Big Idea God’s wrath cannot be ignored. Read: Romans 1:18 Discussion Questions In what ways do we see God’s wrath being revealed in the world today, and how does this align with the depiction of God’s wrath in Romans 1:18? Romans 1:18 states that God’s wrath comes from heaven against all godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth. How can we understand and explain the justification of God’s wrath in a contemporary context where the idea of divine wrath might be challenging or misunderstood? How does Paul establish that God’s wrath is not arbitrary but is directed specifically at human actions that involve suppressing the truth? Discuss examples of how truth is suppressed in society today and relate this to the concept of divine retribution. Considering the nature of God’s wrath as revealed, justified, and rightly directed, how should this influence the behavior and beliefs of Christians today? How can believers reconcile the concept of a loving God with the reality of God’s wrath? Next Steps How often do you think of God as a wrathful God? This week, consider the implications of God’s wrath and thank Him that He has forgiven you and adopted you into His family. ...

Big Idea Everyone needs to hear the gospel. Read Romans 1:16-17 Discussion Questions How does Paul describe the power of the gospel in Romans 1:16, and what implications does this have for how we view and share the gospel with others? Paul emphasizes that the gospel is for “everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). How does this universal call to belief challenge or reinforce our understanding of who needs salvation and who can receive it? Romans 1:17 states, “In it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.” How does understanding this righteousness as the righteousness God imputes to believers change our view of personal moral achievement and the basis of our salvation? Considering that the gospel reveals both God’s power to save and man’s need for salvation, how should this dual revelation shape our understanding of evangelism and discipleship in relation to human responsibility and God’s sovereignty? Next Steps Is there someone you know who needs to hear the gospel? Will you commit to going to them as soon as possible to share the good news that they can be made right with God? ...

Big Idea Genuine care leads to action. Read Romans 1:8-15 Discussion Questions What stood out to you? In verse 8, Paul expresses gratitude for the faith of the Roman Christians. How does expressing gratitude for the faith of others contribute to building a strong Christian community? In verse 10, Paul mentions his desire to visit the Roman Christians. What do you think motivated Paul’s desire to do so? How does face-to-face interaction impact our relationships with fellow believers and our ability to support and encourage one another? Verse 11 speaks of Paul’s longing to impart some spiritual gift to the Romans to strengthen them. What do you think Paul means by “spiritual gift” in this context? How do spiritual gifts contribute to the growth and edification of the church today? Paul expresses his eagerness to preach the gospel in Rome in verse 15. What do you think made Paul so eager to preach the gospel, even to those who were already believers? How can we cultivate a similar eagerness to share the gospel with others? In verses 13-14, Paul states that he has often intended to visit Rome but has been prevented. Have you ever experienced obstacles or hindrances in serving God or fulfilling His purposes? How did you respond to these challenges, and what did you learn from them? Next Steps We care about many different things, and it’s very easy to become drawn away by the things that matter to us. As you spend time with the Lord this week, think about how your life reflects genuine care for others as it relates to the gospel. ...

Big Idea The gospel is the good news that must be heard and understood. Read: Romans 1:1-7 Discussion Questions What insight, principle, or observation from this week’s sermon was helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain. In verses 3-4, Paul describes God’s Son in two ways. How do those two ways relate to the Old Testament, and why is this important? The purpose of bringing about “the obedience of faith” is for “the sake of His name among all nations” (1:5). How do you fit into this grand plan? Name how this opening passage in Romans gives you confidence as a believer. Please explain your answer. Next Steps How much time do you spend reading and studying the Old Testament? As you consider Paul’s greeting to the believers in Rome, consider its value and the impact that section of God’s Word has made on your life. ...

Big Idea God’s purpose and plan are inevitable. Read: Romans 1:1 Discussion Questions What insight, principle, or observation from this week’s sermon was helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain. Paul called himself a slave, an apostle, and one who was set apart for the gospel of God. Which of these descriptions resonates most with you? Explain your answer. Why don’t genuine apostles still exist? Read 1:1-7 and 16:25-27. What similarities exist in those two passages? What themes do these verses reveal? Name one or two things you hope to learn from our study in Romans. Next Steps Romans is one of the most important books in the Bible, and it is essential reading for every believer. This week, take inventory of your life and how willing you are to be used for God’s purpose and plan. ...

Main Idea: The Foolishness of Disregarding God Small Group Questions Judges Disregarding God brings disastrous consequences Text: Judges 2:1-15 Discussion Questions What stood out to you, made you think, or was something that you liked, or remember from the sermon? Or What are you excited about, if anything, in studying the book of Judges? How did the Israelites disregard God? With consideration to question 2, how does it look for “modern day” Christians to disregard God in the same way? Pastor Matt quoted his mother, “If you play with the pigs you’ll eventually end up smelling like them” what did she mean and how does or can that relate to us today and to this passage? What were the three challenges that were given at the close of the message and how can we practically apply them to our lives today? Next Steps: Examine question number 5 and search your life this week and ask the Holy Spirit to point out in your personal life where you need to apply this week’s message. Where are you disregarding God in your life and how can and will you change it? ...

Big Idea Money holds no virtuous value, it simply is a means to an end. Money should not control our hearts and lives but rather God should. Money then is a temporary gift that God gives us to serve him to the absolute fullest measure we can in this life. We should steward our resources and money and use them to serve others, the church, and the mission of the church is to further the kingdom of God. ...

Read 2 Tim 1:8-14 Questions Who has God used to pass the good deposit on to you? How have they invested in you? Read Paul’s “trustworthy sayings”: 1 Timothy 1:15, 3:1, 4:8-9; 2 Timothy 2:11-13. What does his emphasis on sayings like these tell us about what it means to follow God? In 1 Timothy 4:16, Paul tells Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.” Read this in context (start in verse 6). What practical tips does Paul give Timothy for how to keep a watch on himself and the teaching? How can you build these into your life? What are possible stumbling blocks that might prevent you from effectively passing on the good deposit to others? Next Steps Reach out to someone who has discipled you in the faith. Thank him or her, for sharing specific ways in which God has used this person in your life. Prayer Focus If you’re already dicipleing others in the faith, ask God for continued wisdom so that your efforts will be even more effective. If you can’t think of anyone you’re mentoring, pray that God would show you people in your sphere of influence who would benefit from this. And pray that He would lead you as you begin to lead these individuals.

Take Care How You Build Read: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 Malachi 1 Discussion Questions Where in this passage could you point to correct someone who suggests we are saved by works? What are some other passages of Scripture which more explicitly correct this thinking? How should knowing that God will reward believers’ service affect how we live? Life of a Steward Big Idea A godly steward seeks to bring honor to God with everything ...

Big Idea God gives people gifts with which they can serve Him. Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 This week’s discussion centers around spiritual gifts and using those gifts. To help you identify the gifts you’ve been given if you don’t already know what yours are, you can take the assessment here. Open the resource guide in another tab as you watch the video. If you’d like to go even further, you can also take the spiritual pathways test ...