Reflection Questions: Romans 15:14

For the message, Counsel One Another Given by Pastor John at New City Church on August 25, 2013

These discussion questions are designed to help you reflect upon and apply the message from the Scriptures. You can use these by yourself for reflection, or you could use these with your family or small group for discussion.

Introduction: What do you think about the Apostle Pauls contention that the average Christian can instruct and counsel one another? Does that surprise you, challenge you, cause you to doubt? Why? Questions: 1. The Apostle Paul said that one of the reasons that he was satisfied that these Roman Christians were able to counsel one another was because they were full of goodness. But in Romans 3, Paul said that no one in their natural condition is good. So what did Paul mean here? Whats the connection to the Spirits work in the life of the believer? Check out Galatians 5:2223. 2. The Apostle Paul was also satisfied that the average Christian who was filled with all knowledge could counsel one another. What did he mean by this? What did he not mean by this? Check out Colossians 3:16 for further light. What is the connection between being filled with the Word of Christ and the ability to give good counsel? 3. Paul refers to these believers as brothers which was a common designation of the early followers of Christ. How did such a designation inform the way they viewed church? What is the connection between being connected to other believers and flourishing in the Christian life? What happens when we are not connected? 4. Pastor John said that the word instruct in Romans 15:14 is a rich word that can take the form of teaching, encouraging, counseling, comforting, reminding, admonishing, urging, advising, warning, and even spurring on one another to love and good deeds. Which aspect of instructing or counseling one another is most attractive to you? Why? Which aspect do you want to grow the most in? 5. Pastor John made the statement, One another-ing is an essential (non-optional) component of New Testament Christianity. What do you make of that statement? Do you agree or disagree? If you agree, how have you grown in your appreciation of this over the course of our study in the series Life Together?

Conclusion: What is the one thing you want to take away from this study to remember or to make a change in your life? How does this text challenge you to follow Jesus?

Renewing your mind: Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV), And this is my prayer: that you love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christto the glory and praise of God.