How does Paul address, and attempt to account for, the phenomenon of suffering in the human experience?  Do you find his attempt convincing?  Why or why not?

How does this passage help us, as Christians, to persevere through suffering?

What does this passage tell us about the suffering that we experience in this current life?  What does it tell us about the glory that we will experience in eternity?

What comparison does Paul make (or refuse to make) in 8:18?

What does Paul mean when he says that “the creation was subjected to futility”?  (8:20)  Why do you think that he uses the language of “futility” to describe the suffering that we experience in this life?

What does 8:20-21 tell us about the sovereignty of God?  (Specifically, the sovereignty of God over human sin and suffering?)

What does Paul mean when he says that we have “have the firstfruits of the Spirit”?  (8:23)  How does the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit inform how we persevere through suffering in this life?

What is the hope that we were saved in?  (8:24)  What does it look like for us to wait patiently for it?

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