Message Study Notes for March 27, 2022
Series: The Book of Romans “Christianity Exposed”
Title: Growing as a Christ Follower – Part 2

God has given us His Grace and His Holy Spirit to be light to others.
Growing as a Christ follower – Part 2 (Romans Chapter 13 & 14)

Submission to authorities.
Romans 13:1-2 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.

The power of love to change you.
Romans 13: 8-10 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. 9 For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

Vigilance of Christians to walk as children of light.
Romans 13: 11-14 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Romans 14: 7-8 For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. 8 If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Romans 14: 12-13 Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. 13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

Family/Group Study Notes for March 27, 2022
Series: The Book of Romans “Christianity Exposed”
Title: Growing as a Christ Follower – Part 2

How do you see your Christian walk impacting your workplace or those in your neighborhood? Share with each other where you have been successful or unsuccessful.
Read Romans 13:1-7. Paul is speaking about how Christians should live in relationship to civil authority. Why doesn’t Paul encourage Christians to overthrow the government? What does he say the role of government is? How can Christians make the greatest difference within a society of government? Why is it that Christianity grows when there is persecution against it.
Reflect on the following article from Christianity today. Discuss and pray for Christians around the world, especially in countries listed. https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/january/christian-persecution-2021-countries-open-doors-watch-list.html
Read Matthew 5:38-48. What are the key points Jesus makes about living as a Christ follower in the world? Which of these are the hardest for you? Why would Jesus speak to us about living this way?
Read Romans 13:8-10. Why is it important to never have love paid in full? How could this understanding of love change the way you treat people and think about others?
Gather in smaller groups and pray for each other’s accountable walk with Jesus each day. Pray for ways to encourage each other to live as a light for Jesus.