Pastor Chris talked about how the terror of sin has distorted God's world in thousands of ways.
MY STORY
Who has had the biggest influence in your life? It could be a positive influence or it could be a negative one – either way, describe the person and the impact he or she had on you.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
"For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine .... For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." – Romans 1:11-12, 18-20
Why does Paul want so badly to visit the church in Rome?
Why does Paul say that men are "without excuse" (v. 20)?
How does unrighteousness "suppress the truth" (v. 18)? Can you think of some examples where you've seen this to be true?
In verses 26-32, Paul lists a number of things that are examples of unrighteousness. What stands out to you most from the list? Is there anything that surprises you?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Paul is writing about a group of people, not just one individual, who have given themselves over to sin. What is the significance of the community aspect?
On the flip side, have you noticed the same thing to be true of good deeds? (Hebrews 10:24 – "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.")
"Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." – Romans 1:32
How do you "give your approval" to the words and actions of those around you?
Consider the relationships in your life. Is there anyone you sense God's nudging to have either more or less influence over you?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
"The righteous shall live by faith" – Romans 1:17
What does this mean to you, in practical terms?
What are some specific ways you are currently living in faith?
Do you sense God calling you towards any other actions that would reflect the faith you have in Him?
Spend some time thinking or journaling about your past and ways that you have seen this to be true – ask yourself whether you were honoring God or not and note how things turned out as a result. This is not meant to be an exercise that triggers shame, but rather a chance to take some inventory of your life and test it against biblical truth.
Idolatry is when you take something that God created and worship it instead of God (v. 23). Pray specifically this week that God would reveal to you any idols in your life. They probably won't include an actual golden calf, but is there anything in your heart that has taken God's rightful place?
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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