Freedom: The Heart of God, Part 1 – God’s Grand Purpose

Freedom: The Heart of God, Part 1 – God’s Grand Purpose

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS 1. The message contrasts law and grace. In what ways are Christians tempted today to drift back toward “works” instead of resting in justification by faith alone? 2. The Great Liberator Jesus, freed us from many spiritually connected problems. Which of those freedoms do you most need to remember right now and why? 3. Paul warns the Galatians not to submit again to a “yoke of slavery.” What are some modern yokes of slavery—spiritual, emotional, cultural, or religious—that believers can fall back into? 4. The sermon connects freedom with gospel impact, missions, generosity, and service. How should our freedom in Christ move us outward toward others rather than inward toward self-protection or comfort? What is a specific next step the Lord wants you to take? The post Freedom: The Heart of God, Part 1 – God’s Grand Purpose [https://www.restonbible.org/sermons/freedom-the-heart-of-god-gods-grand-purpose/] appeared first on Reston Bible Church [https://www.restonbible.org].

Rescued, Part 22: Marks of Gospel Ministry

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS 1. At the beginning of chapter 16, Paul lists a number of believers who have been great partners and influences in the gospel. Who would be on your “Romans 16” list of believers? 2. Why does Paul describe his ministry using Old Testament priestly language in 15:14-21? How does this imagery shape the way we think about our mission as Christians and as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9)? 3. In 16:1-16, Paul lists a large number of sincere relationships that he has with the Roman Christians. * What keeps people from forming meaningful relationships in the church today? * What advice would you give to the person who is struggling to find meaningful relationships in the church? 4. What does it mean to be “wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil” in 16:19? 5. What are some subtle ways Christians can become undiscerning toward false teaching? The post Rescued, Part 22: Marks of Gospel Ministry [https://www.restonbible.org/sermons/rescued-part-22-marks-of-gospel-ministry/] appeared first on Reston Bible Church [https://www.restonbible.org].

Rescued, Part 21: Bearing with One Another When Consciences Differ

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS 1. Why does Paul call one group “weak” and the other “strong” in 14:1-2? What is he referring to? 2. What does Romans 14:6 teach us about the motivations of sincere believers who reach different conclusions? 3. How can we distinguish between a core biblical conviction that should be defended and a personal conviction that should not be imposed on others? 4. About what matters of conscience are you tempted to judge those who disagree with you? 5. Which is more difficult for you personally: not judging those with greater freedom, or not despising those with stricter convictions? Why? The post Rescued, Part 21: Bearing with One Another When Consciences Differ [https://www.restonbible.org/sermons/rescued-part-21-bearing-with-one-another-when-consciences-differ/] appeared first on Reston Bible Church [https://www.restonbible.org].

Rescued, Part 20: The Debts You Owe

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS 1. What stood out to you most from this message on Romans 13? 2. What does it mean to submit to governing authorities? 3. How can we reconcile the command to submit to governing authorities with situations where these authorities may act unjustly? 4. In what ways does love fulfill the law? 5. How does Paul’s teaching on love challenge our current societal norms and personal habits? 6. How should the idea of the nearness of salvation influence your attitudes and actions? 7. How can you “clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ” as Paul advises? 8. How does the teaching in Romans 13 inspire you to live differently in the present day? The post Rescued, Part 20: The Debts You Owe [https://www.restonbible.org/sermons/rescued-part-20-the-debts-you-owe/] appeared first on Reston Bible Church [https://www.restonbible.org].

Rescued, Part 19: Evaluating Yourself

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS 1. What in the message most stood out to you? 2. How does having a correct evaluation of yourself affect your obedience to Paul’s instructions in relating to others? 3. How would you summarize all of Paul’s instructions in chapter 12? 4. What do you find most difficult in applying his teaching? In what areas do you struggle to obey? 5. Where have you experienced God’s blessing when you have obeyed His stated will for your life relating to others? 6. What’s your biggest takeaway from Romans chapter 12? The post Rescued, Part 19: Evaluating Yourself [https://www.restonbible.org/sermons/rescued-part-19-evaluating-yourself/] appeared first on Reston Bible Church [https://www.restonbible.org].