Meeting Times: 10 am - 11 am and 7 pm - 8 pm. You can attend either or both if you want more perspectives. We will be covering the same material.

We are studying the book of Romans, which is Paul’s clearest explanation of the Gospel. Over the next several weeks, we’re going to discover what this letter means for us.

You’ll notice that our study isn’t divided by chapters. Instead Pastor Jamie has organized it by THOUGHT SECTIONS. Remember, Paul wasn’t writing a book with chapter numbers and headings - he was writing a letter. Sometimes one idea continues in the next chapter, so rather than stopping where a chapter ends, we’ll follow Paul’s complete train of thought. Pastor Jamie’s hope is that this helps us understand not only what Paul says, but why he says it.

Some discussions go deep and we may not get through all of the questions in one session. Check the calendar event each week to see where we stopped and where we will be starting our next discussion

Episode 8 Study questions

Read Romans 13 - 14

1. In verses 3–4, Paul describes government as a servant for the good. What does that suggest about the purpose of government? What happens when authorities fail to serve the good?

2. I can’t wait to discuss this question: If obeying a law would require you to harm someone, deny another person’s humanity, or participate in injustice, how would you work through that conflict as a Christian?

3. In verse 8, Paul says we should owe nothing to anyone except the continuing debt to love one another. What do you think he means by describing love as a debt we never finish paying?

4. If Paul were writing this letter to our church today, what might he encourage us to wake up to? Are there needs, injustices, or opportunities to love people that we sometimes overlook?

5. In verse 14, Paul says to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” What do you think that image means? If we were putting on Jesus the way we put on clothing, what would people see in our attitudes, decisions, and relationships?

6. Paul begins by telling believers to welcome those whose faith looks different from theirs, without arguing over disputed matters. Why do you think Christians sometimes struggle to welcome people who believe or practice their faith differently? Be honest with yourself: do you struggle with this? (this can be rhetorical, but something to ponder)

7. How do we distinguish between something that is genuinely harmful and something that is simply different from the way we personally believe or practice our faith? Who gets to decide the difference?

8. Verse 13 says we should stop passing judgment on one another and instead resolve never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in another believer’s way. Why do you think Paul shifts the focus from judging others to examining our own behavior?

9. If something is permissible for you but genuinely hurts another person in your faith community, when might love call you to give it up? Are there limits to that responsibility?

10. Any other takeaways for you with these 2 Chapters that spoke to you about how to live out a Christian life?