV)
The sermon described believers as people living between promise and fulfillment—strangers and exiles whose
true citizenship is elsewhere. What does it look like to live as a stranger and exile without withdrawing from
the world, or becoming too at home in it?

Examine
3. “For the creation was subjected to futility... For we know that the whole creation has been groaning
together in the pains of childbirth until now.” — Romans 8:20, 22 (ESV)
Paul describes creation’s groaning as birth pains—pain leading to life, not death. How does that perspective
help you make sense of suffering? Where have you been tempted to expect a pain-free Christian life?
4. “For in this hope we were saved... if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” —
Romans 8:24–25 (ESV)
The sermon contrasted wishful thinking with biblical hope—a confident expectation rooted in God’s promises.
What’s the difference between passive waiting and active endurance? What does active endurance look like in
your life right now?

Apply
6. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good...” — Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Pastor David cautioned against reducing this verse to “it’ll all work out somehow.” Instead, he emphasized
that God wastes nothing—not even suffering—and uses it for our good and his glory. Can you look back on a
difficult season and see God’s purpose at work? Where do you need to trust that he’s working, even when you
can’t yet see it?
7. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory...” — 2 Corinthians 4:17–18
The sermon compared our perspective to a child seeing only the next move in a chess game, while God sees
the whole board. Joseph waited eleven years before understanding God’s purpose. Where in your life can you
only see the next move right now? How can the group pray for you to trust the One who sees the whole story?