In the first point of the sermon, we looked at the gospel context of our stewardship of our time and talents. Why is it is so important for us to keep this in mind as we approach serving (i.e. what will go wrong and how does this help things go right)?
What takes up most of your “free time?” In what ways does the idea of stewarding our time in order to use our talents need to modify how you are using your “free time”?
As you think about using your gifts to serve, which is your greater temptation: to work hard but in your own strength or to be timid about serving because you are not trusting in Christ’s strength on your behalf? How does this text encourage/challenge you in regards to this?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Generous Priorities
Read again [Matt.6:33]. How does prioritizing impact not only the most important thing (God and His Kingdom), but everything else?
How should our giving priority manifest in our personal budgeting and the life of church?
What can we expect from seeking God and His Kingdom first? Can we out-give God? How does God award our giving?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Generous Life
How has God displayed His generosity according to the sermon? What about in your personal life?
How should gratitude manifest in real life? What are some things you are doing well in this respect? How can you grow in your generous expression of gratitude?
What does a life of generous gratitude produce? How can it improve our walk with God?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
What Does Praise Have to Do with Worship
Music as Craft of Gospel
Theology of Worship
Rest in the Goodness of Our Sovereign God
Verses 8:26-27 talks about our weakness. In what ways do you struggle when you are going through trial and difficulty? Does it encourage you to know that the Spirit is praying on your behalf in these times? How so?
Romans 8:28 is often misunderstood. In what ways do you see it misused? In the context (see 8:29) what is the “good” to which God is working all things in the Christian’s life? Can you give one example of how you have seen God grow you in Christian maturity through a particular trial or hardship?
Romans 8:29-30 teaches that God is sovereign in saving some and not others. Is this a new teaching for you? Do you struggle to understand or embrace it? If you do embrace it (or if you did), in what ways would it provide comfort and assurance for you?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Expecting Eternity
What things in this life are you most looking forward to? What things do Romans 8:18-25 encourage us to look forward to?
Romans 8:18-25 talks about the redemption of creation. Does this change the way you think about this present creation, or yourself?
Do you sometimes doubt that Jesus will return? Which things can give you confidence you have a certain hope?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Spiritual Life of the Heirs
Have you ever owed anything to anybody? Have they been “good debts” or “bad debts”? Discuss.
How is “debt of gratitude” in Christ different from every other debt?
How does your “Sonship” status help you through struggles and suffering??
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
What Difference Does Life in the Spirit Make?
In this passage, Paul highlights the ministry of the Spirit. Do you think you focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit enough? If not, why?
In this passage, what new did you learn about the difference the Holy Spirit makes in your life or what was the most important reminder about his ministry?
What do you think it practically looks like to depend on the Holy Spirit to lead us in fighting and overcoming sin?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Living Against Remaining Sin
If sin is our terminal spiritual ailment, what can we hope out of this life? What is the significance? What is the point?
Do you wrestle and struggle to gain victory over against sin? What is the meaning of “dynamic duality”? Share about some success stories.
What of the life in Christ do you actively pursue? How does this pursuit contribute to your sense of purpose and God’s glory?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Serve in the New Way
Is the law sin (7)? If not, why does the law still lead us to sin (5, 8)? What are some of sins that you are struggling with?
Why do we need to be released from the law (5-11)? How do we get released from the law (4)? Have you been released from it?
Does the Moral Law still apply to Christians (6)? How does ‘Spirit-led obedience’ look like? How are you doing with following Jesus?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Free Indeed
What are some things in your life that Christ has freed you from?
How is being a slave to righteousness different to being a slave to sin?
Why should sanctification be a hopeful process and not a fearful one?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Does Grace Lead to Sin?
In what ways do you find yourself and others using grace as an excuse to sin?
How is Paul’s answer that our union with Christ leads us to a righteous life different and deeper than other answers as to why grace does not lead us to sin?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
The Last Adam
Is there a mistake(s) you want to “do over” if you could? Would you care to share?
What does new life in Jesus mean for all your sins, mistakes, short-comings and failures?
How can God’s grace apply in this life to shape the way you live?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Rejoice in the Unshakeable Hope You Have in Christ
In Romans 5:1-2 we see the present blessings we have because we are justified in Christ. How can regularly focusing on these blessings help us to put to death grumbling, discontentment and despair?
In Romans 5:3-4 we are called to rejoice in our trials because of the good things God does as we persevere through them. In hindsight, can you give examples of how suffering/trial in your life has been used of God to grow your Christian character and your hope in the gospel?
In Romans 5:5-11, Paul speaks of the deep love of each member of the godhead for those united to Christ by faith. Which of these blessings most encourages you at this point in your life and why?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Faith Counts
Do you struggle with the “invisible nature of faith”? What or when were some difficult times regarding faith in Jesus?
Can you recall some times when you “exercised faith” and grew stronger? Please share.
What is the ultimate benefit of faith? According to [vv.23- 25] what is “counted” towards us in faith?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
The Gospel According to Abraham
What was the dominant Jewish theology of the day in regards to faith and works with respect to salvation? (3:27) How was Abraham justified before God? (4:3-5) What was the content of Abraham’s faith based on Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 15:1-6?
Was Abraham justified by faith before receiving the sign of circumcision or after it? (4:10) Since his faith preceded the sign, how did this change the mindset of the Jews’ religious superiority based on circumcision? (3:29-30; 4:9-10) What was the meaning of the circumcision? (4:11) What is the new covenant sign that replaced circumcision? (Col 2:11-12) Do any of these signs save anyone?
Since we are not saved by the works of the law, why is Paul teaching to uphold the law? (3:31) What part of Mosaic law is still applied to Christians?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
Receive God’s Gift of Righteousness
How should the truth of verse 21 impact how we read our Bibles? What happens when we focus more on the commands in the Bible instead of the gospel promised in the Bible?
In this text we see that justification by faith involves two aspects: (1) forgiveness and (2) the gift of righteousness. What happens if we only hold to the forgiveness part?
In verse 22-23 we are reminded that righteousness is found in Christ alone, which we receive by faith. In what/ whom are you tempted to try and nd righteousness other than Christ?
What is the most helpful thing to you in this text or the sermon on the text?
God’s Plan through Our Hands
How did God speak to your heart through this passage of Scripture? What did you learn? How were you convicted or encouraged?
How should a local church respond to the reality that God’s people have inherited the role of the Servant? What might it look like for us to live more and more as a “missional community” — not only a community that sends missionaries, but a community that is itself being sent into the world on God’s mission?
How do you sense God calling you to respond personally to the reality that we have inherited the Servant’s mission? What role does he want you to play?