Romans 1:28-32 - Small Group Discussion Guide

Summary
The sermon focuses on Romans 1:28-32, examining what happens when humans reject God and choose not to acknowledge Him. The pastor explains how refusing to acknowledge God leads to a debased mind and various forms of unrighteousness. He contrasts this with the freedom and transformation that comes through knowing Christ and accepting the Gospel.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to understand the truth about who You are and who we are without You. Help us to be honest with ourselves and receptive to Your Spirit's leading in our discussion. Guide our conversation and help us to grow in our knowledge of You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker
What's the most meaningful thing someone has taught you about God?

Key Verses

• Romans 1:28
• Romans 1:32
• John 7:37-38
• John 8:31-32

Questions

• How does Paul's description of a 'debased mind' manifest in today's culture?
• Why do you think people often put God 'in the dock' (on trial) rather than acknowledging Him as judge?
• How does knowing God differ from just knowing about God?
• What does it mean to be 'filled with all manner of unrighteousness' and how can we guard against this?
• How does the Gospel provide freedom from the list of sins mentioned in this passage?
• What role does community play in either encouraging sin or encouraging righteousness?
• How can we actively pursue knowing God better in our daily lives?
• What does it mean to have our knowledge 'realigned with who God is'?

Life Application
This week, identify one area where you might be judging God by your own standards rather than submitting to His authority. Commit to spending time each day studying God's character through Scripture and prayer, asking Him to help you know Him more deeply.

Key Takeaways

• Rejecting God leads to a debased mind and various forms of unrighteousness
• True freedom comes through knowing Christ, not through rejecting Him
• The human heart cannot escape God - even those who reject Him think about Him
• The Gospel provides power to overcome sin and transform our hearts

Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for the truth of Your Word and the power of Your Gospel to transform our lives. Help us to not just acknowledge You, but to truly know You and walk in Your ways. Give us the strength to reject sin and embrace the freedom that comes through Christ. May we be people who encourage others toward righteousness rather than sin. In Jesus' name, Amen.