We Have a Problem

Romans: Reclaiming the Center (1:18-32) Talking through the message during the week helps you act on what God is revealing to you through His Word. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step. If you’re leading a group through this guide, don’t feel like you have to answer every question. Pick questions that inspire conversation and passion for action in your group. Open With Prayer Take time to share concerns and prayer requests. Encourage one another to write these down so the group can be in prayer through the week. Ask God to help us trust him with our concerns and focus on what he will teach us in this week’s meeting. ● What do you think of movies that start with a spoiler? Why is it important to keep Romans 1:16 in mind for the next few weeks studying Romans? Continue the Discussion: Read Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 1:18-32 ● Where in creation are you most reminded of God’s presence or character? ● How can Romans 1:18-25 help us as disciples? Why is this good news for us when we go and make disciples? ● Why isn’t “technically right” good enough? ● To what extent do people separated from Jesus recognise evil and brokenness in the world? How have you witnessed the Holy Spirit using the brokeness of this world to convict a person of their need for Jesus? (John 16:8) Study Deeper: Read Matthew 5:21-24 While there is nothing we can do to earn salvation, accepting this free gift does mean that we are now free to live according to the righteousness of Christ. Still many disciples find themselves stuck in sin and the resulting shame and guilt. ● Paul uses a list of obvious brokenness in the world to highlight our sin problem and need for Jesus. How might you explain the sin problem to a friend who isn’t following Jesus yet? ● In his sermon on the mount, Jesus takes things a step further to talk about how even a sour heart can cause a lot of pain. Take time to write down a few areas where you need more of Jesus love at work in your heart. Share as you feel comfortable and take time to pray for one another. ● Romans 1:16 talks about how our salvation is all about God’s power and not our own. How do you anticipate God’s continuing work in your life to encourage you this week? Here are some specific things you can do this week that will help you live with God’s Gospel at the center of your life. Take inventory of your relationship with Jesus this week and see what steps you need to take immediately in order to grow your faith in Christ. Those steps could be more time reading God’s Word, asking God to help you to better understand how to live according to His Living Word, or asking a mature believer to help you identify an area for spiritual growth. Don’t forget to share what you are working on with someone in your GraceGroup! Paul’s letter to the Romans tackles a lot of the questions that the early church faced in one of the most hedonistic cities the world has ever known. The answers Paul offers still ring true today as we seek to connect people with Jesus in a broken world. During this series, make a plan to read through the book of Romans and check out Dr. Randy Smith’s One Hour. One Book. (https://www.1hour1book.com/) Questions and graphics used with permission from open.life.church.