Romans 1 Bible study guide: Good News and a World Gone Wrong

Open with

What is something you were once embarrassed to admit you believed or liked?

Read together

Romans 1:1-17, then Romans 1:18-32. If you are leading, read the plain-words note on Romans 1 first (linked below).

Discussion questions

1. Paul introduces himself as "a servant of Christ Jesus" before anything else (v. 1). How would you describe yourself in one line, and what does that say about what you put first?

2. Paul says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel" (v. 16). Where are you most tempted to keep your faith quiet: work, school, friends, online? Why?

3. Verse 20 says God's "eternal power and divine nature" have been "clearly seen" in creation. Where do you notice God in the world around you?

4. In verse 25 people "exchanged the truth about God for a lie." What good things are people our age tempted to put in God's place, like success, relationships, image or comfort?

5. Three times Paul says God "gave them over" (vv. 24, 26, 28). Many readers take this to mean God lets people have what they choose. What do you make of that?

6. Verses 26 and 27 are among the most debated in the Bible, and Christians read them differently. How can your group talk about hard passages honestly and kindly?

7. The list in verses 29 to 31 puts gossip and envy beside murder. Why might Paul put them together? Which ones are easy to overlook in ourselves?

For our lives this week

Romans 1 shows the problem before Romans 3 shows the answer. This week, notice one place where you put something else in God's place, and talk to God about it.

Close in prayer

Thank God that the good news is "the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." Ask for the courage to live it without shame.

Leader tip

Don't try to settle verses 26 and 27 in one meeting. Say plainly that Christians disagree, keep the focus on the whole chapter, and invite people to keep talking afterwards.