Announcements: Trunk or Treat is this Saturday from 5pm to 7pm at Lake Belton High School. Encourage your group to come out and invite friends to join us.

Big Ideas: The Apostle Paul is one of the most popular figures in the Bible. He wrote about 2/3 of the New Testament and seemed to be relentless in his desire to plant churches and see the gospel move forward.

Romans 1 gives us some insight into what made Paul so confident in Christ and what allowed him to keep going in the midst of unbelievable hardship.

1. Paul operates out of a strong sense of identity (v.1-7)

2. Paul is encouraged by the church community (v.8-12)

3. Paul clearly understands his purpose (v.13-14)

4. Paul is unashamed of his message (v.15-17)

Read Romans 1:1-17 before jumping into the questions.

Q1: What was most interesting or encouraging to you this week?

Q2: What was most challenging or raised questions for you?

Q3: Paul operates out of a strong sense of identity.
What labels are you most known for?
What labels most define your life? Why?

Q4: Paul is encouraged by the church community.
In what ways are you, or have you been, encouraged by your church community?

Q5: Paul clearly understands his purpose.
What would you say is your purpose or calling? How is your purpose clarified or affirmed by others?

Q6: Paul is unashamed of his message.
How could you become more bold in living and sharing the gospel with the people God places around you?

Action Step: Write down some ways in which you are blessed or encouraged by your faith community this week. Thank God for the people in your life that encourage your faith.

A) Have you had a chance to take this step? If so, tell the group about your experience.

B) If not, how can the group help you?