Ice Breaker What’s the most ridiculous or unexpected rule you’ve ever had to follow? Big Idea God’s law is good. Read: Romans 7:7-12 Discussion Questions How does Paul’s statement, “I would not have known what sin was except through the law” (Romans 7:7), challenge our understanding of sin before we encounter God’s Word? Read Romans 7:8. Why do you think sin takes advantage of the law to provoke more sin?...
Romans: A Tale of Two Masters
Big Idea Every Christian is a slave. Read: Romans 6:15-23 Discussion Questions What insight, principle, or observation from this week’s sermon was the most helpful, eye- opening, or troubling? Explain. What does Paul mean in Romans 6:15 when he asks, “Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace?” How does Paul use the analogy of slavery in verses 16-18? What does it mean to be a “slave to righteousness”?...
Romans: United with Christ
Big Idea Every believer is united with Christ for a purpose. Read: Romans 6:5-11 Discussion Questions What insight, principle, or observation from this week’s sermon was the most helpful, eye- opening, or troubling? Explain. How do secular and biblical perspectives on identity differ? What does it mean to be “united with Christ” as described by Paul in verses five through eleven? On two occasions, Paul said “we know” (vs....
Romans: The Purpose of Grace
Big Idea Christians do not take advantage of God’s grace; we are transformed by God’s grace. Read: Romans 6:1-4 Discussion Questions What insight, principle, or observation from this week’s sermon was the most helpful, eyeopening, or troubling? Explain. How would you explain the difference between being transformed by God’s grace and taking advantage of it? Read Romans 6:1-2. Why does Paul ask, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?...
Romans: Two Men, Two Outcomes, One Hope
Big Idea Jesus restores what Adam destroyed. Read: Romans 5:15-21 Discussion Questions What insight, principle, or observation from this week’s sermon was the most helpful, eye- opening, or troubling? Explain. What is the main contrast between Adam’s trespass and Christ’s gift in Romans 5:15? What does Paul mean when he says that “grace reigns through righteousness” in Romans 5:21? How does understanding Adam as a “type” of Christ help us grasp the significance of Christ’s work (Romans 5:14, 18-19)?...
Romans: God’s Justifying Work
Big Idea The work of God changes the focus and attitude of His people. Read: Romans 5:1-11 Discussion Questions How does understanding our justification by faith change our perspective on difficult circumstances? What role does “peace with God” play in changing our attitude toward life’s challenges? How can the hope of sharing in God’s glory influence our focus in daily life? In what ways does God’s love, demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice, transform our attitudes toward ourselves and others?...
Romans: Faith in God’s Promise
Big Idea You can count on God’s promises! Read: Romans 4:13-25 Discussion Questions What insight, principle, or observation from this week’s sermon was the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain. What does Paul mean when he says that Abraham’s promise did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith (Romans 4:13)? How does Paul describe Abraham’s faith in verses 19-21, and what can we learn from it about trusting God’s promises?...
Romans: The Scripture Says
Scripture: Romans 4:01-13 Discussion Questions What did Abraham and his legacy mean to the Jewish people and what was Paul’s purpose of bringing him up in this passage? How did Abraham exhibit faith in Genesis 15:4-11? What does Abraham’s sinfulness reveal to us? In verses 5 and 6, what does the phrase “God counts/imputes righteousness” mean? What are the conditions if any of God imputing his righteousness? Scripture explains that righteousness is a gift for all people....
Romans: The Foolishness of Boasting
Scripture: Romans 3:27-31 Discussion Questions In what ways do you see self-righteousness manifest in your life? How do you battle your self-righteous tendencies? Why is it important to recognize that faith itself is not what saves us but rather the work of Jesus Christ? How does Romans 3:29-30 emphasize the unity of Jews and Gentiles in terms of faith? What implications does this have for how we view others in our faith community and beyond?...
Serve: Fit for Service
Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-24 Small Group Discussion This week concluded this mini-series, which was an extension of the original “Serve the Lord” series from January of this year. What will you stick with you from these messages on Christian service? What does Paul mean when he says that the Gentiles walk in the “futility of their minds” (vs. 17)? Why are their minds this way? In verse 19, Paul notes that the Gentiles “have become callous,” giving themselves up to sin....