Sermon Discussion Guide 9-20-26

Sermon Discussion Guide
Romans | How the Fall Affects Us All | Romans 1:24-32

Gathering Question:
What is one way you’ve seen God at work in your life this week?

Gathering Prayer
Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray. Amen.

Opening Questions

• What stood out to you in the sermon? 
• What insights did you gain? 
• What questions did it raise?

Read Romans 1:24-32

The Purpose of the Human Being

• We are not our own creators. How does being a creature rather than the Creator shape the way we think about our identity and purpose?
• Genesis 1 says that every human being is made in the image of God. How should that truth shape the way we see ourselves and the people around us?
• Genesis 1 is filled with complementary pairs that ultimately point to Christ and the Church. What does this larger biblical picture teach us about God's purpose for humanity?

The Tragedy of the Human Being

• The tragedy of humanity is rejecting God and then reaping the consequences of that rejection. Where do you see this pattern at work in the world?
• Paul’s list includes both dramatic sins and seemingly ordinary sins like envy, greed, gossip, arrogance, and lack of mercy. Why is it important that Paul puts these things together?
• When something created becomes an ultimate thing (something we depend on for identity, fulfillment, security, or happiness), it becomes an idol. What created things are you most tempted to make ultimate?
• Don’t “miss the forest for the trees.” How can focusing too much on someone else's sin keep us from seeing the larger human problem Paul describes? 

The Hope of the Human Being

• Romans 2:1 turns the accusation toward the person who judges others: “You, therefore, have no excuse.” What does that reveal about our own need for God's mercy?
• Read Romans 12:1-2 together. What connections do you see between Romans 1 and Romans 12, especially regarding our bodies, minds, worship, and purpose?
• Salvation is more than simply being declared forgiven. It is being “healed, set free, transformed,” and restored to life with God. Where do you most need God's transforming work right now?

Closing Question
Where in your life are you most tempted to live as though you are the Creator rather than the creature? How would it look if you surrendered that area to God?

Closing Prayer