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? In Romans 3:31, Paul states, “Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” How can we reconcile the role of the law with the principle of justification by faith? How should our understanding of the law change in light of being justified by faith? Next Steps It’s important that we continually recognize the grace and mercy God has shown us. Instead of buying into the false notion that we are basically good people, consider the truth that God has saved you through faith in the person and work of His Son and focus on putting aside all boasting so that you may only exalt God in and through your life. ...

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. What can we do to seek not to be similarly callous? In verse 23, Paul directs Christians to “be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” Read also Rom 12:1-2. What does it mean to be “renewed” this way? How do we pursue it? Next Steps: Consider ways you can enrich your personal and corporate study of the Word of God. ...

Scripture: Psalm 32 Small Group Discussion What stood out to you from the sermon this week? This week’s message focused on a psalm. Is there a psalm you have found to be particularly meaningful in your walk with the Lord? Many people today fail to acknowledge with their minds what is true. What are some examples of this? Reread Psalm 32:8-9. What is the contrast between humans and animals in these verses? Why is this significant? How might a failure to engage your mind affect your service to God? Next Steps: Throughout the week, reflect on the many blessings which come from the gift God has given humankind of minds to reason and understand. ...

Scripture: [Ephesians 4:1-16] Small Group Discussion What stood out to you in this week’s message? What was good, helpful, convicting, troubling, or led to more questions for you? Why is it so important for each believer to know the Word? Why do you think it is hard for many professing believers to be faithfully involved in a church or place themselves in a position to hear the Word taught? From the message what was the difference between Apostles and Prophets and Evangelists, Shepherds and Teachers? We are called to grow in our faith and knowledge so that we are not carried away by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Describe some of the false doctrines, human cunning, craftiness, and deceitful schemes you see in the world and even churches today. Next Steps: Invite and encourage others at CrossPointe who don’t already attend an Adult Bible Education class to attend one with you or to come to Wednesday night Bible Study. ...

Called through the Word to the Word Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16 Questions What stood out to you in this week’s message? What was good, helpful, convicting, troubling, or led to more questions for you? Why is the Word of God so important? Why do you think it can be so difficult for believers to be unified? What is the attitude Paul says the church is to have towards one another? Paul says we are to speak the truth in love. How is this often handled incorrectly and share an example (real or fictional) or how this should look in the church. Next Steps: How much time do you spend in the Word? If you think you should be spending more time studying the Word make a plan this week to follow through on it and possibly use your group to help keep you on track. ...

Big Idea Every person deserves to be judged by God. Read: Romans 2:1-4 Discussion Questions How does Romans 2:1-4 address the issue of self-righteous judgment? What role does God’s kindness play in His judgment according to Romans 2:4? How does Paul address moralists in Romans 2:1-3, and what broader message does he convey about sin and judgment through this approach? What warning does the sermon give about presuming upon God’s mercy, and what should be our correct response to God’s patience and kindness? Next Steps Consider how the awareness of your own guilt before God and the understanding of His mercy can transform your daily interactions and your overall perspective on life. Let this passage challenge you to live authentically, humbly acknowledging your need for grace and extending that grace to others. ...

Big Idea Those who oppose God invite destruction. Read: Romans 1:19-32 Discussion Questions Romans 1:24-25 explains that God turns people over to their selfish desires due to their rejection of Him. How do these selfish desires manifest in today’s society, and what are some examples of how they lead to personal and societal destruction? In Romans 1:26-27, Paul describes God turning people over to unnatural activities due to their opposition to Him. What are some contemporary examples of such activities, and how do they contribute to the moral decay and destruction in individuals’ lives and society as a whole? Romans 1:28-32 details how God turns people over to depraved thinking due to their persistent rejection of Him. How does this depraved thinking manifest in behavior, and what are the consequences for both individuals and communities? Considering the progression described in Romans 1:24-32—from selfish desires to unnatural activities to depraved thinking—how can recognizing these stages help us understand the destructive path of opposing God? Next Steps It’s easy for us to begin to think that we are what’s right with society and, as a result, begin to despise those whose behavior is described in this passage. Yet, we must remain humble if we are to be compassionate and effective in sharing the gospel. This week, read and meditate on the message of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. ...

Big Idea God’s wrath cannot be ignored. Read: Romans 1:18 Discussion Questions Reflecting on the concept of God’s holiness, why do you think it’s challenging for humans to fully grasp the idea that God is both transcendent and morally pure? How does this understanding impact our view of sin and our relationship with God? Ungodliness leads to unrighteousness. How do you see this progression playing out in your own life or in the world around you? What are some practical ways to guard against this downward spiral? The sermon emphasizes that God’s wrath is rightly directed toward those who actively oppose Him and suppress the truth. How does this understanding of God’s wrath impact our perception of His mercy and patience? How can we reconcile God’s wrath and His love? Next Steps Do you only talk about God’s love when trying to evangelize others? If so, think about how to effectively communicate God’s wrath and love to others this week. ...

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? ...