March 16 - Please and Receive

Romans 15:1-13

Grow

  • Read this article to learn what it means to “abound in hope”.

  • Rewrite Romans 15:13 as a prayer and read it every day to increase your joy, peace, and hope.

Share

  • This passage challenges us to please others above yourselves and to live in harmony. Specifically, how will you do this for another person this week?

  • The scriptures encourage and give us hope (v.4). How can you use the Word to encourage someone today?

Connect

  • How do we distinguish between pleasing others to gain approval vs pleasing others to serve and honor Christ? Why does it matter?

  • What can cause disunity among our Body? How can we strive together for unity instead?

  • Explore Romans 15:14-33 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Dan Smith
March 9 - Damaging or Developing?

Romans 14:13-23

Grow

  • To better understand what “stumbling block” means in the Bible, check out this article.

  • Set Romans 14:17 as your phone background (or copy on a card) to remind you what matters most this week.

Share

  • Today’s passage encourages us to not damage others by what we do. Who has been damaged by your actions? How will you seek forgiveness?

  • Is there someone you need to make peace with? Or someone who needs building up? Commit to favorably impact another person this week.

Connect

  • Why is it so easy to be unconcerned about our impact on others? What factors contribute to this?

  • Is there something you’ve knowingly been doing against your conscience? Honestly share then allow those around you to pray over you.

  • Explore Romans 15:1-13 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Dan Smith
March 2 - Who's the Judge?

Romans 14:1-12

Grow

  • Consider Jesus’ teaching on judgment through this video.

  • Look up “judge” and “condemn” in a dictionary. How are they similar? How are they different? What role do both words have in what Paul is addressing?

Share

  • These verses urge us not to quarrel over opinions. Has a difference in opinion damaged one of your relationships? How can you restore fellowship with that person this week?

  • What does it look like to follow your conscience without condemning others? How might you share your views with other believers in a loving, gracious way?

Connect

  • Discuss “negotiable” areas in your life. How can the questions John shared bring clarity in following your conscience?

  • One day we will all give an account to the all-knowing Judge of history. How does knowing this help you treat others with mercy and love today?

  • Explore Romans 14:13-23 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Dan Smith
February 23 - Love with the End in Mind

Romans 13:8-14

Grow

  • Consider how Jesus’ life shows us how to truly love God and love our neighbor through this video.

  • Explore what the Bible has to say about debt through this article.

Share

  • Who are you “robbing” by withholding love? In what specific ways can you show that person you have their highest good in mind this week?

  • Commit to memorizing Romans 13:14. Look for opportunities this week to encourage others toward confession and dependance on Christ.

Connect

  • Why do we choose to remain in darkness, instead of stepping into the light? What in your life needs to be exposed to the light right now?

  • Why do we keep our financial situation “off-limits” from our community? Take the step to be vulnerable with someone on this level and allow them to support you with love and Truth.

  • Explore Romans 14:1-12 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Dan Smith