Sermon Discussion Guide: Rescued, Romans Part 3

Week 1: Jesus is the Fullness of God
Romans 10:1-13

1. Read Romans 10:1-2-4. In these verses, Paul acknowledges that the Israelites are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on the truth of the gospel. The Israelites had misguided zeal, believing they could be saved by works instead of through Christ. What are some examples of “misguided zeal” today, either in the world or the church? Why is misguided zeal dangerous?
2. Consider this statement: “If you don’t lean into Christ’s righteousness, you must fabricate your own.” Agree or disagree? Why? 
3. Some examples of false sources of “righteousness” are family righteousness (Our family is better than others because our kids are well behaved, we eat clean, limit technology, etc.), intellectual righteousness (I’m well-read, informed, and theologically astute, therefore I’m superior to others), schedule righteousness (I have my life in order – I exercise, work hard, eat well, therefore I’m more mature than those who live in chaos). What else could we add to this list?
4. Where are you tempted to derive righteousness outside of Christ?
5. How do our attempts to find righteousness and significance apart from Christ leave us feeling? How can we move from relying on ourselves to resting in the finished work of Jesus?

 
Week 2: How Important Are Our Words?
Romans 10:14-21

1. How thoughtful are you with your words? Hold up fingers to rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following scenarios: at work, with my spouse, kids, friends, and at church. (1=Very reactive; I rarely think before I speak and 5=Very thoughtful)
2. Why do you think we’re more careful with our words in certain settings?
3. How have words been powerful in your life, whether positively or negatively? Would anyone like to share a specific story or memory?
4. Read Romans 10:14-17. Words have the potential to be life-giving, and as Christians we’ve been entrusted with the most life-giving news of all time, the gospel. Is sharing the gospel a calling you tend to resist or embrace? Why? 
5. Read James 3:9-10. How might a Christian inadvertently harm their own testimony? What simple steps can we take to maintain credibility in our speech?

 
Week 3: How Does God Bring Good Out of Bad?
Romans 11:1-24

1. This week we talked about how God grafted the Gentiles into His story of redemption, posing the question, “How does God bring good out of bad?” What was your biggest takeaway from the sermon? 
2. How have you seen God bring good out of bad in your own life? Would anyone like to share a specific example?
3. Is there a situation in your life right now that’s tempting you to doubt God’s sovereignty? How can we pray specifically for you in this area?
4. Romans 11 deals with several themes including salvation by grace; the consequences of unbelief and hardness of heart; and the kindness and holiness of God. Has unbelief or hard heartedness ever tempted you to walk away from God? How did God demonstrate kindness to you in that season? 
5. Imagine a friend shares that he’s drifted far from God. He wants to come back but doesn’t know where to start. What would you say to him?

 
Week 4: How Committed Is God to His People? 
Romans 11:25-36

1. One of our House Rules at Grace is Biblical Maturity: We expect to grow. We teach through the Bible verse-by-verse because it is the best way to know the Bible, and the Bible is the best way to know Jesus. How have you grown through studying the book of Romans verse by verse?
2. As we study God’s Word, we’ll invariably come across tough texts. Our text this week is a difficult one that’s caused a lot of controversy throughout history. Why is it important for Christians to maintain theological humility as we study passages like this one? 
3. Read Romans 11:33-36. What do these verses teach us about God? Do you view God the way Paul does? Why or why not?
4. Why is it a good thing that God’s judgment is unsearchable and no one fully understands the mind of the Lord?
5. Despite the debate surrounding the interpretation of this text, one thing is certain: God is committed to His people. He loves us and is for us. Do you believe God loves you? Do you live like He loves you? 

 
Week 5: How Do I Change? 
Romans 12:1-2

1. Read Romans 12:1. There are a lot of powerful phrases in this verse. Which one stands out to you and why?
2. Worship is the response to mercy. In order for us to properly worship God with our whole life, we must offer ourselves to Him. Have you offered your whole life to God? Is there a portion you’re holding back? 
3. Read Romans 12:2. What is the path to life transformation? What does it look like practically to “renew our minds”? 
4. What is the benefit of a renewed mind? As you’ve grown in your relationship with Christ, how have your desires changed?
5. How can we inspire the next generation to offer their whole lives to God as a living sacrifice? 

 
Week 6: How Can I Help?
Romans 12:3-8

1. Read Romans 12:3. What are some  practical manifestations of “thinking too highly of ourselves”? How does it affect our relationships with others and with the church?
2. Read Romans 12:4-8. As you read this list of spiritual gifts, which ones do you see in yourself? (See also I Corinthians 12:7-11.) 
3. Why do we have spiritual gifts according to this passage and also I Corinthians 12:7?
4. Would you say you’re using your gifts for the common good of the church? Why or why not? 
5. Which House Rule(s) do these verses make you think of and why?

 
Week 7: What Does Practical Love Look Like?
Romans 12:9-16

1. Read Romans 12:9-16. These verses are packed with soul-piercing mandates. Which ones do you find particularly convicting and why? 
2. Choose any one of these verses and restate it to reflect worldly thinking. For example, verse 9 might become, “Forget sincerity. Master the art of schmoozing to advance your own agenda. Love what is evil and run from what is good.”
3. Christians are called to radically countercultural love because Christ’s love is radically countercultural. Reread this entire passage inserting Jesus’ name as the fulfillment of every mandate. For example, “Jesus is sincere. Jesus hates what is evil and loves what is good. Jesus is devoted to us in love. Jesus honored others above Himself…”
4. Where do you need forgiveness for your failure to love like Christ? Where do you need divine help to grow and change?
5. How does the gospel offer hope in the midst of our failure to love like Jesus?

 
Week 8: How Do I Respond to Critics?
Romans 12:17-21

1. Read Romans 12:17-18. What does it look like to “repay evil for evil”? Can anyone think of modern-day examples? 
2. What two qualifiers does Paul include before exhorting us to “live at peace with everyone?” How can we experience peace internally when we have sought reconciliation with someone else to no avail?  
3. Read Romans 12:19-21. Do you find these verses beautiful and appealing, or painful and upsetting? Why? 
4. Read Matthew 10:16. How does this verse speak to the importance of loving our enemies, while still maintaining healthy boundaries? 
5. How can we apply Grace-Centered Truth in our relationships with difficult people? Without naming people, would anyone like to share an example of a time when you used Grace-Centered Truth to have a tough conversation? 

 
Week 9: What Do We Do Until Jesus Comes?
Romans 13:1-14

1. Read Romans 13:1-5. List every reason Paul gives for why Christians should be subject to governing authorities. Do any of these reasons challenge or convict you? 
2. Would you say you’re someone who struggles with authority? Why or why not? 
3. Read Romans 13:9-10. How does submission to authority demonstrate love for others? 
4. Read Romans 13:11-12. Why is there urgency to Paul’s exhortation? 
5. Christ’s imminent return means there isn’t much time left for us to become the people we are going to become. How are you becoming a better person as you walk with Jesus? Share some personal wins from the last few months or years. 

 
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