Romans 1:18-32

Understanding God's Righteousness and Our Need for Christ

Dear Church Family,
I hope this blog finds you well and still reflecting on yesterday's powerful sermon. We have drop this weeks sermons resources bellow.

As we move forward this week, let's remember that we are all in need of God's grace. May we be encouraged to live by faith in Christ, acknowledging our dependence on Him and His righteousness.

- Pastor Josh


Sermon Summary: 
The sermon delved into Romans 1:18-32, exploring the contrast between God's righteousness and human unrighteousness. Pastor Josh emphasized that all humans are unrighteous and in need of Christ's saving grace. He explained how rejecting God's truth leads to a disoriented life, impacting our worship, identity, and desires. The sermon highlighted the importance of living by faith in Christ rather than suppressing the truth about Him.

Takeaways:

• Sin disorients our worship, identity, and desires, leading us away from God.
• God's wrath is not uncontrolled anger, but a controlled response to sin because of what sin does to us.
• Our righteousness can only be found in faith in Christ, who took our place on the cross.

As we move forward this week, let's remember that we are all in need of God's grace. May we be encouraged to live by faith in Christ, acknowledging our dependence on Him and His righteousness.


Pastor Josh

 Romans 1:18-32 - Understanding Sin, Righteousness, and God's Wrath

Opening Question: What was your initial reaction to hearing about God's wrath in this sermon? How does it challenge or align with your understanding of God?

Key Takeaways:

1. The righteous live by faith in Christ, while the unrighteous suppress the truth about Christ.
2. Sin disorients our worship, identity, and desires.
3. God's wrath is not uncontrolled anger, but a controlled response to sin because of what sin does to us.
4. Rejecting God's truth and ways leads to a downward spiral of sin and brokenness.
5. Christ bore our unrighteousness and took God's wrath in our place.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Paul describe the difference between the righteous and unrighteous in this passage? (Reference verses 17-18)
2. The sermon mentioned that sin "disorients our worship." Can you share an example of how sin has affected your ability to worship God in the past?
3. How do you reconcile the concept of God's wrath with His love? Why is it important to understand both aspects of God's character?
4. The pastor said, "Foolish thinking is: I know what's right, no one can tell me different." Can you identify areas in your life where you might be exhibiting this kind of thinking?
5. How does the list of sinful behaviors in verses 29-31 challenge you personally? Which ones do you struggle with the most?
6. Reflect on Isaiah 53:4-6. How does this passage give you hope in light of your own unrighteousness?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, intentionally look for evidence of God's attributes in creation. Journal about what you observe and how it impacts your worship.
2. Identify one area where you might be "suppressing the truth" about God. Commit to addressing it through prayer, accountability, or seeking counsel.
3. Practice vulnerability by sharing a struggle with sin with a trusted friend or group member. Ask them to pray for you and remind you of the gospel.
4. Memorize Isaiah 53:5 as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice for your unrighteousness.

Closing Prayer: Lord, we acknowledge our unrighteousness and thank you for the gift of Christ's righteousness. Help us to live by faith, resisting the temptation to suppress your truth. May we be known rather than impressive, vulnerable in our struggles, and quick to point others to the hope found in Jesus. Amen.

1. How does the concept of God's wrath challenge or align with your understanding of His love and mercy?
2. In what ways might you be 'suppressing the truth' in your own life, and how can you work towards living more authentically in faith?
3. How does the idea that 'sin disorients our worship, identity, and desires' resonate with your personal experiences?
4. What are some practical ways we can treasure God above all things in our daily lives?
5. How can we balance acknowledging our own unrighteousness with embracing the righteousness offered through Christ?
6. In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to submit to God's authority rather than your own wisdom?
7. How might the concept of God 'giving people up' to their sinful desires be seen as an act of mercy rather than punishment?
8. What are some ways we can lovingly address sin in our community without falling into self-righteousness or judgment?
9. How does the imagery in Isaiah 53 of Christ bearing our griefs and sorrows impact your view of your own sin and God's forgiveness?
10. What does it mean to you personally to 'live by faith in Christ' rather than simply identifying as a Christian?