Download Lesson: 10.18.15 Class Notes – Romans 16

LOOK:

Paul did basic things to spread the good news to others. He went town to town. He mentored those new in the faith and then placed them in leadership roles. He encouraged many to open their homes to build relationships to lead others to Christ.

So here’s the seed I’d like to plant: What if each of us were willing to open our homes once a month to start cultivating friendships with our neighbors. I wouldn’t start bible studies or prayer groups at this point. The only goal is to get to know your neighbors over a cup of coffee. In fact, we ought to consider inviting neighbors for one-to-one gatherings first to get a sense of who they are and assess their level of interest in getting to know other neighbors on a monthly basis. The end goal is to love our neighbors, encourage one another, carry each other’s burden, and then the hope is to draw them to Christ over time.

But what I want you to hear is that I don’t think we should put pressure on ourselves to lead a bible study or prayer group. I’m suggesting you don’t need to put pressure on to provide a meal. Most people like a casual, comfortable setting to sip tea or coffee.

I think if all of us would pray about this, we could begin reversing the trend of Christians becoming a minority and have house churches filled with people we’re ministering to. At some point, the Lord will prompt us when it’s time to take it to another level. This is how Paul spread the good news through all of his helpers and husband/wive teams, etc. Let’s strongly consider this for 2016. Let’s be intentional!

Download Lesson: 10.11.15 Class Notes – Rom 15.14-33

LOOK:

All of us can have an effective ministry for the Lord by making sure the elements we learned in today’s lesson is an integral part of it:

Summarize the ELEMENTS of Ministry:

• An effective ministry is characterized by strong interpersonal skills to affirm others
• An effective ministry is undergirded by God’s grace
• An effective ministry has the gospel as its centerpiece
• An effective ministry focuses on giving God the Glory
• An effective ministry is done through the power of the Holy Spirit
• An effective ministry is done according to God’s plan and timing

Download Lesson: 10.4.15 Class Notes – Rom 15.1-13

LOOK:

We have just spent an hour discerning all the directions Paul has given us to move toward a “spirit of unity.” Do you know what your “next step” is to foster a “spirit of unity” among your family of God? I’m trusting that the Spirit is telling each of us what our next step is to glorify Him!

Download Lesson: 9.27.15 Class Notes – Rom 14.13-23

LOOK:

Paul reminds us that we shouldn’t major in the minors. The examples he gave in this text were non-moral issues. He reminds us that some people’s faith is less developed than others. Therefore, if we are engaging in an activity that would cause our fellow believer to stumble, he has commanded us to take the high road. He says, “Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way (v.13)” He also says, “Make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.”

The underpinning of these commands is to love, not judge – unless you hear false teaching. And for whatever this is worth: if the Lord decides He wants me to be His spokesperson to make someone aware of their sinful behavior, He will have the Holy Spirit prompt me. But you know what? I have been a Christian almost 35 years, and I don’t ever recall being invited by the Holy Spirit to sit down with someone and tell them they are sinning. There must be a reason! My assumption is that the Holy Spirit has the exclusive role to convict each of us when we’re sinning.

Download Lesson: 9.13.15 Class Notes – Rom 14.1-12

LOOK:

Paul gives us strong reasons why we should quit judging believers who are at different places in their spiritual journey. Whether a believer is weaker in faith, i.e. has a less developed faith, or whether one is a mature believer, Paul reminds us that God has accepted both the weak and the strong in faith. He reminds us that the Lord is able to defend the weaker brother who is only accountable to the Lord. He reminds us that Jesus is not only the Lord, but only HE is our judge.

Let’s make it our goal to simply meet people where they are, without imposing our views on non-moral matters. Let the Holy Spirit do the work in each of us.