Monday, October 17, 2011

Notes on Rom. 8:12-39 for Wedn.

1) Paul calls us children of god through the spirit. How should we then view ourselves and others? What does it mean to you to be able to call, Dad /Abba) or more formally, Father? Do problems of patriarchy arise here?

2)At 53 the authors say that suffering is an arena for god to work. When does suffering seem like divine absence? When can it be ana rena for god’s presence?

3) What do you think of Achtemeier’s position on family that the family that suffers together is the strongest?

4) Paul says that suffering can be seen as the labor pains of the new creation coming to birth. What do you think of this image?

5) While we wait for the new creation, we groan inwardly What makes you groan inwardly? Do you find the renewal of nature a compelling part of apocalyptic vision?

6) Dylan famously spoke of “busy being born, not busy dying.” Paul emphasizes hope as the bridge of present and future. Describe the positive and negative aspects of hope.

7) How do you imagine that the spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words?

8)How do you interpret 8:28? Immediatley the cross intrudes. How do you interpret a cruciform life in a land that emphasizes positive thinking?

9) at 56 they use Achtemeir’s points that conclude that destiny is no longer in our own hands. How is that comforting and challenging to your conceptions?

10) Paul is right to say that troubles and tribulations cause us to doubt love’s power in god. How does he respond? How do you respond to his great assertionin 8:39?

No comments: