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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
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
Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 I. Intro Big Idea: The resurrection proves God loves us. 1 John 4:8 II. To Remind A. We get love wrong. 1 Corinthians 15:1 B. God’s love saves. 1 Corinthians 15:2 III. First Importance A. God’s love was planned. Psalm 22:14-16; Isaiah 53:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3 B. God’s love changes everything. Psalm 16:9-11; Matthew 12:40; 1 Corinthians 15:4 IV. He Appeared A. God’s love was witnessed. Mark 3:21; John 19:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 B. God’s love is underserved. 1 Corinthians 15:8-9 V. Grace A. God’s love moves us. 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 John 4:19. B. God’s love must be trusted. 1 Corinthians 15:11 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
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Gospel Part 1 Romans 10:1-15 I. Intro Big Idea: We must confess Christ as Savior from the heart. Matthew 7:21-23. II. Culmination A. We must be perfect. Matthew 5:48; Romans 10:1-3 B. We over estimate ourselves and under estimate God. John 17:3; Romans 10:4 III. Near A. Jesus accomplished our salvation. John 19:30; Romans 10:5-7; Hebrews 10:10 B. Be still. Psalm 46:10; Romans 10:8-9; Philippians 2:6-8 IV. No Difference A. Anyone can be delivered from shame. Romans 10:10-11 B. Know perfect love. Joel 2:32; Romans 10:12-13; 1 John 4:18 V. Beautiful Feet A. Some have not heard. Romans 10:14 B. Bring good news. Romans 10:15 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
The Gospel Part 2 Romans 10:16-21 I. Intro Big Idea: Shine in dark times by holding firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:15-16 II. Hearing A. God’s ways are not our ways. Isaiah 53:5; 55:8; Romans 10:16 B. Lean into the gospel. Romans 10:17 III. Understanding A. Everyone hears God’s Word. Psalm 19:1-4; Matthew 10:16; Romans 1:20,10:18 B. Our response to the Word reveals our hearts. Romans 5:8; 10:19 IV. Boldly A. We gather to go out in grace. Romans 10:20 B. It’s not about the results. Romans 9:6; Isaiah 6:1-10 V. Proclaiming A. God continually calls His people. Romans 10:21 B. Proclaim the message of the war already won. The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Faithful Romans 11:1-24 I. Intro Big Idea: God is faithful. II. Remnant A. Faith is a lonely proposition. Romans 11:1-3 B. By grace we’re not alone. Romans 11:4-6 III. Table A. Misplaced desire makes us miss what we need. Romans 11:7-8 B. God sets a better table. Romans 11:9-10 IV. Riches A. Stumbling upends pride. Romans 11:11-12 B. Humility quickens hope. Romans 11:13-16 V. Tremble A. Don’t wait to repent. Romans 11:17-22 B. God restores. Romans 11:23-24 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Mystery Romans 11:25-36 I. Intro Big Idea: God is merciful. Isaiah 40:22; Romans 7:21-25, 8:1 II. Saved A. God wants us to understand His plan. Romans 11:25; 2 Peter 3:8 B. God is looking for humility. Romans 11:26-27 III. Irrevocable A. God loves His enemies. Matthew 5:22; Romans 5:10, 11:28; 1 John 3:15 B. The gift of eternal life is eternal. Romans 11:29 IV. Bound A. Failure isn’t the end of the story. Romans 11:30-31 B. God offers an opportunity for us to receive mercy. Romans 11:32 V. Unsearchable A. God doesn’t need anything from us. Romans 11:33-35 B. Live in awe of God. Romans 11:36; Philippians 4:8-9 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
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
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Glory Romans 8:18-27 I. Intro Big Idea: In our groaning we can have hope. II. Expectation A. Struggle often brings God’s glory to light. 2 Chronicles 7:3; Romans 8:18 B. You’re more influential than you realize. Romans 5:12; 8:19 III. Frustration A. This is not the end of the story. Romans 8:20-21 B. At the cross Christ saw our glorification. Romans 8:22-23, 29; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 3:2 IV. Hope A. God will fulfill what He has promised. Romans 8:24 B. Hope empowers endurance. Romans 7;24-25, 8:25 V. Intercession A. Prayer causes us to carry Christ’s light burden. Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:26 B. The Spirit always interacts with the Father on our behalf. Romans 8:27 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Everlasting Love Romans 8:28-39 I. Intro Big Idea: You’re loved in Christ. II. Called A. We can love because God first loved us. Romans 8:28; 1 John 4:19 B. We think we know better than God. John 3:18; 15:16; Romans 8:29-30 III. All Things A. God is not going anywhere. Romans 8:31-32 B. Instead of condemning us, the Judge prays for us. Romans 8:33-34; 1 Corinthians 4:2-4 IV. Hardships A. Our connection with God is based on Christ’s faithfulness. Romans 8:35-36 B. In Christ both pride and shame are out of place. Romans 8:37; Galatians 2:20-21 V. Convinced A. Be convinced that God has loved you. Romans 8:38-39 B. Keep moving forward in faith. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Reckoned Romans 9:1-24 I. Intro Big Idea: God is working out His plan. Psalm 1:1-3 II. Conscience A. Grace leads to brokenness. Romans 9:1-3 B. Pedigree doesn’t deliver. Romans 9:4-5 III. Unfailing A. Salvation is undeserved. Luke 14:26; Romans 9:6-13 B. Grace reveals God’s essence. Exodus 33:18-19; Romans 9:14-15 IV. The Potter A. We’re jars of clay. Romans 9:16-21; 2 Corinthians 4:7 B. God’s future mercy can shape us now. Romans 9:22-24 V. Respond A. Relax in God’s hand. B. Be bold because God justifies. The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
The Race Romans 9:25-33 I. Intro Big Idea: We either stumble over Christ, or He becomes the Rock on which we stand. II. His People A. Paul wrote Romans to provide reassurance. Romans 9:23-25 B. God placed us where we are for a reason. Romans 9:26; Acts 17:26-27 III. Remnant A. Opinions won’t save us. Matthew 7:13-14; Acts 9:27, 17:28 B. Don’t take God’s grace for granted. Romans 1:18; 9:28-29; 1 Timothy 2:4 IV. Pursue A. We can pursue righteousness. Acts 9:30; 2 Timothy 2:25 B. If we run our own race, we’ll miss the prize. Matthew 21:42; Acts 9:31-32. V. No Shame A. Stumbling isn’t always bad. Psalm 118:13; Romans 9:33 B. Christ will lift you up. Psalm 40:2, 9-10; Romans 9:33 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
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Slaves Romans 6:15-23 I. Intro A. Big Idea: We are either slaves to sin, or captivated by God’s liberating grace. Hebrews 12:2 II. Obligations A. Grace doesn’t set us free to sin. Genesis 4:7; Exodus 34:7; Psalm; 11:5; Romans 6:15;14:23 B. Grace makes us obedient. Romans 6:16 III. Claimed A. The heart develops devotional patterns. Romans 6:17; Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter3:18 B. Grace removes our chains. Romans 6:18 IV. Ashamed A. We can stack success in Christ. Romans 6:19 B. Everyone’s susceptible to the insanity of sin. Romans 6:20-21; Hebrews 12:1 V. The Gift. A. Obedience means taking part in eternity. Romans 6:22 B. We can reflect the gospel. Romans 6:23 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Marriage Romans 7:1-6 I. Intro Big Idea: Joining our lives to Christ means we live when we die. II. The Law A. We all live under God’s revealed truth. Romans 7:1 B. The Law doesn’t die, we must die. Romans 7:2 III. Another Man A. We’re all adulterers. Romans 7:3a B. We all need to remarry. Romans 7:3b IV. Fruit A. Marriage is a work of trust. Romans 7:4 B. We settle for shallow relationships. Romans 7:5 V. Released A. Renew your vows. Song of Songs 6:3; Romans 7:6 B. Reflect the better marriage. John 15:5 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
The Struggle Romans 7:7-25 I. Intro Big Idea: We’re either waging a war we can’t win, or living out a victory already achieved. II. Seized A. The Law made Paul conscious of his sin. Romans 7:7-8 B. We all have two selves. Romans 7:9-13; James 2:10 III. Agreed A. We have a sin nature. Romans 7:14-17; 1John 1:8 B. Paul is honest. Isaiah 64:6; Romans 7:18-20 IV. Wretched A. You’re the biggest problem. Romans 7:21-23 B. We’re jars of clay. Romans 7:24; 2 Corinthians 4:7-16 V. Delivered A. Give thanks. John 3:19-21; Romans 7:25 B. There’s hope! Romans 7:25 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Adoption
Romans 8:1-17 I. Intro Big Idea: We are either controlled by our flesh or lead by the Father who loves us. II. No Condemnation A. You’re included because of Christ’s performance. Romans 8:1-2; James 1:17 B. Righteousness comes only in Christ. Romans 8:3-4 III. Mindset A. Mindset makes the difference. Romans 7:19; 8:5 B. Paul isn’t offering good advice, but good news. Romans 8:6-7 IV. Realms A. Trust transfers us in Christ from death to life. Romans 8:9-11; Hebrew 10:14 B. Our commitment frees us. Romans 8:12-13 V. Adoption A. Fear not. Romans 8:14-16 B. Joining lives is costly, and good. Romans 8:17 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
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Prophecy Luke 1:26-38
The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Bethlehem Micah 5:2-5; Luke 2:1-7
I encourage you, if you’ve never done it before, to try to memorize the Christmas story found in Luke 2:1-20. The best way to do this, firstly, is to not get nervous. Then, don’t try to memorize it word for word – but focus on remembering the story. Read it once out loud. Then try to retell it out loud without looking. If you miss a part, who cares. Then read it again, considering the parts you forgot. Then try to recall it from memory again. If you read and recite it three times a day in one sitting (actually, standing or walking works best) – before you know it, you’ll discover details you never noticed or considered before. And eventually, you’ll have the story, or more importantly, it will have you. Shepherds Luke 2:8-15
Angels Luke 2:8-15
Imitating Christ Phil. 2;1-11,,,12-30-18
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Promised Romans 4:13-25 I. Intro Big Idea: Justification empowers personal faith that overcomes. II. Received A. God’s promises must be received by faith. Genesis 1:22, 15:4; Romans 4:13; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 B. Depending on the law makes faith worthless. Romans 4:14 III. Guaranteed A. God always keeps His promises. Romans 4:15-16 B. God brings life out of nothing. Romans 4:17 IV. Good as Dead A. Abraham trusted God even when his situation seemed hopeless. Genesis 15:5, 17:5; Romans 4:18-19 B. Abraham’s faith glorified God. Genesis 16:1-15; Romans 4:20-21 V. Believe A. We must trust in a Person. John 17:3; Romans 4:22-24 B. Our perseverance testifies to God’s faithfulness. Romans 4:25 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
With God Romans 5:1-11 I. Intro A. Big Idea: In Christ we have full access to God. Psalm 55:19 II. Peace A. We can face God with peace. John 1:1; Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1 B. God empowers us to stand. Psalm 1:5; Luke 5:1-9; Romans 5:2; Ephesians 3:12 III. Not Ashamed A. In Christ we have direction. Romans 5:3-4 B. God does not withhold His affection. Psalm 27:10; Romans 5:5 IV. For Sinners A. God’s timing is perfect. Luke 16:26; Romans 5:6 B. God’s love is holy other. Romans 5:7-8 V. Reconciled A. Be saved. Romans 5:9-10 B. Boast in God. Romans 5:11 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
In Christ Romans 5:12-21 I. Intro Big Idea: We are either in Adam or in Christ. II. Our Account A. We all face the death penalty. Romans 5:12 B. We’re born lawbreakers. Romans 5:13-14 III. Trespass and Grace A. God doesn’t give us what we deserve. Matthew 3:15; Romans 5:15-16; Philippians 2:5-11 B. We’re either under judgement, or reign with Christ. Romans 5:17 IV. One Man A. Right standing before God comes by faith in Christ alone! Romans 5:18 B. Jesus offers His works. Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 10:13 V. Increase A. Trust the Word of God. Romans 5:20-21 B. Trust in the power of the gospel. Romans 1:16-17 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Dead or Alive Romans 6:1-14 I. Intro Big Idea: We can overcome what kills us by dying in Christ. II. Any Longer A. Grace leads to righteousness. Romans 6:1-2 B. Baptism means Identification with Christ. Romans 6:3-4 III. United A. Unity with Christ empowers personal resurrection. Romans 6:5 B. In Christ we are not slaves to sin. Romans 6:6-7 IV. Once for All A. We can follow Jesus. Romans 6:8; James 1:13-15 B. Death cancels all debt. Romans 6:9-10; Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13; Hebrews 10:14 V. Offer A. Take account. Romans 6:11; 1 John 1:8 B. Be mastered by grace. Romans 6:13-14 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
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Heart Romans 2:17-29 I. Intro Big Idea: Christian is as Christian does. II. The Law A. The Law is good, but legalism is bad. B. We can’t even uphold our own standards. Matthew 5:28; Romans 2:17-23 III. Blaspheme A. We often settle for the superficial standards of Christianity. Romans 2:24 B. We’re all guilty of hypocrisy. Romans 2:24 IV. What Matters A. Our traditions have value. Romans 2:25 B. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Romans 2:26; Galatians 5:6 V. Change A. Do the right things, for the right reason. Romans 2:28-29 B. Share your Master’s happiness. Matthew 25:23; Romans 2:29; Ephesians 2:8-10 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
True Romans 3:1-8 I. Intro Big Idea: Because God is true, we can truly live. II. Advantages A. We want Christ to be our foundation. Romans 3:1 B. We have the specific revelation of God. Matthew 6:33; Romans 3:2 III. Faithfulness A. We lie. Romans 3:3-4 B. God can’t lie. Romans 3:4 IV. Clear A. No one deserves God’s mercy. Romans 3:5-6; Galatians 6:7 B. Justifying sin slanders God’s grace. Romans 2:14; 3:7-8 V. Conviction A. Go to the cross. John 3:36 B. Take up your cross. Luke 9:23; 1 John 4:4-6 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Boasting Romans 3:9-31 I. Intro Big Idea: Being made right with God leads to being right with each other. II. No One Righteous A. Sin is in our DNA. Psalm 51:4-5; Romans 3:9 B. Not fearing God leads to foolishness, but fearing God leads to wisdom. Psalm 14:1; 111:10; Romans 3:10-18 III. Silence A. Someday all self-justification will cease. Romans 3:19 B. The Law is meant to bring conviction and hope. Nehemiah 8:8-10; Romans 3:20 IV. Christianity A. God desires to restore us. Romans 3:21-23 B. Our salvation is all about God’s glory. Romans 3:24-26 V. Faith A. We’re to live by the Law of faith. Romans 3:27 B. Because of Christ we can obey in love. Romans 3:28-31; 13:8-10 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Credited Romans 4:1-12 I. Intro Big Idea: God’s gift of justification opens the doors of heaven. II. Nothing New A. Justification is the way people have been made right with God from the beginning. Romans 4:1-2 B. It wasn’t Abraham’s achievements that made him great. Genesis 11:1-3; 15:8; Romans 4:3 III. Forgiveness A. We can never merit what God credits. Romans 4:4-5 B. God’s forgiveness is complete. Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 4:6-8; 1 John 1:9 IV. Before A. God has a plan to justify us before we believed. Romans 4:9-10; Ephesians 1:3-4 B. If our righteousness justifies us, why would Christ need to die for us? Romans 1:17; 5:6-8 V. Receive A. “A saving faith is a vital faith.” Martin Luther Romans 4:11; James 2:17-24 B. Rest in the reality that our justification is about God from first to last. Romans 4:11-12 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
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Pure James 1:19-27 Discussion:
Application:
Appointed Romans 1:1-7 I. Intro Big Idea: We can live for God’s glory together by experiencing His grace. II. Called A. Paul saw himself as a slave. Romans 1:1 B. Paul represented Christ’s interests, not his own. Romans 1:1 III. The Gospel A. Jesus is the greatest King offering the greatest gift. Romans 1:2-3 B. The gospel is something God accomplished. Psalm 49:7-9; Romans 1:4 IV. Belong A. Christianity is a way of life that’s all about death. Romans 1:5; 1 John 4:19 B. We’ve been called to belong. Romans 1:6 V. Holy People A. Pray for the faith to make God’s glory the goal of your life. Romans 1:7 B. Our life of faith invites others to obedient trust in Christ. Romans 1:7 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Living Romans 1:8-17 I. Intro Big Idea: We can live unashamed lives. II. At All Times A. We tend to compartmentalize. Romans 1:8 B. Paul knew God heard his prayers. Romans 1:9-10 III. Mutual Encouragement A. We never stop needing to trust. Romans 1:11-12 B. The gospel draws us out of isolation. Romans 1:13 IV. Obligated and Eager A. The gospel makes us gracious. Romans 1:14; James 1:19-27 B. Grace makes us eager to engage in gospeling. Romans 1:15 V. The Power of God A. Humble yourself. Romans 1:16 B. Trust in God’s grace, for His glory. Romans 1:17 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Wrath Romans 1:18-32 I. Intro Big Idea: We either suppress or rejoice in the truth. Psalm 11:5; Matthew 5:45; 1 Timothy 2:3-4 II. Suppressing the Truth A. People suppress the truth by living like there is no God. Romans 1:18-19 B. We have seen and understand that God exists. Psalm 14:1; Romans 1:20 III. Futile and Degrading A. The real issue is accountability. Romans 1:21-23 B. There’s a pattern to being turned over to God’s wrath. Romans 1:24-25 IV. Sinful Desires A. Experiencing God’s wrath is the natural consequences of pursuing life on our terms. Romans 1:26-27 B. Condoning sin celebrates death. Romans 1:28-32 V. Listen and Follow A. Deliverance begins by trusting God. Psalm 81:11-14 B. We can walk together in the light. John 8:1-11; 1 John 1:5-7 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
Riches Romans 2:1-16 I. Intro Big Idea: God’s judgement is a good thing. II. Contempt A. Knowing God’s Law should make us less judgmental, and humbler! Roman 1:18; 2:1-3 B. Judging others shows we take grace for granted. Romans 2:4 III. No Favoritism A. A good judge is just. Romans 2:5-7 B. No one gets away with anything. Romans 2:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:10 IV. Declaration A. God’s truth is self-evident. Psalm 15:4; Romans 2:12-15 B. If we believe, we will never be put to shame. Mark 7:20-22; Romans 2:16,10:11; Ephesians 2:8-9 V. Repent and Be Baptized A. Turn to Christ as your Judge. Acts 2:38-39; 1 Corinthians 4:2-4 B. Proclaim Christ’s riches. Acts 2:38-39; James 2:12 The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up
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