Introduction:

This is our sixth meeting for the Winter Semester of the Men’s “Called” Growth Group. Anyone is welcome to join, and you do not have to have attended a previous meeting to join this week. We will meet at 7:00 pm and continue meeting EVERY Wednesday night, through the end of February (Feb. 28 th , 2024). We will not be meeting the month of March 2024, stay tuned for more information about the next semester.

This semester, Called Men’s Group is conducting a Bible study of the Book of Romans, which is a letter from the apostle Paul to the Roman churches. Paul’s letter 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.

This Week’s Thought-of-the-Day:

What good is a dull rusty knife? A dull knife cannot cut food, and a rusty knife is not something we want to use - we don’t want rust in our food. So, what good is a dull rusty knife? Read Matthew 5:13-16

Matthew 5:13-16:

13  “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

14  “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  15  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  16  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Just like in Matthew 5, salt that loses its flavor is worthless; a dull rusty knife has no purpose, it either gets thrown out, or needs to be cleaned and sharpened to be useful.

We need to be mindful and check ourselves occasionally to make sure that we are not allowing ourselves to become dull and rusty. We continually need to clean and sharpen ourselves: spiritually, morally, and physically.

Scripture: Read - Romans Chapters 11:1 – 12:21

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?

  • Prayer: Meditate and pray for the Lord to show you how to use and apply the scriptures to your life.

  • Read: Romans Chapters 13:1 – 14:23

  • Is there anything that stands out when reading these verses? Be ready to discuss it at the next meeting.

Additional Information on This Week’s Thought-of-The-Day:

Google Search: spiritually, morally, and physically

Here’s some information about spirituality, morality, and physical discipline:

  • Spirituality: A personal exploration that involves knowing that life has significance beyond biological needs. It can also mean having faith and belief in a Supreme Being. Spiritualists believe that spirit has a unique life that is not reducible to the body or the laws of physics.

  • Morality: Can refer to matters of truth in moral life that shape character formation in relation to fellow human beings. Moral education is the source of spiritual equilibrium.

  • Physical discipline: Lays emphasis on acts of service and charity.

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