Romans 15:7-13

1. The sermon noted that Christianity connects the greatest realities—God’s glory, eternity, and the gospel—to ordinary life. What is one “small” area of your life right now (work, parenting, marriage, friendships, household responsibilities, hobbies, etc.) where you need to more consciously connect everyday obedience to the glory of God? Pastor Ross talked about making that connection in prayer. How else might we make it?
2. What does Christ’s welcome of us teach us about how we should receive other believers, especially those who are different from us? Where is this easiest for you? Where is it most difficult?
3. How does regularly remembering God’s mercy toward you change the way you respond to the weaknesses, shortcomings, or differences of other Christians?
4. Romans 15 highlights God’s global purpose: that people from every nation would glorify Him for His mercy. How does God’s passion for the worship of all peoples shape the way we think about missions? What practical step could we take this week to participate in that mission?

Romans 15:14-22

1. What role have other believers played in helping you grow spiritually? Can you give an example from within our church family?
2. How can our group become more intentional about encouraging, teaching, and counseling one another with God’s Word rather than assuming that only pastors (or someone else will) do that work?
3. Why do mature Christians still need regular reminders of the gospel?
4. Paul says Christ worked through him “to bring the Gentiles to obedience” (15:18). The goal was not merely conversion but lives increasingly shaped by Christ. When you think about spiritual growth, are you more likely to focus on gaining knowledge or growing in obedience? Why do you think that is?
5. What do some churches become inwardly focused? What would it look like for our church to think not only about our own growth but also about reproducing gospel ministry in surrounding communities?