Category: Romans - First Baptist Church Elma

5/26/2019

Forever (Romans 16:1-27)

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Forever
Romans 16:1-27

I. Intro
Big Idea: Our sacrifice for one another reveals the lasting benefits of fellowship with God. Hebrews 4:12

II. Remember
A. Some lists point to what matters most. Romans 16:1-2
B. The way down is the way up. Matthew 10:39; Romans 16:3-5; Acts 18-19

III. Greetings
A. Paul wanted the Romans to trust the people he loved. Mark 15:21; Romans 16:6-15
B. We treat people the way we think God treats us. Romans 16:6

IV. Divisions
A. Trust comes from right thinking about Christ. Matthew 13:34-40; Romans 16:16-18
B. We need to exercise our faith. Romans 16:19-20

V. Able to Establish
A. Make someone’s list. Romans 16:21-23
B. It’s not about us! Romans 16:25-27

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s something you would have a hard time giving up?
What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
If you made a list of people who’ve had an impact on your faith, who’s someone you would make sure to include? Why?
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:8. Why is it important for Christians to share their lives with one another?
Why is right thinking about Christ so important for our fellowship with one another?
What’s a way brothers and sisters in Christ have challenged you to exercise your faith?
What’s a way our community in east Grays Harbor is divided? How can our church interact differently?
Who’s someone you can influence for Christ? What’s a specific way you can do that? Pray for one another.

5/19/2019

Determined (Romans 15:14-33)

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Determined
Romans 15:14-33

I. Intro
Big Idea: The gospel never fails!

II. Convinced
A. Arrogance is unconvincing. Romans 15:14
B. God’s mercy empowers genuine ministry. Romans 15:15-16; Hebrews 10:10

III. Ambition
A. The gospel accomplishes miracles. Romans 15:17-19
B. Be ambitious for the glory of Christ. Acts 28:30-31; Romans 15:20-22

IV. Longing
A. Paul’s longings were relational in Christ. Acts 1:8; Romans 15:23-24
B. We have blessings to share them. Romans 15:25-29

V. Praying
A. Genuine faith generates prayer. Romans 15:30-32
B. Receiving the gospel leads to peace. Romans 8:33

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What was one of the best trips you’ve ever taken? What made it special?
What was something from Sunday’s message you found meaningful, challenging, or confusing?
What’s a way, or ways, looking forward to vacation or retirement can be harmful?
How do you think Paul found rest?
How can taking a step of faith bring peace and joy? Any examples?
Why do you think Paul asked the Roman Christians to pray for him?
What’s a way our concern for each other is a witness to the world?
What’s a specific way you can respond to Romans 15:14-33? Pray for one another.

5/12/2019

United (Romans 14:13-15:13)

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United
Romans 14:13-15:13
I. Intro
Big Idea: Loving one another leads to true joy and peace.

II. Acting in Love
A. Mature disciples consider the consciences of others. Romans 14:13-15
B. Experiencing God’s kingdom requires inner unity. Romans 14:16-18

III. Every Effort
A. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. Romans 14:19-20; 1 Corinthians 8:1
B. We need each other to grow in Christ. Romans 14:22-23

IV. Hope
A. We must bear each other’s burdens. Romans 15:1-4
B. Building one another up creates unity. Romans 15:5-6

V. Rejoice
A. God has a plan. Romans 15:7-9
B. Our unity increases praise to God. Romans 15:10-13

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s something you’re thankful for today?
What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
What’s something about the Christian life or Christian doctrine that took you awhile to learn?
How has the body of Christ help you to change or grow in your faith?
Why do Christians sometimes put stumbling blocks in each other’s way? Any examples?
What’s the difference between bearing with people and helping them to bear their burden?
How can building one another up cause people outside the church to worship Christ?
What’s a practical way you can respond to Romans 14:13-15:13? Pray for one another.

5/5/2019

Free (Romans 14:1-12)

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Free
Romans 14:1-12

I. Intro
Big Idea: Our acceptance of one another demonstrates the gospel.

II. True Tolerance
A. We’re to do everything because of God’s mercy. Romans 12:1; 14:1-3
B. We have one Lord. Romans 14:4

III. Consider
A. Conviction is good. Romans 14:5
B. Passion for the gospel matters most. Romans 14:6

IV. Not Alone
A. Our lives are interwoven. Romans 14:7-8
B. Unity is possible – because of Christ! Romans 14:9

V. Accountable
A. Humility toward others exalts God. John 17:20-21; Romans 14:10-11
B. We must give an account of ourselves. Romans 14:12

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s a strong opinion you used to have that you don’t have any more?
If you had to give a shortened version of Sunday’s message what would you make sure to focus on?
What’s something about Christianity (besides the gospel, or fellowship) you value?
Why do you think people tend to major on the minors?
Read Romans 12:1-2. How can the truth in these verses help us to live in Christ-centered unity, instead of focusing on peripheral issues?
In what ways does unity communicate the gospel to a lost world?
What’s a specific way you need to respond to Romans 14:1-12? Pray for one another.

4/28/2019

Indebted (Romans 13:8-14)

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Indebted
Romans 13:8-14

I. Intro
Big Idea: Because of Christ’s mercy, we owe everyone a debt of love.

II. Fulfilled
A. We’re to exhibit love in all relationships. Romans 13:7-8
B. Love exceeds the law. Romans 13:8

III. One Command
A. Christ’s commands involve our whole self. Romans 13:9
B. We can obey Christ’s royal law. Romans 13:10; James 2:8; 1 John 1:5-7

IV. Wake Up
A. Christ causes us to wake up! Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:13-15
B. Our time is short. Romans 8:1; 13:11

V. Clothed
A. We have a choice about how we dress. Romans 13:12-13
B. We must put aside destructive patterns, and put on Christ. Romans 13:14

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s one of your favorite articles of clothing?
What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
Do you think we live in a forgiving society? Why or why not?
How do American Christians take Christ’s calling to follow Him to lightly?
How can living knowing “our salvation is near” change the way we live?
What’s something Jesus has helped you “put aside”?
How do we clothe ourselves in Christ?
What’s something – an attitude or action – you need to put on to better reflect Christ? Pray for one another.

4/14/2019

Fearless (Romans 13:1-7)

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Fearless
Romans 13:1-7

I. Intro
Big Idea: Perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18

II. Established
A. God is in control. Romans 13:1
B. God uses governments for His purposes. Romans 13:2

III. Authority
A. Submission makes an impression. Daniel 3:1-30; Romans 13:3
B. Authorities cause us to esteem grace. Romans 13:4

IV. Submit
A. Submission makes us holy. Romans 13:5
B. Submission demonstrates trust in Christ. Isaiah 53:7; Romans 13:6

V. Give
A. Much is asked. Luke 12:48; Romans 13:7
B. Service reflects the gospel. Matthew 6:33

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s something you’d like to see change in our nation?
What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
How does our government benefit the spread of the gospel?
What’s the difference between submission (or compliance) and obedience?
How does submission to our government demonstrate our trust in God?
Why is prayer for our country or community better than complaining about them?
What’s a way we can serve our local government, law enforcement, or schools?
What’s a specific way you can apply Romans 13:1-7? Pray for one another.

4/7/2019

Sincere (Romans 12:9-21)

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Sincere
Romans 12:9-21

I. Intro
Big Idea: We can overcome evil because Christ is good.

II. Sincere
A. God transforms passions. Romans 12:9-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17
B. Welcome strangers. Genesis 12:1-3; Romans 12:12-13

III. Associate
A. Isolation doesn’t lead to holiness. Romans 12:14-15
B. Jesus decided to associate with you. Romans 12:16

IV. Be Careful
A. Peace is possible. Jeremiah 6:14; Romans 8:1; 12:17-18
B. Trust the Judge. Romans 12:19

V. Contrary
A. Retaliate with grace. Romans 12:20
B. Be an overcomer. Jeremiah 29:7; Romans 12:21

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s something you enjoy about spring?
What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
Why do you think Paul spent the first eleven chapters of Romans (which is mostly about theology) preparing us for the last four chapters (which is mostly about how to live out our faith)?
What are some benefits you’ve experienced from Christian friendships?
What are ways people isolate themselves?
What helps you experience God’s peace amid trials?
How can showing grace to people change their lives? Any examples?
Who’s someone you’d like to see experience God’s mercy? Pray for them and one another.

3/31/2019

Sacrifice (Romans 12:1-8)

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Sacrifice
Romans 12:1-8

I. Intro
Big Idea: We find Christ amid sacrificial service.

II. Living Dead
A. God’s mercy motivates. Romans 12:1a
B. God is all-consuming. Romans 12:1b; Hebrews 12:28-29

III. Pleasing
A. The world’s pattern is self-consuming. John 10:10; Romans 12:2a; 1 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-3
B. God’s will isn’t a mystery. Romans 12:2b

IV. Belong
A. Be Christ-centered. Romans 12:3
B. Every believer has a gift. Romans 12:4-5

V. Believe
A. Our gifts are a gift. Romans 12:6
B. Use your gift. Romans 12:7-8

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s something you’re picky about?
What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
How does Capitalism affect churches in America?
How does the truth that God desires to consume us make you feel?
How has God’s will, as revealed in the Bible, conflicted with your will lately?
Why does God give each believer a spiritual gift?
What do you think your spiritual gift might be? How did you discover it?
How has using your gift helped you grow closer to Christ?
How can you respond to Romans 12:1-8? Pray for one another.