Introduction:
This is our fourth meeting for the Winter Semester of the Men’s “Called” Growth Group. Friendly reminder that anyone is welcome to join, and you do not have to have been at a previous meeting to join this week. We meet at 7:00 pm and will continue meeting EVERY Wednesday night, through the end of February (Feb. 28th, 2024).
Called Men’s Group is conducting a Bible study of the Book of Romans, which was a letter written by the apostle Paul. Paul’s letter to the Roman churches focuses on the doctrine of salvation, which is given to believers through Jesus Christ. Paul’s purpose in writing the letter was to share spiritual strength and provide encouragement to the believers in Rome. Now Paul’s letter shares spiritual strength and gives encouragement to us all.
Message of Paul’s letter to the Romans: 1 Four themes occur repeatedly in Paul’s letters.
First, God (through Jesus Christ) has intervened in his fallen world to make things right again, Jesus’ death and resurrection usher in “the last days” that the Old Testament prophets anticipated. This time period will be brought to its climax when he returns.
Second, God offers sinful humans being the opportunity to be reconciled with him through Christ. People whose sin and rebellion have estranged them from God can be reconciled to him and declared righteous by believing Jesus Christ.
Third, the Good Nes is for all kinds of people. Even though God’s plan of salvation is united from Adam to Christ, the coming of Christ broke down ethnic barriers. Jews and Gentiles alike need salvation, and they alike find salvation only through faith in Christ.
Fourth, Paul’s letters were written to help believers understand and live out the meaning of their new life of Christ. Paul responded to false teachers who were leading people astray and dealt with misunderstanding that had arisen in the young churches. Paul therefore dealt with a wide spectrum of issues, some of which are quite similar to issues we still face.
Paul reminds us that Christ is Lord and wants to reign over every facet of our lives. The Holy Spirt empowers and guides us to live this new, Christ-centered life.
(1 Commentary copied from the NLT Parallel Study Bible; Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., pages 2107 and 2108.)
Scripture: Read - Romans Chapters 7:1 – 8:39
Observation: Identify/Discuss Among the Group
What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?
What and where is this happening?
What makes what was happening meaningful?
Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?
Who is involved?
How do they respond to God?
What character traits do you notice about them?
What is the significance of their involvement?
What do you think is the key message?
Did anything stand out, or something that surprised you? What was it?
Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?
Application & Questions: Identify/Discuss Among the Group
How should we apply the message to our lives?
Was there anything in the scripture that indicates how we should change our current behavior or actions?
What does the scripture show/indicate to you about people (both believers and non-believers)?
Was there anything in the chapters that left you with more questions?
If yes, research your questions/discuss with the group.
Was there anything in the passage that jumped out to you?
What do you think the overall message was?
Biggest takeaway?
Assignment:
Prayer: Meditate and pray for the Lord to show you how to use and apply the scriptures to your life.
Is there anything that stands out when reading this passage? Be ready to discuss it at the next meeting.
References/Acknowledgements:
1. NLT Parallel Study Bible; Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carroll Stream, IL
NLT Study Bible notes copyright 2008, New Living Translation (NLT).
New Living Translation, Holy Bible copyright 1996, 2004, 2007.
https://www.tyndale.com/
https://www.tyndale.com/p/nlt-parallel-study-bible/9781414359991