Laurie Polich - Romans

ZONDERVAN

Studies on the Go: Romans
Copyright 2009 by Laurie Polich

Youth Specialties resources, 1890 Cordell Ct. Ste. 105, El Cajon, CA 92020 are published by Zondervan, 5300 Patterson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530.

ISBN 978-0-310-66874-9

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ePub Edition November 2009 ISBN: 978-0-310-59998-2

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Cover design by Toolbox Studios
Interior design by SharpSeven Design

DEDICATION

To Jerome Drew ShortGods redemptive gift in my life.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Jon Ireland, Jono Shaffer, Alan Anderson, Uriah Venegas: What an amazing privilege to do ministry with you.

Ryan Warner, Jonny Gaspardis, Teyler Sorenson: Thanks for loving the kids at Ocean Hillsyou are the inspiration for this book.

Stacy Sharpe, Melissa Johnston, Vicki Stairs: What would I do without my three best friends?

Tyrone Polich and Judith Polich Coe: Thank you for modeling second chances in your lives and marriagesand for bringing me into this world. I love you!

CONTENTS

Studies on the Go: Romans

Are your teens ready to have their lives changed? Thats what the book of Romans tends to do. Martin Luther read the book of Romans and started the Reformation. Augustine read the book of Romans and became known as Saint Augustine. Karl Barth read the book of Romans and influenced some of the worlds greatest Christians. What will the book of Romans do to you?

With Studies on the Go: Romans, youll be armed with all the questions you need to lead 30 studies through Pauls letter to the church in Rome. Your students will begin to grasp the life-changing truths of this great book and have a better understanding of how these truths can shape their lives. Admittedly, this is a tough bookit deals with many complex (and often controversial) theological issues. But its also a rich book. And my guess is youll wrestle with these questions just as much as your kids will.

Questions have the power to change people. Thats what makes them so important. Youll notice three kinds of questions in these studiesObservation, Interpretation, and Application. Observation questions take your teens to the text, Interpretation questions lead them through the text, and Application questions help them live the text. Each study is prefaced by a short introduction that gives shape and form and context to the study. The sessions begin with sharing questions (designed to break the ice) and end with group exercises (designed to bring the lesson home). There are also reproducible Quiet Time Reflection sheets after the studies for those who want to dig deeper into the Bible on their own.

Remember: Do the parts of this book that suit your group best; you dont have to use every question in the book, and you can feel free to add to them or alter them.

Thats a brief tour of Studies on the Go: Romans. Enjoy this ministry tool, and rememberyour Savior did some of his finest work through his questions. Perhaps you will, too!

OVERVIEW

In the olden days, before cell phones, people used to make collect callsand the experience could leave you hanging. The operator would announce your name to the person who answered the call and ask whether he or she would accept the charges. The person had to accept the charges for your call to go through. That persons response dictated the outcome of the call.

Pauls call to become a Christ-follower was a little like a collect call at some point he had to decide whether or not he would accept the charges. When Paul refers to himself as a servant of Christ Jesus (v. 1), we clearly see how Paul answered his call.

This opening passage of Romans reveals that Paul isnt the only one who received Gods call; God extends that same call to you and me (vv. 5-6). And theres only one way to pay the chargesby giving God your life.

SHARE

Warm-Up Qs (use one or more as needed depending on your group)

Who calls you most frequently? Who do you wish would call you more often?

What causes you to determine whether or not to take a call? Is there anyone you take calls from no matter what youre doing or how busy you are?

Have you ever felt called to do something (i.e., led by God)? If so, what?

OBSERVE

Observation Qs

How does Paul describe himself in v.1? What was he called to be? What was he set apart for?

Who is Paul writing to? (v. 7) What are the first things he says to them? (vv. 7-8)

Why does Paul want to see the Romans? (vv. 11-12) What does he want to happen when/if they see each other? (v. 12)

According to Paul in vv. 16-17, what kind of righteousness does the gospel provide? Does it have to do with usor God?

THINK

Interpretation Qs

What do you suppose it means to be set apart for the gospel of God? (v. 1) Do you believe this applies only to Paulor to all Christians?

In v. 5, Paul says hes calling people to the obedience that comes from faith. What do you think that means? Is it possible to have faith without obedience? Why/why not?

What does Paul reveal about his relationship with God in vv. 8-13? What does he reveal about his relationship with the Romans?

Why do you suppose Paul makes a point to say hes not ashamed of the gospel? (v. 16) Do you believe he had a reason for saying that? Why might Christians be ashamed of the gospel?

APPLY

Application Qs

How consistently do you show your faith in God through your obedience? All the time, sometimes, or none of the time?

Is there an area of your life where you need to obey God more? What would that require you to do?

Paul shows in this passage that he lives his life totally directed by God. Do you feel God directs you in your decisions and actions?

If part of our calling is to share our faith with others, with whom do you believe God wants you to share your faith? How can the group pray for you?

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY

As a group, read the little pamphlet called My Heart, Christs Home by Robert Boyd Munger (InterVarsity Press). Then go around the group and have your teens share which room they have the hardest time letting Christ into, and what changes theyd need to make for Christ to be more welcome there.

QUIET TIME REFLECTIONS

Day 1: Romans 1:1-4

1. What word or verse stands out to you from this passage? Why?