Obedience and Authority (Romans 13:1-7)
Romans 13:1-7
Theme: Obey those in authority over you.
Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:1
Discussion Points:
- God places people in authority over us for our protection.
- Sometimes we do not understand decisions those in authority make.
- Sometimes we do not like what those in authority do.
- Our job is to be responsive, respectful, and obedient to those in authority.
- The only thing we can control is ourselves.
- Always do what is right.
Love the Lord, Hate Evil (Romans 12:9-21)
Romans 12:9-21
Theme: Passionately serve the Lord.
Memory Verse: Romans 12:21
Discussion Points:
- God wants us to be consistent in our service to him.
- We are to love what is right and hate what is evil.
- Life isn’t about us. Don’t be so consumed with what I feel is right.
- Trust in God to do what is right.
- Be careful not to be overcome with evil.
All to Jesus I surrender (Romans 12:4-8)
Romans 12:4-8
Theme: We love God by serving others.
Memory Verse: Romans 12:4
Discussion Points:
- God has given each of us talents and gifts.
- We are to use what God has given us for His glory.
- What has God gifted me with?
- What do I have to offer others?
- What is my role in the church? How can I contribute to Hobbs Island Church? How can I serve God’s mission here at Hobbs Island Church?
By the Mercy of God, Be Renewed (Romans 12:1-3)
Romans 12:1-3
Theme: We must train ourselves to think and act like Christ
Memory Verse: Romans 12:2
Discussion Points:
- The word “therefore” connects this chapter with the preceding 11 chapters. Because of God’s mercy, Paul is urging us to be transformed into the likeness of God.
- How do we grow in likeness to God? We worship God. Christian growth begins in worship.
- God does not want us to be like the world. What does God want us to be conformed to? Romans 8:29
- God has given us the Bible to fill our eyes, our ears, and our hearts so that we can better serve Him.
- Mark 7:15
History (Romans 11:1-36)
Romans 11:1-6
Theme: Salvation is about a relationship with Christ, not a relationship with the church.
Memory Verse: Romans 11:36
Discussion Points:
- God is faithful and his faithfulness never ends.
- We can believe God’s promises because God has proven Himself to be faithful.
- Not everyone will be saved. There are those that won’t believe no matter the evidence.
- Hell is a real place and there are consequences for sin.
- God loves us and offers us grace though we do not deserve it.
How Will They Know? (Romans 10:9-21)
Romans 10:9-13
Theme: Whoever receives Jesus receives salvation through Christ.
Memory Verse: Romans 10:13
Discussion Points:
- God hears us when we call to Him.
- God responds to us.
- Whoever asks God for forgiveness receives it.
- We must confess ourselves as sinners and ask Jesus to forgive us.
- Once we receive salvation through Christ, we are to tell others what we did.
Salvation of Israel (Romans 9:6-10:4)
Romans 10:1-4 NLT
Theme: Believing in Jesus is the only way to be right with God.
Memory Verse: Romans 10:4
Discussion Points:
- Paul prayed for everyone he knew to be saved and we should too.
- Some people think they can save themselves. God says they cannot.
- The Old Testament law was useful to show us how much we needed a Savior.
- Jesus fulfilled ALL of the law.
- The only way to be saved is to trust that Jesus is who he says he is and he will keep his promises.
Grieving for the Lost (Romans 8:35-9:7)
Romans 8:38-39
Theme: Nothing can make God not love us.
Memory Verse: Romans 8:38-39
Discussion Points:
- God loves us more than we can possibly imagine.
- There is no problem in our life too big or too small for God. He cares about everything in our life.
- Nothing can separate us from God (not even ourselves).
- Our understanding of God’s love for us causes us to want to share with others about His loves so they can enjoy it too.
- Pray for one friend that you have in your life that needs to know the love of Jesus.
Predestined for Good (Romans 8:26-39)
Romans 8:31-39
Theme: God knows what is best for us and we can trust in Him.
Memory Verse: Romans 8:31
Discussion Points:
- God knows what is best for us.
- God desires to give us His best.
- God’s best does not always match what we think is best.
- We must trust in God despite our circumstances.
- Nothing can separate us from God. We are secure and safe in His hands because He loves us so much.
Transformed by God (Romans 8:15-25)
Romans 8:12-18
Theme: We don’t have to live in sin. Christ will cause us to have to make difficult decisions.
Memory Verse: Romans 8:18
Discussion Points:
- We have a choice to do right or to do wrong.
- Sin causes us to want to do what we want to do.
- Life with Christ causes us to want to do what God wants us to do.
- Sometimes doing the right thing causes difficulties for us (temporarily).
- Others won’t always like us if we do the right things.