Connect As we begin a new series, how do you think you could best prepare for it?
Warm-Up
- Other than the good news of Jesus, what is the best good news that you have ever heard?
- Can you think of an example of when you were eager to tell others about some good news?
Read Romans 1:1-4 and 16-17 (What is the gospel)
- When was the first time that you heard the gospel? When did you believe it or first know that you did?
- Who wrote the letter to the Romans? Where was the author at the time?
- How did Paul feel about the Roman Christians? Why was he so keen to visit them?
- What does Paul mean by ‘being set apart for the gospel of God’? Are we also set apart in the same way?
- Who is the gospel message from? What (or who!) is the focus of the gospel?
- What is the origin of the gospel? What are some of the roots of the gospel in the Old Testament?
- Why is Paul not ashamed of the gospel? Have you ever felt ashamed by it? Why or why not?
- What — according to Paul — does the gospel have the power to do? What does this mean?
- Paul uses the word ‘righteousness’ a lot in Romans! What does it actually mean?
- How have you known the saving and transforming power of the gospel in your own life or family?
- Who are you longing and praying to believe the gospel? How do you pray for them?
- If someone asked you “what is the gospel?”, what would you say?
Read Romans 5-7 and 8-15 (What does the gospel produce?)
- What does Paul say that we have also received? What type of community does the gospel create?
- How does the gospel bring diverse people together? How can the gospel create a radical unity?
- How can God’s love for us be a great source of strength to love others? How is this evident with Paul?
- As a community of diverse people loved by God and called to holiness and obedience, where do you witness the fruit of this in the life of our church? What does it mean to be called to holiness and obedience?
- What (from verse 8 onward) does the gospel also produce? How have you known gospel strength?
- What are the various goals of Paul’s longing to visit the Romans as soon as you can? There are at least four aspects — try to identify them all!
- Is there an aspect in your life right now in which you need to know the strength for the Christian life that the gospel provides? What do you think could help you to experience this strength more?
Apply What is one rhythm in your life that helps you to daily be reminded of and rejoice in the gospel?
