Study Guide
Romans Part 21
This Memorial Day Weekend, 100 Newbreakers are down in Mexico building 5 homes for families who do not have one yet. Listen in as Newbreak Church Scripps Ranch Campus Pastor Jared Johnson encourages us to make Christ known locally and globally!
In this message, you will be challenged and encouraged to:
- Make our whole lives about making Christ known.
- Pray, give, and go in participating in the gospel.
Newbreak’s Sermon Study Guide is an in-house resource that serves sermon-based Life Groups and/or individuals who want to reflect further on how the message contributes to their spiritual formation.
Icebreakers for Life Groups
- What cancelled TV show would you like to see get one more season?
- Can you think of a time when God used you, whether at home, work, church, or elsewhere, to make a difference in someone else's life?
Read Romans 15:1-14 (CSB)
How I love others reveals my love for God.
In the passage above, Paul prays for and instructs the church on the need to be unified (vs.5-6). There is nothing more destructive to the cause of Christ in this world as a disunified church. In order to attain unity, Paul encourages us to work towards becoming a more welcoming community (vs.7). The word “welcome” means to accept or receive someone; to take one aside with special concern. Paul tells us what this should look like by stating that we should welcome people, “just as Christ also welcomed you. ” In these few verses, Paul reminds us that just as God freely welcomed us into the family, we are to do the same for others.
To welcome someone as Christ would, is to accept them as they are and not as they are supposed to be. It’s to love them unconditionally, to value them, to see them, and to take special care of them. When people come to our community, we want them to feel appreciated, valued, and seen as if Jesus were standing at the front door of our sanctuary and welcoming them in. When we treat others with this type of dignity and respect, it brings God great glory (vs.7c).
When we love others well, and serve them as Christ would (vs.8), we make Christ known in life-changing ways.
Discussion Questions
- In verses 9–12, Paul quotes several Old Testament passages to show that God’s plan always included the Gentiles. As you reflect on how long it took for this promise to be fulfilled, what stands out to you about God’s faithfulness? How does this encourage your faith today?
- If a secret shopper came to your Life Group, would they say that you are a “welcoming” group? Why or why not?
- Paul highlights hope in verses 4 and 13, connecting it to the encouragement of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit. How has The Holy Spirit and God’s Word given you hope in difficult times? How can we help each other abound in hope as we grow together?
Read Romans 15:14-21 (CSB)
Live to make Christ known in everything I say and do.
In Romans 15:14-21, Paul affirms the believers in Rome and highlights a few of their strengths. Paul expresses his confidence that they are full of goodness, possess a deep knowledge of God, and are able to teach and encourage one another. Even though he has written to them boldly and sometimes pointedly, his purpose is not to criticize but to remind them of the truths they already know and to encourage them to keep growing in their faith (vs.14-15). Paul recognizes the spiritual maturity of the Roman believers and wants them to realize that they have what they need to support and build each other up in Christ.
Paul then explains his own mission and calling: God has given him the special responsibility of sharing the gospel with people who have never heard about Jesus, especially among the Gentiles (vs.16). He is proud, not of his own achievements, but of what Christ has accomplished through him—bringing many people to faith and obedience by the power of the Holy Spirit, often accompanied by miracles. In our words and our actions, we are to be “carriers of Good News”(vs.17)! Success in this world is often attributed to what we have accomplished but success in the Kingdom of God is based on all that Christ has accomplished! When we experience the goodness of God, it inevitably impacts how we live, love, and serve God and others.
Paul’s passion is to preach where Christ is not yet known, so that those who have never heard will come to understand and believe (vs.20-21). For us today, this passage encourages us to use the knowledge and gifts God has given us to strengthen one another and to remember that we, too, are called to share the good news with those who have not yet heard. Where has God sent you? Wherever it is, it’s God’s divine plan.
Discussion Questions
- In verse 14, Paul expresses confidence in the Roman believers’ goodness and ability to instruct one another. How have you seen these qualities in the Church or in your own life? What does it look like to encourage and teach each other in practical ways?
- In verses 16-17, Paul describes his calling to serve the Gentiles and present them as an offering to God. How do you view your own role in God’s mission? What might it look like for you to serve or reach out to those who don’t yet know Jesus?
- Paul emphasizes in verses 18-19 that it is Christ working through hi by word, deed, and the power of the Holy Spirit—that brings people to faith. How have you experienced God working through you or others? What helps you rely more on God’s power rather than your own abilities?
When in Romans
In the middle of the first century, in the heart of the Roman empire was a group of house churches that believed that Jesus of Nazareth, crucified and risen from the dead, was the true Lord of the world! The Romans had to be some of the bravest, most tested Christ-followers as they were heavily persecuted by the rulers of the day. Therefore, Paul writes a letter to them, expressing what he wishes he could say in person to them. The contents of this letter are so revolutionary that for 2,000 years churches all around the globe read it, reflect on it, and apply these truths to their lives. Join us as we venture through Romans and see how the gospel's message gives us a new identity and a new way to live!