On Sunday, August 23, 2015 I preached a message at Wildwood Community Church based on Romans 1:8-17. This message was part 2 of the “Good News” series. To further our interaction and application of this passage, there are questions below for group discussion or personal reflection.
Questions:
- Read Romans 1:8-17
- Has there ever been a time that you acted in a way that appeared to be “ashamed” of the Gospel?
- Given what you know about Paul’s life and ministry, does it surprise you that he was “eager” to go to Rome to preach the Gospel (1:15)? Why or why not?
- Throughout these verses, Paul indicates that a major reason for his interest in sharing the good news of Jesus in Rome is because he believed that ALL people are in need of the Gospel. It is easy for us to lose sight of the fact that all the people in our world need Jesus. Who are some people in your life that God is prompting you to share the Good News of Jesus with?
- In what sense are we “under obligation” (1:14) to share the Gospel with those who do not know Jesus?
- The righteousness people need to obtain salvation is a righteousness that is totally beyond human ability. It is “righteousness from God.” For this righteousness to be credited to our account, the power of God must be manifest. Many times we believe that our sin is too great for God to forgive . . . as if something we did was more powerful than God Himself! Salvation is a product of God’s omnipotent power. In what way does this truth encourage you to trust Christ for your salvation?
- Humans are saved NOT by earning salvation but by faith in Jesus Christ. In what way does this make Christianity unique from other world religions?
- In the message, an alternative paraphrase of Romans 1:17 was offered, “the one who is made righteous by faith lives.” Has there been a time in your life when you have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins? If so, when? If not, what is keeping you from trusting Him and experiencing the life offered in Christ?
- What stood out to you most about this message?
To access the entire Good News study, click here.
