Romans 10 Bible study guide: A Message Within Reach

Open with

How did you first hear about Jesus? Who told you?

Read together

Romans 10:1-13, then Romans 10:14-21. If you are leading, read the plain-words note on Romans 10 first (linked below).

Discussion questions

1. Paul says his people are zealous for God, "but their zeal is not based on knowledge" (v. 2). Can someone be sincere and still be wrong? What does that look like today?

2. Verse 8 says "the word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart." Why do people often think God is far away or hard to reach?

3. Verse 9: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Why both mouth and heart?

4. Verse 13 says "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Who might feel shut out by religion, and what does "everyone" say to them?

5. Verse 14 asks, "how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Who in your life might hear about Jesus through you?

6. What makes talking about your faith hard? What would make it easier?

For our lives this week

Think of one person you could share a small part of your story with this week. It doesn't have to be a speech. Just be honest about what Jesus means to you.

Close in prayer

Thank God that salvation is near and open to everyone. Pray by name for the people you thought of today.

Leader tip

People may feel guilty for not sharing their faith. Keep it encouraging: sharing usually looks like honest conversation, not pressure.