The Good News of Jesus Christ, aka the Gospel, is the central theme of Romans that we're walking through together over the next several months. The Gospel is the very core of who we are, what we believe, and why Paul says he's not ashamed of it (v. 16). Why is that? This Good News is from God, is all about Jesus, is according to the Holy Spirit, and it's for all people!

Romans 1:1-7, 14-17

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. We are diving deep into Romans for the next seven months. Do you have any favorite Bible passages in Romans? Take time to share with each other and explain why.

2. As we go through Romans together, what do you hope to learn from this series? Do you expect to learn anything new or rather hope to be reminded of topics from Romans you may have forgotten? Why?

3. Read Romans 1:1-17. A key passage is v. 16. What does it say about the Gospel? When have you felt ashamed to share the Gospel? Why? When were moments you weren’t ashamed to share? Why?

4. How might you grow in your faith? Specifically name any shame, fears, or doubts you may be feeling with the group. How can you grow in sharing the Gospel? Think of specific people and make it a written goal to have at least one Jesus-sharing conversation with them in the next seven months. Spend time praying over them as a group.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Romans 1:1-17 together.

2. Paul says the Gospel (“Good News”) is about Jesus. Which of the descriptions of Jesus in vv 2-4 stands out the most to you? Why?

3. Reread verse 16. What can we learn from Paul with this verse? 

4. Through Paul, God wrote this letter to the Christians in Rome to warn, teach, and encourage them. Paul in turn needed to be encouraged by the people he was writing to... who is someone that teaches you? Who encourages you? Who is one of your leaders that helps you? Think about it, pray for them, and write a card to encourage them.