Sunday, March 3

1. In the first 16 verses of Romans 16, Paul expresses gratitude for 26 people by name. This list includes rich and poor, male and female, citizens and non-citizens.         
   Why is this list significant?
   How does it reflect themes we have seen throughout the book of Romans as a whole?
2. In verses 1-16 Paul offers specific affirmations and words of encouragement. Richard commented that "encouragement is sustaining."
   Have you experienced this before?
   Can you think of a time or season in your own life when encouragement sustained you?
3. Our words of encouragement function as the blessing of God for others.
   Who is the person in your life who needs God's blessing?
   How might you reach out to them in the coming days and weeks?
4. In verses 17-19 Paul reaffirms the value of unity. According to these verses, what is the ultimate source of this unity? What is the greatest threat to this unity?
5. Richard emphatically stated, "If we are fighting about non-essentials, we are undermining the gospel."
   How are we seeing this play out among Christians today?
   What steps towards reconciliation can we take as a church?
   As a small group?
   As individuals?
6. The J.B. Phillips translation of Romans 16:19 says "Become an expert in what is good and not even a beginner in evil." What does this verse mean to you? What practices have you found helpful for living into this calling?
7. Read Romans 16:20. How do Paul's words offer us encouragement as we move towards unity and reconciliation?
8. This is the final week of our Roman's study. How would you sum the heart of the book of Romans in a single sentence? What is one takeaway that you don't want to forget?