Sermon Study Guides
Sermon Guide 6/8
Small Group Guide: Law, Sin, and Salvation in Christ
Opening Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as you discuss the sermon.
Key Takeaways:
- The Jewish Festival of Weeks (Shavuot) is connected to the Christian celebration of Pentecost.
- The Mosaic Law, while good and holy, ultimately failed to save people from sin.
- Knowledge of the law can actually increase awareness of sin and temptation.
- All people, both Jews and Gentiles, struggle with an inner conflict between knowing what is right and actually doing it.
- Jesus Christ is the ultimate solution to this inner conflict and the only path to true salvation.
Discussion Questions:
- How does understanding the Jewish background of Pentecost enhance your appreciation of this Christian holiday?
- Paul uses the example of coveting to illustrate how the law can make us more aware of sin. Can you think of other examples where knowing a rule might actually increase temptation?
- Reflect on Paul's statement: "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15) How does this resonate with your own experiences?
- The sermon mentions the "pink elephant" analogy. How does this help explain the relationship between law and sin?
- How does Paul's struggle in this passage make you feel about your own spiritual journey?
- Discuss the difference between following a set of rules and having a relationship with Jesus. How does this impact your approach to faith?
- The sermon warns against man-made rules in churches. Have you experienced or observed any examples of this? How did it affect people's faith?
Practical Applications:
- This week, pay attention to moments when you feel an inner conflict between what you know is right and what you actually do. Reflect on how Christ's grace applies in these situations.
- Choose one area of your life where you tend to rely on rules or self-discipline. Pray about how you can shift your focus to relying on Christ's power instead.
- If you've been judgmental of others based on external behaviors, take time to repent and consider how you can show grace instead.
- Write a short gratitude list, thanking God for freeing you from the "stranglehold of sin" through Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer: End the session by thanking God for His grace and asking for His help in living out the truths discussed.
Opening Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as you discuss the sermon.
Key Takeaways:
- The Jewish Festival of Weeks (Shavuot) is connected to the Christian celebration of Pentecost.
- The Mosaic Law, while good and holy, ultimately failed to save people from sin.
- Knowledge of the law can actually increase awareness of sin and temptation.
- All people, both Jews and Gentiles, struggle with an inner conflict between knowing what is right and actually doing it.
- Jesus Christ is the ultimate solution to this inner conflict and the only path to true salvation.
Discussion Questions:
- How does understanding the Jewish background of Pentecost enhance your appreciation of this Christian holiday?
- Paul uses the example of coveting to illustrate how the law can make us more aware of sin. Can you think of other examples where knowing a rule might actually increase temptation?
- Reflect on Paul's statement: "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15) How does this resonate with your own experiences?
- The sermon mentions the "pink elephant" analogy. How does this help explain the relationship between law and sin?
- How does Paul's struggle in this passage make you feel about your own spiritual journey?
- Discuss the difference between following a set of rules and having a relationship with Jesus. How does this impact your approach to faith?
- The sermon warns against man-made rules in churches. Have you experienced or observed any examples of this? How did it affect people's faith?
Practical Applications:
- This week, pay attention to moments when you feel an inner conflict between what you know is right and what you actually do. Reflect on how Christ's grace applies in these situations.
- Choose one area of your life where you tend to rely on rules or self-discipline. Pray about how you can shift your focus to relying on Christ's power instead.
- If you've been judgmental of others based on external behaviors, take time to repent and consider how you can show grace instead.
- Write a short gratitude list, thanking God for freeing you from the "stranglehold of sin" through Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer: End the session by thanking God for His grace and asking for His help in living out the truths discussed.
Sermon Guide 6/1
Small Group Guide: Liberated and Enslaved (Romans 6:15-23)
Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as you discuss the sermon and its implications for your lives.
Key Takeaways:
- We are all born into slavery to sin due to Original Sin.
- Through Christ's redemption, we have the opportunity to be freed from sin and become "slaves of righteousness."
- Christian freedom is not about doing whatever we want, but about willingly and joyfully obeying God.
- We face a daily choice between serving sin or serving God.
- Living as a disciple of Christ is challenging but rewarding.
Discussion Questions:
- What was your understanding of salvation before hearing this sermon? How has it changed or been reinforced?
- The pastor mentions his struggle with feeling he could never be "good enough." Have you ever felt this way in your faith journey? How does the concept of sanctification address this struggle?
- How do you understand the analogy of being "slaves to righteousness"? What does this mean in practical terms for your daily life?
- The sermon emphasizes that we have a choice between being slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness. Can you share an example of when you've faced this choice recently?
- Discuss the statement: "Living a life as a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus Christ is hard. Living a life a slave of sin is hard." How have you experienced this in your own life?
- What does it mean to you to be "obedient from the heart" to God's teachings?
- How can we support each other in making the daily choice to serve God rather than sin?
Practical Applications:
- Daily Choice: Each morning this week, consciously choose to serve God. Keep a journal of how this impacts your day.
- Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on Romans 6:15-23 this week. Write down any insights or questions that arise.
- Accountability Partners: Pair up with someone in the group to check in daily about your choices to serve God or sin.
- Acts of Obedience: Identify one area in your life where you struggle to obey God. Make a plan to address this area through prayer, accountability, and action.
- Gratitude Practice: Each day, write down one way you've experienced freedom in Christ, even in the midst of obedience.
Closing Prayer: End your session by praying for each other, asking for God's strength to choose righteousness daily and to grow in sanctification.
Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as you discuss the sermon and its implications for your lives.
Key Takeaways:
- We are all born into slavery to sin due to Original Sin.
- Through Christ's redemption, we have the opportunity to be freed from sin and become "slaves of righteousness."
- Christian freedom is not about doing whatever we want, but about willingly and joyfully obeying God.
- We face a daily choice between serving sin or serving God.
- Living as a disciple of Christ is challenging but rewarding.
Discussion Questions:
- What was your understanding of salvation before hearing this sermon? How has it changed or been reinforced?
- The pastor mentions his struggle with feeling he could never be "good enough." Have you ever felt this way in your faith journey? How does the concept of sanctification address this struggle?
- How do you understand the analogy of being "slaves to righteousness"? What does this mean in practical terms for your daily life?
- The sermon emphasizes that we have a choice between being slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness. Can you share an example of when you've faced this choice recently?
- Discuss the statement: "Living a life as a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus Christ is hard. Living a life a slave of sin is hard." How have you experienced this in your own life?
- What does it mean to you to be "obedient from the heart" to God's teachings?
- How can we support each other in making the daily choice to serve God rather than sin?
Practical Applications:
- Daily Choice: Each morning this week, consciously choose to serve God. Keep a journal of how this impacts your day.
- Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on Romans 6:15-23 this week. Write down any insights or questions that arise.
- Accountability Partners: Pair up with someone in the group to check in daily about your choices to serve God or sin.
- Acts of Obedience: Identify one area in your life where you struggle to obey God. Make a plan to address this area through prayer, accountability, and action.
- Gratitude Practice: Each day, write down one way you've experienced freedom in Christ, even in the midst of obedience.
Closing Prayer: End your session by praying for each other, asking for God's strength to choose righteousness daily and to grow in sanctification.
Sermon Guide 5/25
Small Group Guide: Understanding Justification and New Creation in Christ
Based on the sermon on Romans 5:1-21
Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as you discuss the sermon and its implications for your lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Christian justification goes beyond legal acquittal; it transforms us into a new creation.
- Peace (shalom) and hope are two pillars of the Christian faith resulting from justification.
- Our suffering for Christ is evidence of our new creation and faith.
- Paul compares Adam (type) with Jesus Christ (antitype) to illustrate God's plan of salvation.
- God's grace through Christ is far greater than the sin introduced by Adam.
Discussion Questions:
- How does understanding justification as becoming a "new creation" differ from simply being "acquitted" of sin? How might this change our perspective on salvation?
- The sermon mentions that peace (shalom) is more than the absence of conflict. How would you describe this fuller understanding of peace in your own words? How have you experienced this kind of peace in your life?
- Pastor Adam mentions that our suffering for Christ is evidence of our new creation. Have you ever experienced suffering because of your faith? How did it impact your relationship with God?
- Discuss the concept of type and antitype in Scripture. How does seeing Jesus as the "second Adam" enhance your understanding of God's plan of salvation?
- The sermon emphasizes that God's grace is "far greater" than Adam's sin. How does this truth impact your view of God's love and forgiveness? How might it change the way you approach your own struggles with sin?
- Reflect on the statement: "We are all either in the first Adam OR we are in the second Adam." What does this mean for how we view humanity and our need for Christ?
Practical Applications:
- This week, intentionally look for ways to experience and share God's peace (shalom) in your daily life. Keep a journal of these moments and share with the group next time.
- Identify an area where you struggle to have hope. How can you apply the concept of being "joyfully confident in God's glory" to this situation?
- Choose one way you can live out your "new creation" identity this week. It could be forgiving someone, serving others, or resisting a particular temptation.
- Study another example of type and antitype in Scripture (e.g., Passover lamb and Jesus). How does this deepen your appreciation for God's plan throughout history?
- Write a prayer of thanksgiving, focusing on God's abundant grace that overcomes sin in your life.
Closing Prayer: End your session by thanking God for His transformative work in your lives, the peace and hope you have in Christ, and the opportunity to grow together as a group.
Based on the sermon on Romans 5:1-21
Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as you discuss the sermon and its implications for your lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Christian justification goes beyond legal acquittal; it transforms us into a new creation.
- Peace (shalom) and hope are two pillars of the Christian faith resulting from justification.
- Our suffering for Christ is evidence of our new creation and faith.
- Paul compares Adam (type) with Jesus Christ (antitype) to illustrate God's plan of salvation.
- God's grace through Christ is far greater than the sin introduced by Adam.
Discussion Questions:
- How does understanding justification as becoming a "new creation" differ from simply being "acquitted" of sin? How might this change our perspective on salvation?
- The sermon mentions that peace (shalom) is more than the absence of conflict. How would you describe this fuller understanding of peace in your own words? How have you experienced this kind of peace in your life?
- Pastor Adam mentions that our suffering for Christ is evidence of our new creation. Have you ever experienced suffering because of your faith? How did it impact your relationship with God?
- Discuss the concept of type and antitype in Scripture. How does seeing Jesus as the "second Adam" enhance your understanding of God's plan of salvation?
- The sermon emphasizes that God's grace is "far greater" than Adam's sin. How does this truth impact your view of God's love and forgiveness? How might it change the way you approach your own struggles with sin?
- Reflect on the statement: "We are all either in the first Adam OR we are in the second Adam." What does this mean for how we view humanity and our need for Christ?
Practical Applications:
- This week, intentionally look for ways to experience and share God's peace (shalom) in your daily life. Keep a journal of these moments and share with the group next time.
- Identify an area where you struggle to have hope. How can you apply the concept of being "joyfully confident in God's glory" to this situation?
- Choose one way you can live out your "new creation" identity this week. It could be forgiving someone, serving others, or resisting a particular temptation.
- Study another example of type and antitype in Scripture (e.g., Passover lamb and Jesus). How does this deepen your appreciation for God's plan throughout history?
- Write a prayer of thanksgiving, focusing on God's abundant grace that overcomes sin in your life.
Closing Prayer: End your session by thanking God for His transformative work in your lives, the peace and hope you have in Christ, and the opportunity to grow together as a group.
Sermon Guide 5/18
Small Group Guide: Keeping Your Head Above Water
Introduction:
This small group guide is based on personal stories shared by Takoda, Clara, and Montana about facing challenges, holding onto faith, and experiencing God's presence in difficult times.
Key Takeaways:
- God's timing and purpose are often beyond our understanding.
- Faith can provide strength and hope in seemingly hopeless situations.
- Everyone has different ways of coping with challenges.
- God's presence can be felt even in the midst of loss and uncertainty.
- Difficult experiences can teach us resilience and how to adapt to change.
Discussion Questions:
- Takoda's story:
- How has a challenging situation in your life unexpectedly turned around?
- Have you ever felt God's presence or guidance when speaking to someone who was ill or struggling?
- Clara's experience:
- How do you typically handle difficult emotions or situations?
- What Bible verses or spiritual practices help you find comfort during tough times?
- How has your faith impacted your approach to personal challenges or setbacks?
- Montana's reflection:
- Can you recall a time when you felt God's presence during a moment of loss or grief?
- How has a difficult experience in your past helped you become more resilient or adaptable?
- General questions:
- What does "keeping your head above water" mean to you in your faith journey?
- How can we support each other as a community when facing personal struggles?
Practical Applications:
- Journaling exercise: Write about a time when you felt God's presence during a difficult situation. Reflect on how this experience impacted your faith.
- Scripture meditation: Choose one of the Bible verses mentioned (Exodus 14:14 or Matthew 6:25) or another verse that brings you comfort. Spend time each day this week meditating on it and considering how it applies to your life.
- Gratitude practice: Each day this week, identify one way you've seen God working in your life or the lives of those around you, even in small ways.
- Community support: Reach out to someone in the group or your wider community who might be struggling. Offer a listening ear, a prayer, or practical help.
- Coping strategies: Share and discuss healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, worry, or difficult emotions. Consider trying a new strategy this week.
Closing Prayer:
Close the session with a prayer, thanking God for His presence in our lives, asking for strength to face challenges, and seeking wisdom to support one another through difficult times.
Introduction:
This small group guide is based on personal stories shared by Takoda, Clara, and Montana about facing challenges, holding onto faith, and experiencing God's presence in difficult times.
Key Takeaways:
- God's timing and purpose are often beyond our understanding.
- Faith can provide strength and hope in seemingly hopeless situations.
- Everyone has different ways of coping with challenges.
- God's presence can be felt even in the midst of loss and uncertainty.
- Difficult experiences can teach us resilience and how to adapt to change.
Discussion Questions:
- Takoda's story:
- How has a challenging situation in your life unexpectedly turned around?
- Have you ever felt God's presence or guidance when speaking to someone who was ill or struggling?
- Clara's experience:
- How do you typically handle difficult emotions or situations?
- What Bible verses or spiritual practices help you find comfort during tough times?
- How has your faith impacted your approach to personal challenges or setbacks?
- Montana's reflection:
- Can you recall a time when you felt God's presence during a moment of loss or grief?
- How has a difficult experience in your past helped you become more resilient or adaptable?
- General questions:
- What does "keeping your head above water" mean to you in your faith journey?
- How can we support each other as a community when facing personal struggles?
Practical Applications:
- Journaling exercise: Write about a time when you felt God's presence during a difficult situation. Reflect on how this experience impacted your faith.
- Scripture meditation: Choose one of the Bible verses mentioned (Exodus 14:14 or Matthew 6:25) or another verse that brings you comfort. Spend time each day this week meditating on it and considering how it applies to your life.
- Gratitude practice: Each day this week, identify one way you've seen God working in your life or the lives of those around you, even in small ways.
- Community support: Reach out to someone in the group or your wider community who might be struggling. Offer a listening ear, a prayer, or practical help.
- Coping strategies: Share and discuss healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, worry, or difficult emotions. Consider trying a new strategy this week.
Closing Prayer:
Close the session with a prayer, thanking God for His presence in our lives, asking for strength to face challenges, and seeking wisdom to support one another through difficult times.