Rome: Lost and Found (discussion questions)

Here are discussion questions that accompany my message “Lost and Found” from our series “Light for the City” at Eastbrook this past weekend on Romans 1:16-17.

Discussion Questions:

1.       Paul begins this letter to the Romans by recounting his ministry and how God has been at work in his life. How have you encountered God? How could you put into words the saving work that God has done in your life?

2.       This week’s message was in many ways an attempt to come back to the basics of our faith and the gospel. When we say that we are lost apart from the Gospel, what does that mean? Read through Romans 1-2 to get a grasp of this. What evidence of ‘lost-ness’ do you see in the world around you? What evidence do you see of it in your own life?

3.       Salvation, says Paul, is a gift derived not from our obedient works but by the gracious gift of God (3:28; 5:20-21). This is one of the key differences between Christianity and other world religions. What are the implications of this for how we relate to God?

4.       Paul emphasizes that the Gospel reveals “the righteousness of God.” This is a deep phrase that reflects both what God’s activity and our standing before God. Read through Romans 3:21-31 to get a better understanding of what Paul means by this important phrase.

5.       Paul was profoundly confident in God even though suffered many difficulties for the sake of his faith. Would you describe yourself as ‘not ashamed’ or ‘ashamed’ of the Gospel? Why?

6.       There was evidently some tension within the church at Rome between Jews and non-Jews, so Paul makes a big deal of the fact that all are in need and all can access salvation in Christ. What does this mean for us today as a church in a multi-ethnic city setting?

7.       Romans chapter 8 addresses issues of how we live in light of the Gospel. Read it and describe the qualities of a person living according to the Spirit.

8.       Take some time at the end of your study to “treasure the Gospel” by thanking God for all that He has done for you in Jesus Christ.  If you are in a group, share in this together. If you are on your own, write out a ‘thank you’ letter to God.