The Christian Faith Modeled

All Glory to God

Romans 1:8 ESV

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.

Our faith is to be recognized as coming from God.

Paul thanks God that the faith of the Christians in Rome has spread across the world.

He could have bragged on the:

Christians in Rome.

missionaries that brought the Gospel to Rome.

Paul wants to bring the focus on God for He is the founder (He starts it) and perfecter (He brings it to completion) of our faith. (Heb 12:2)

We are called to point everything back to God.

Our faith is to be known.

The Christians in Rome didn’t keep their faith to themselves, but instead spread it across the world.

The focus isn’t on the great works of the Christians in Rome but on their faith.

Since faith is a gift of God, that means the glory belongs to God.

We are called to make our faith known to all as well.

Wherever God has placed us we should be talking about our God.

Classroom (not while the teacher is instructing)

Work

Locker room

Online

Why do you think Paul emphasized giving glory to God for the faith of the Christians in Rome? How does acknowledging that our faith comes from God impact the way we live as Christians today?

Paul could have chosen to focus on the accomplishments of the Christians in Rome or the missionaries who brought the Gospel there. Why was it important for Paul to direct the focus back to God as the founder and perfecter of our faith? How can we apply this principle in our lives?

How can we make our faith known to others around us, just like the Christians in Rome did? Share examples of how you might talk about your faith in various settings such as school, work, or online.

Encouragement from Others

Romans 1:11–12 ESV

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Our faith is to be practiced together.

Paul emphasizes the need of Christians to encourage each other.

Paul makes this known by talking about his longing to see the Christians in Rome, by telling them he wants to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

Imagine Paul, a great missionary and apostle, needing encouragement from the Christians in Rome.

Imagine even further that this is coming from someone who is spending a whole letter (a very large one at that) explaining the Christian faith.

If Paul needs this encouragement from fellow Christians, how can we think that we can get by without investing and being invested in by other believers.

There is no lone wolf Christianity.

Paul expressed a desire to be mutually encouraged by the faith of the Christians in Rome. Why is it important for even strong believers like Paul to receive encouragement from fellow Christians? How does this challenge the idea of "going it alone" in our faith journey?

Can you think of a time when you received encouragement from someone else's faith or when your faith encouraged someone else? How did that experience impact you or the other person?

What are some practical ways we can invest in and support each other as believers? How can we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking and offering encouragement?

Obligation to All

Romans 1:14 ESV

I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.

Our faith is to show no partiality.

Paul states that he has an obligation to Greeks and barbarians, to the wise and the foolish.

Paul is saying that the Gospel belongs to all peoples.

the civilized world and the uncivilized world, the people at the top of society and those at the bottom of society.

Paul had every reason to be biased to the Jews only, but the Gospel transformed his heart to have a love for the world.

As Christians we are called to make the Gospel known to every person without discrimination.

We don’t just share the Gospel with “my people.”

Paul mentioned that he felt an obligation to both Greeks and barbarians, the wise and the foolish. What does this teach us about the scope of the Gospel message? How does the Gospel challenge our tendencies to show favoritism or partiality?

How can we overcome biases or prejudices in order to genuinely share the Gospel with people from all walks of life? What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we're sharing the Gospel with everyone?

Think about your own circle of friends or acquaintances. Are there people you find it challenging to share the Gospel with? Why might that be, and how can you overcome those challenges?