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?

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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 appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

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 appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

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 appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

1. What stood out to you in this message?
2. How have you benefited from other in the body using their gifts to impact you?
3. How do you see the body of Christ at a disadvantage because of busyness and distraction?
4. If you described your primary spiritual gift(s), what would that be? And what would be the best expression or context for using your gift(s)?
5. How did you come to clarity on your particular mix of spiritual gifts?
6. How do you navigate the reality that we are all called do some things, even if it isn’t our spiritual gift, such as evangelism, giving, being encouraging, etc.?
7. What is one step you would consider taking in living out your role an essential part of the body of Christ?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Spiritual Gift Assessment

The post Rescued, Part 18: One Body, Many Parts appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

1. What stood out to you in this message?
2. What are the inputs that shape what you believe to be truth?
3. What are things that you have believed about God, yourself, or other things that you realized should be challenged?
4. What are key “go to” Scriptures you use to shape (renew) your mind? As a group, make a list of important Scriptures that all believers in Jesus should know.
5. Discuss how obedience when we may not feel like it is the full expression of being a living sacrifice.
6. What is one critical step you will take this week to implement the principles of winning “the battle for your mind?”

The post Rescued, Part 17: The Battle for the Mind appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

There are few topics as controversial and contentious in our current context than the nation-state Israel. This teaching explores the biblical meaning of Zion, the enduring promises of God to Israel through the Abrahamic Covenant, and the theological foundations of Christian Zionism, showing how Scripture presents Zion not only as a place and people, but as a central thread in God’s redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation.

This video is a supplemental resource to Rescued, Part 16 where Pastor Jim covered Romans 11. You can also watch Pastor Jim’s supplemental video, The Future of Ethnic Israel.

You can download the slides to this video here.

The post Rescued, Supplemental 2: Israel & Christian Zionism appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

There are few topics as controversial and contentious in our current context than the nation-state Israel. But for believers in Jesus and students of the Word, what is the future of Israel from a biblical perspective? In this video, Pastor Jim explores what the Old and New Testament have to say about Israel’s future, as well as some of the hot-button issues of the modern state.

This video is a supplemental resource to Rescued, Part 16 where Pastor Jim covered Romans 11.

You can download manuscript/notes to this video here.

The post Rescued, Supplemental 1: The Future of Ethnic Israel appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

1. What stood out to you most in this message?
2. The issue of ethnic Israel and a nation state are very controversial today. Knowing that there are different views even among believers in Jesus, what have you traditionally believed about the future of ethnic Israel?
3. How has your view changed (or not) related to these matters after this message?
4. We have talked previously about God’s promises. What promises of God do you rely on the most?
5. In the midst of the challenges in our world, changes in the church, failure of leaders and so much more—how well have you been able to keep your eyes on Christ as part of His remnant?
6. Is there someone in your life who spiritually hard-hearted that you are struggling to pray for? Tell the group a bit about that?
7. Spend some time praying for the global situation, the conflicts in the Middle East and the salvation of those in the region, both Jews and Muslims alike.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

SUPPLEMENTAL VIDEO 1: The Future of Ethnic Israel

SUPPLEMENTAL VIDEO 2: Israel & Christian Zionism

The post Rescued, Part 16: The Unfolding Plan of God and Ethnic Israel appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

1. What is a new concept, insight, or application you’ll take away from this teaching?
2. Read Romans 10:1-2. We are sometimes prone to adopt Paul’s theology without his heart for people (knowledge without zeal). Others are more prone to adopt Paul’s heart for people without any grounding in truth (zeal without knowledge). What examples can you think of? Which do you tend toward? How’s the balance in your life?
3. Does your love for God translate into love for lost people? Is your love for lost people grounded in your knowledge of God and the bedrock truth of His Word? How can you cultivate a greater sense of urgency around sharing the gospel (v. 14–15)?
4. Why is it significant that salvation is described as available to “everyone” and “all” who call on the Lord? Who are the “those people” in your life that you might subtly believe are less likely or less deserving to receive the gospel?
5. What does it reveal about God’s character that He is described as holding out His hands “all day long” (v. 21)? In what ways can you reflect His posture toward others in your proximity?
6. How can you actively resist the pull toward self-righteousness in your daily life?

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