Study Guide
Romans Part 22
As bold and ambitious as the apostle Paul was, he was a man who knew the value of collaboration and teamwork. Listen in as Pastor Markus Witherspoon encourages us to thank the people who helped us along the way and help others along their journey of following Jesus.
In this message, you will be encouraged and challenged to:
- Value and appreciate people who have "packed our parachute" in life
- Take steps of obedience in our gospel calling
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
- If you were stranded on a deserted island, which three people would you want with you?
- Is there a person whose faith deeply impacted your own? What did they do that made a difference?
Read Romans 16:1-16 (NIV)
The Gospel invites all people to participate.
As Paul concluded his letter to the believers in Rome, he took time to acknowledge and commend specific individuals within the Body of Christ for their important contributions to the gospel. From Phoebe, a respected deacon of the church in Cenchreae (vs.1-2), to Priscilla and Aquila, a devoted couple who risked their lives for Paul and the Gentile churches (vs.3-4), Paul highlighted their unique helpfulness to the cause of Christ. Paul also expressed deep gratitude for the faithful service and companionship of many others—those gathering in house churches, fellow prisoners for their faith, ministry partners, and close friends united through the Gospel (verses 5–16).
As we reflect on this passage, it's clear from Paul's examples that we are at our best as a church when we serve together—men and women, married and single, young and old. Every background, every story. Each of us contributes uniquely to the ministry of Jesus, both in our local church and around the world. At Newbreak, we are committed to co-laboring side by side for the gospel. Every man and woman has an important role to play in furthering God’s Kingdom on earth. When we partner together in ministry, we reflect God’s design from the very beginning, like in Eden, working together in unity and purpose.
Discussion Questions
- Of all the names and stories listed in the passage above, which one intrigues you the most?
- In verse 8, Paul refers to Ampliatus as his ‘dear friend in the Lord.’ Who is someone you consider a ‘dear friend in the Lord,’ and how has your friendship grown or deepened because of your relationship with Jesus?
- How can our group better partner together in ministry, like those Paul mentions (vs.5)? What’s one step we can take this month?
Read Romans 16:17-27 (NIV)
Be obedient to the Gospel calling over your life.
The term “obedience” is one of the famous words of the Bible and one of the most important practices of our faith. Why is it then that many of us often struggle with the idea of obedience? I (Pastor Markus) see five common obstacles to obedience: fear of the unknown, desire for control, doubt and uncertainty, competing priorities, and fear of rejection or criticism.
Have you felt those obstacles or oppositions in your own walk with Christ?
I know I have. So, how do we persevere through every obstacle we face? The answer is the melody of everything that we have read in Romans so far: faithful obedience to the ever-present, never- changing, all-powerful God of the Universe.
As we come to the close of Paul’s letter in Romans 16:17-27, Paul offers a heartfelt warning and encouragement to the church. He urges us to be vigilant against those who cause division and teach anything contrary to the gospel we have received, reminding us to keep away from such voices, because their motives are self-serving and deceptive (vs. 17-18).
Paul commends the church for their “well-known obedience,” but he also challenges us to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil, trusting that the God of peace will ultimately defeat the enemy under our feet (vs. 19-20). Paul then shares further greetings from his ministry partners, reminding us that we are part of a larger family of believers (vs. 21-23).
Paul closes with a powerful doxology, celebrating God’s ability to strengthen us through the gospel and the message of Jesus Christ—a mystery once hidden but now revealed to all nations so that everyone might respond in faithful obedience (vs. 25-26). He directs all glory to the only wise God, reminding us that our faith, unity, diversity, and obedience are to be grounded in God’s eternal plan and grace (vs. 27).
As we reflect on these words, let’s stay anchored in the truth of the gospel, live wisely, and give God the glory in all things.
Discussion Questions
- Paul praises the church’s obedience but encourages believers to be “wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil” (vs. 19). What does trying to be wise and innocent look like in your daily life? What challenges do you face with this?
- In Romans 16:20, Paul promises that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” How does this assurance shape the way you face spiritual opposition or discouragement in your walk with Christ?
- Paul’s closing words focus on God’s power to establish us through the gospel and reveal His mystery to all nations (vs. 25 26). How have you experienced God strengthening your faith through our time in Romans, and how does that impact your sense of purpose?
- In Romans 16:27, Paul directs all glory “to the only wise God through Jesus Christ.” What are some practical ways we can give God glory in our everyday lives, both as individuals and as a church community?
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!