Romans: The Power of the Gospel
In 2024 we are going to read someone else’s mail. Paul wrote a letter to the church in Rome and gave one of the best and most thorough explanations of the Gospel of Jesus and details about how to live that out. He was writing to people who were followers of Jesus in Rome, perhaps the toughest place to be a Christian at the most difficult time to be a Christian. Perhaps Paul’s letter to them can give us insights into how to live out what you believe when the world is indifferent or even hostile to your beliefs. Let’s dive into God’s Word together as we read and reflect on Paul’s letter to the Romans.
Week 15: The Traitor Within – Romans 7:7-25
Jesus came to forgive and give new life to us and when I give my life to Jesus, the rebellion has ended. So why is the battle with sin still so tough? Why is the struggle with sin still so difficult? If you do not get real about your struggle, you will continue to really struggle.
LIVE OAK CONNECTION POINT:
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- What is a hobby you took up at some point in your life and gave up on rather quickly? Tell that story. \
- What was a challenge or struggle for you from this past week?
- READ: Romans 7:7-25.
Spend some time SOAPing this passage. You can either spend time SOAPing individually and documenting for a several minutes and then spend time sharing with each -OR- SOAP in real time with each other. Either way make as many observations as you can. *What stands out to you from this passage? What are your OBSERVATIONS?
- How can “the law” as depicted in verses 7-12 be holy, good and upright while also producing death?
- What are the effects and impact of sin on our lives shown in this passage of Romans 7:7-25?
- Doug talked about how Paul gets very real about the struggle of and with sin in this passage. Doug also said, “If you do not get real about your struggle you will continue to really struggle.” Why is it so difficult for us to get real about our struggles?
- Doug said that getting real about our struggles is important for us to get unstuck, and we need to get real with: 1) God, 2) Ourselves, and 3) with Others. Which one is the most difficult for you and why?
- Getting real about our struggles with others needs to be with someone, but not necessarily everyone. Who is a “someone” in your life that you can get real with?
- How do the following passages highlight the importance of God’s Word in our lives?
Psalm 19:7-11
Psalm 119:11
Psalm 119:105
- What are some ways you will engage with God and God’s Word this week?
- What else stood out from this week’s sermon and passage?
- What is your big takeaway from this week’s passages and message?
NEXT STEPS:
Everyone has a next step to apply what we have learned. What is your next step? Be specific.
MEMORY VERSE: *Challenge yourself or your group to commit this verse to memory:
Romans 7:24-25 “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
PRAYER:
Spend some time praying for each other.
Scripture References:
Romans 7:7-25; Matthew 5:17-20; John 19:30; Matthew 27:50-51; Psalm 19:7-11; Deuteronomy 27:26; Galatians 3:10; Romans 6:5-7; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 5:12; Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Timothy 2:22; James 1:13-16; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:18-20; 1 John 2:1-2; James 5:16; Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119:105