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Romans Commentary Chapters 1-8  /  Romans 8:31-34 If God is for US Who Can Be Against US  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 8
Ambrosiaster and Chrysostom are quoted to stress: God gave the greater gift to His enemies, so He will surely give lesser gifts to His friends. In what ways do you personally still relate to God like an enemy or a stranger—expecting refusal, suspicion, or delay—and what would it look like to live like a friend?
Another way to ask: They say God gave His biggest gift to His enemies, so He will surely give what His friends need. In what ways do you still approach God expecting a “no” or a delay, and what would change if you lived like God is truly your friend?

Direct Answer Based on the lesson, relating to God like an enemy looks like doubting His willingness to give what He has promised; living like a friend means trusting His proven generosity—since He already gave His Son when we were ungodly—and expecting Him to “freely give us all things” along with Christ.

Support from Transcript:

  • Ambrosiaster: God gave “what is greater and most costly…His true and dearest Son for us when we were still ungodly.”
  • Bercot emphasizes it was for “all, including God’s very enemies,” so His giving is not based on prior friendliness.
  • Chrysostom’s reasoning: “He who has already given the greater thing to his enemies” will give “the lesser things to his friends.”
  • Romans 8:32 is quoted: God will “along with Him…freely give us all things.”
  • Bercot says rewards are “already prepared for those who believe,” pointing to confidence rather than suspicion.
Discussion Follow-ups Where do you hesitate most to ask God for help because you assume He is reluctant?

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