Introduction. Overview. Study 1: Preparation and Review. Study 2: Romans 12:1-2. Study 3: Romans 12:3-8. Study 4: Romans 12:9-21

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1 Introduction Bible study groups are an integral part of our vision to be a life-changing church. We hope that involvement in a small group each week will contribute to refreshing our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, refreshing our vision as a network of congregations, refreshing our partnership in service, and refreshing our mission to the lost. We hope to better achieve NCAChurch vision focus areas by integrating study options with the preaching program and seasonal ministry plans. These studies are designed as resources for use by small groups. They may need to be adapted to your group s particular needs. Nothing can replace personal Bible reading and prayer as a way of growing in the knowledge of God, so keep encouraging one another in this area. There is no fixed method that suits everyone, but it is important to be proactive in working how and when you will do this. Overview Study 1: Preparation and Review Study 2: Romans 12:1-2 Study 3: Romans 12:3-8 Study 4: Romans 12:9-21 Romans 12 Leader s notes 1

2 Study 1: Preparation and Review Introduction It is appropriate as we begin a new year to remind ourselves why we meet to study the Bible. Spend a few minutes sharing the reasons and benefits of small group Bible study and clarifying your expectations for the group. Overview of Romans 1-11 Review the content of the letter by dividing up the following sections, reading the key verses and asterisked passages, and reporting back to the group answers to the questions. Section Theme Key Verses 1:1-17* The power of the gospel 1:16-17 *Why did Paul write this letter? *How is the gospel described? 1:18-32 God s anger at sin 1:18 2:1-3:8 God s righteous justice vs our judgmentalism 2:3-4 3:9-20 All guilty 3:20 3:21-26* Righteousness of God 3:23-24 *How is God s righteousness revealed? 3:27-4:24 Faith comes before the Law 4:16 4:25-5:11* Enemies reconciled to God 5:8 *What benefits does justification bring? 5:12-21 Death through Adam, to life through Christ 5:19 6 Sin to holiness 6: Law intensifies struggle with sin 7: :1-17 Freedom from law of sin and death 8:1-4* 8:18-39 Hope and perseverance 8:22-25* *How have we been freed? *What is our hope? 2

3 9:1-13 God s promise to true Israel won t fail 9:6-8 9:14-33 Mercy not privilege 9:16 10 Righteous by faith, not law 10: God will mercifully save His people 11:12 *What have you learned about God s mercy? Discussion Christopher Ash, in his commentary, gives an outline of letter to the Romans based on grace: Coming under grace (1-4), Living under grace (5-8), Overflow of grace (9-11) and, a Church shaped by grace (12-15) From your understanding from Romans, what is grace and why is it so important? Ash also suggests two precise reasons why Paul wrote this letter: (1) He wants them to become mission partners in the gospel. (2) He wants them to live in harmony with one another. How does the gospel, as outlined in Romans, relate to these two goals? Prayer A significant part of meeting together is responding to God s word in prayer, and praying for one another. Read Romans 11:33-36 as a introduction to a time of prayer, focussing on thanks for the blessings of the gospel. 3

4 Study 2: Romans 12:1-2 Introduction In study 1 we did an overview of Romans. Chapter 12 begins a new section and starts with Therefore. At the end of chapter 11, Paul has been talking about God having shown mercy to the Gentiles, and will again show mercy to Israel. But let s also recall one of the purple (significant) passages from earlier in Romans: Romans 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: the righteous will live by faith. The following chapters set out the implications of this. And these implications are massive for the Christian life, which is by faith; for the law, which has been satisfied; for the future, because nothing is able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (8:39). God remains righteous (Rom 9-11). Let s continue to explore the implications of the gospel, with particular reference to life together as church, in the community and for mission as we study Romans Questions Before reading the passage How would you define worship? Read Romans 12: What does Paul mean when he says, in view of God s mercy? (See earlier references, eg. 3:21-26; 5:1-11; 9:6-29; 11:30-32). Try to sum this up in your own words. 2. What response, from God s people, does God call for? What normally happens to sacrifices? (eg. Lev 3:1-5). With this background, what does it mean to be a living sacrifice? (Why does Paul specify offering your bodies?) 4

5 3. What does Paul call this response to God s mercy? How does this definition of worship compare with other views? 4. What do you think it means to be conformed to this world? at work? In your family? in your daily routine? in making plans? at church? 5. How does transformation take place? What is the outcome of a transformed life? What will this look like in practice? at work? in your family? in your daily routine? in making plans? at church? PRAYER Share one thing from these verses that you are challenged by. Pray for one another. 5

6 Study 3: Romans 12:3-8 Introduction The following sections in the book of Romans draw out the implications of the gospel in the life of believers. In answering questions try to be honest and look for specific application to our context at NCAChurch. Questions How would you describe church to someone who is not normally involved? Read Romans 12: How does Paul want us to think of ourselves? What does he mean by this? How does the gospel influence our thinking in this area? 2. How does Paul describe church in verses 4-5? How does this understanding effect our view of ourselves? 3. What do these verses teach about gifts? Discussion 4. How should these verses shape our time together as Christians? 5. As you think with sober judgment about yourself, what gift (or gifts) do you think God has given you? 6. Look at NCAC iserve document together. Are there areas of service that you could be involved in? Prayer Ask God to use you in serving the body of Christ. 6

7 Study 4: Romans 12:9-21 Introduction Why do relationship problems occur in church? Read Romans 12: Why does Paul stress the importance of sincerity in love? What is the evil and the good he is talking about? 2. Look at Paul s instructions in verses Can you specify how they challenge or help you in your relationships with others? Instruction Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Challenge or help (be specific) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope. Patient in affliction. Faithful in prayer. Share with God s people who are in need. Practice hospitality 7

8 Read Romans 12: How has your belief in God affected how you relate to people you dislike or find hard to be with? What advice does Paul give? 4. Of all the exhortations in the passage, which do you find the most personally challenging? What are you going to do about it? 5. The idea of God s wrath is not popular these days. What do we lose when we lose sight of God s wrath? Prayer This week would be a good time to focus on prayer for one another. In response to the passage consider an area of life that you would like God to transform. 8

9 Leader s Notes for studies on Romans 12 The studies on Romans build on the previous knowledge from chapters Please refer to the NCAChurch booklet on Romans for background to the letter, and for helpful maps and introduction to significant theological themes. Chapter 12 begins a new section in the book. Verses 1-2 form a link between with the previous teaching which focussed on God s kindness in the gospel, and the concluding instructions which the urge the Roman Christians to live lives in the light of this. In the flow of things, these verses are where the rubber hits the road. So the focus of study should be application. There are 4 studies. Study 1 is an overview of content. You might prefer to summarize this and go straight into Study 2, which also links back to the beginning of the book. Studies 2-4 are based on Romans 12, and follow the sermon series designated passages for February. The questions are only a guide, to draw out some of the main points. Spend most of the time working on application to your group member s context. One commentator, Christopher Ash, has identified two reasons for Paul writing: (1) He wants them to become mission partners in the gospel; (2) He wants them to live in harmony with one another. In order for Rome to become a gospel-eager partnership church, they must have confidence in Paul and learn the same passion for the gospel that he has. To a church of potential disharmony, Paul expounds the gospel with the aim of bringing Jew and Gentile together. The message of Romans has significance for us at NCAChurch with a diversity of congregations seeking to be united in mission. The gospel is key. Only a church deeply soaked in the gospel will live in harmony. Only a church thoroughly taught the gospel will reach out with zeal...only the gospel enables us to live together with people unlike us and to reach out across human barriers to people very different to us. Extra Resources Romans The Glorious Gospel (Romans 1-12 Bible Studies) and Leaders Notes Christopher Ash, Teaching Romans, Volume one Unlocking Romans 1-8 for the Bible Teacher, Christian Focus Publications, Read Mark Learn: Romans, A Small Group Bible Study, St Helens, Christian Focus Pray that our ongoing study of Romans will achieve the purpose of stirring us on to be a united missionary church humbled together under grace, to the glory of God. 9