4 Weeks in Romans

Dig in to one of the most influential letters of all time in this 4-week men’s series.

Dig in to one of the most influential letters of all time in this 4-week men's series.

Talking Points:

  • The “Good News” is simple: we are made right with God by faith, not by good works. This is what distinguishes Christianity from every other world religion: you can’t pull yourselves up by the bootstraps and save yourself. Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:20
  • The lies we believe can block us from hearing the timeless and truthful message of God. It’s easy to get pulled in to our “box” and deceive ourselves. Romans 1:21
  • Our good works DO matter to God – but they are the effect, not the cause of salvation. After we trust Jesus for salvation, God expects us to honor him as we move forward in life. Romans 2:13, Romans 3:31
Discussion:
  1. Share some of the verses you highlighted in your readings this week. What jumped out at you?
  2. Articulate Paul’s “Good News” in your own words. How is this different from most religions?
  3. Read Romans 1:21. Give an example of when you deceived yourself, believing a lie that suited your interests instead of taking God at his word.
  4. Read Romans 2:13 and Romans 3:22. Do these verses contradict each other? Explain.
  5. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

Talking Points:

  • The payoff of saving faith is peace, confidence, and joy – even in the midst of suffering. Saving faith isn’t just a spiritual thing; it has a real impact in our emotions and relationships. Romans 5:1-4
  • Jesus has decisively won the war with sin, but the battle still must be fought daily. At conversion we are justified already (our status) even though the process toward sanctification is not yet complete (our state). Romans 6:12-13, Romans 7:18-19
  • The key to living a victorious Christian life is to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. At conversion we receive the Holy Spirit, which is our power source for a God-honoring life. Romans 8:1-2
Discussion:
  1. Share some of the verses you highlighted in your readings this week. What jumped out at you?
  2. God doesn’t exempt us from trials in life, but he gives us peace. Share an example of this.
  3. Read Romans 7:18-19. Can you relate? Explain.
  4. Find a listing of the fruit of the Spirit in the Bible. Which of these is hardest for you to display? What does it mean to “walk by the Spirit”?
  5. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

Talking Points:

  • God is sovereign and can do anything he wants in the course of salvation history. This brings up the age-old Calvinist/Arminian debate (see image below). Romans 9:18-20, 11:33
  • God’s invitation is surprisingly inclusive, but the way of salvation is strictly exclusive. Whether you’re a Jew or Gentile, you’re saved by grace through faith. Romans 9:30-31, Romans 10:9-10
  • After spending a few chapters “in the weeds” of doctrine, Paul ends on a practical note. The new people of God are meant to live together according to the radical love of Christ. Romans 12:9-12

Image:

Discussion:
  1. Share some of the verses you highlighted in your readings this week. What jumped out at you?
  2. Do you lean more toward Calvinism or Arminianism? Defend your answer. 
  3. Explain how God’s invitation is inclusive. 
  4. Read Romans 10:9-10. Explain how the way of salvation is exclusive.
  5. If you’ve never put your faith in Jesus (or if you’re not sure), click here to talk about saving faith.
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

Talking Points:

  • Inclusion in the community of faith does not mean we are exempt from governing authorities. All authority comes from God, even if you didn’t vote for them. Romans 13:1
  • Survival in the community of faith requires grace in the gray areas of life and faith. In Paul’s day, the controversy was over eating food sacrificed to idols; Paul said not to fight over it. Romans 14:1,20
  • Paul’s heart for the Romans was intensely personal, not merely professional. We see this in the last chapter when Paul starts naming individuals that he knew from the Roman church. Romans 16:3, Acts 18:2
Discussion:
  1. Share some of the verses you highlighted in your readings this week. What jumped out at you?
  2. Do you agree that all authority comes from God? Why or why not? What are the implications?
  3. Make a list of some of the “gray areas” of life and faith in the church today. Why is it so hard to extend grace toward someone who doesn’t hold the same opinion as we do in these areas?
  4. Why did Paul write the letter of Romans? Do you think he accomplished his purpose?
  5. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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