LifeChange Bible Studies 2022 Brochure - Flipbook - Page 5
Lesson Two
ROMANS 1:1-17
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leaders with highest authority regarding
doctrine and policy. Twelve of Jesus’ original
disciples (see Luke 6:12-16; Acts 1:12-26) and
Paul had this honor. Barnabas (see Acts 14:14),
James the brother of Jesus (see Galatians
1:19) and perhaps Andronicus and Junias (see
Romans 16:7) are also called apostles, but
possibly in a wider sense of “messenger.”3
For Thought and
Discussion:
a. Why is it
important for you to
know what 1:2-4 says
about Jesus? What
difference do these
verses make to your
life?
b. What errors
about Jesus do these
verses refute?
1. Paul expanded on the customary beginning of
a letter to identify himself and his mission to
people who did not know him. In 1:1-7, how does
Paul identify . . .
himself (see 1:1)?
“message”), which also gives us words like “evangelist” and “angel.”
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Obedience that comes from faith (1:5). Literally,
“the obedience of faith.” Some interpreters
think Paul means the practical obedience that
comes from believing in Jesus, while others
think he means that faith itself, rather than
law-keeping, is the true obedience God desires.4
His holy people (1:7). “Saint,” “sanctify,” and
“holiness” all refer to the same Greek wordgroup that means “set apart,” as in 1:1. Thus, a
saint is a “holy one” or “set apart one.” A saint
is already set apart for God and in the process of
being made holy by the Holy Spirit.
2. Like the Romans, we too have been called to the
obedience of faith and to be saints/holy/set apart
(see 1:5-6). What are some actions, decisions,
and priorities this calling implies for your life?
his message (see 1:2-4)?
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND,
MAPS, AND CHARTS at the
front of each book
For Thought and
Discussion:
a. In what sense
is faith itself an aspect
of obedience?
b. Why does
true faith also lead to
obedience?
Optional
Application: What
have you been set
apart to be and do?
What have you been
set apart from? How
can you fulfill this holy
status better?
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For Further Study:
The words “call” and
“called” recur four
times in 1:1-7. Who
calls? Who are called?
What are they called
to be and do?
For Thought and
Discussion: How do
we know that Jesus is
the Son of God (see
1:4)?
his mission (see 1:5)?
his readers (see 1:6-7)?
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3
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Study Skill — Repetition
STUDY SKILLS SIDEBARS
to help readers uncover the
purpose of the text
Gospel (1:1). The Old English word godspel
means “good news.” It translates the Greek
word euangelion (eu-,“good” and angelion,
CROSS-REFERENCES for
further study and greater
context
DEFINITIONS AND NOTES
about words, locations,
people, and culture
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS for
a group or personal reflection
OPTIONAL APPLICATIONS to
put additional activities
into practice
THOUGHTFUL PROGRESSION
OF QUESTIONS—observe,
interpret, apply
Lesson Ten
ORGANIZED FOR
FLEXIBILITY—go as quick or
as deep as you like
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(continued on page 28)
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27
GENESIS 16:1–17:27
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Optional
Application: Put
yourself in Abraham’s
place. For thirteen
years you have
set your hope on
Ishmael. Now everything is changing.
How does Abraham
react (see 17:17-18)?
How would you react?
How should you react
when God suddenly
changes a situation
you thought was
secure?
Optional
Application: a. How
can you show your
faith in and commitment to God this
week?
b. How can
you walk with God
blamelessly?
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11. Observe how 17:23 begins. What do you learn
about Abraham that is a good example for us?
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12. Since Jesus came, God no longer requires
His people to be circumcised. However, what
does He still require (see Genesis 15:6; 17:1;
Galatians 5:6)?
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Repetition is a clue to the ideas the author
wants to emphasize. Observe the words Paul
repeats in 1:1-7 — Lord, Jesus, Christ, God, Son,
apostle(ship), gospel, call(ed), set apart/holiness/
saints, grace. Notice that Paul applies being
“called” and “set apart” for “Christ Jesus” to
his own life (see verses 1-5) and then to the
Romans’ lives (see verses 6-7).
13. a. Is there any truth from 16:1–17:27 that you
would like to apply? If so, what is it?
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b. How do you fall short or want to grow in this
area?
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c. How can you begin to put this insight into
practice this week?
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14. List any questions you have about 16:1–17:27.
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For the group
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Warm-up. Ask everyone, “Think of a promise God
has made to you that He has not yet fulfilled. How
does the waiting make you feel?” The purpose here
is to put yourselves in Abram’s and Sarai’s shoes.
Read aloud. To break up a long passage, read and
discuss chapter 16, then read and discuss chapter 17.
Hagar. The main issues here are what God’s treatment of Hagar tells us about Him, and how Abram’s
and Sarai’s behavior are examples for us to avoid.
Chapter 16 shows how the ancient version of
surrogate motherhood affected the family. What
was wrong with the practice in general? Why was
it especially wrong in light of God’s plan for Abram
and Sarai? Can we use this passage to condemn
modern forms of surrogate motherhood, or are the
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