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Stand Alone sermons:

The Fundamentals of Citizenship

Philippians 2:1-4

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

The Fundamentals of Citizenship — Pastor Trey Russell
Philippians 2:1-4
Sermon Series: Philippians
March 13, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What is the argument Paul is making in verse 1? How do these realities function for you as motivation to live as a proper citizen of heaven?
2.  What does it mean to be “of the same mind”? What does it not mean?
3.  What is our unity in the church based on? How do we know this from the text?
4.  How does this unity allow us to reflect all kinds of diversity and weather all kinds of disagreement?
5.  What is the true enemy of unity? How do you see this working under the surface of your own heart?
6.  How does humility enable unity?

References: Phil. 3:20; Rom. 15:5; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Cor. 12:24-45; 1 Thess. 1:10; Rom. 5:9; Luke 14:21; Rom; 5:5; 2 Thess. 2:16; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph 4:1-3; Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor 12:18; 1 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 2:5-11

Citizens Together for the Gospel

Philippians 1:27-30

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Citizens Together for the Gospel — Pastor Trey Russell
Philippians 1:27-30
Sermon Series: Philippians
March 6, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does Paul want the Philippian church to be known for?
2.   Consider the reality that, as Christians, we don’t belong here. How does this reality affect the way you live your everyday life?
3.   What is the relationship between being a citizen and living worthily as a citizen? In other words, what is the relationship between being and doing? If these two are mixed up, how does it distort the message of the gospel?
4.   How do we answer the call to steadfastness and being unafraid?
5.   What does it mean to strive after the gospel? What does it look like for us to raise the flag of the gospel on the battlefield?
6.   How does this text demonstrate that proper citizenship is done in community with others?
7.   How is suffering a gift from God? Have you ever considered grace from this angle? Have you ever seen how suffering well witnesses to the preciousness of the gospel?

References: Eph. 4:1; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12; Acts 16:21; Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-8; Col. 1:13; Matt. 10:22; 1 Pt. 4:12; Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 5:20-21; 2 Cor. 2:15-16.

Resurrection and Regret

Resurrection and Regret — Pastor Tony Carter
John 11:1-27
Sermon Series: Stand alone
February 27, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How do you define regret? What are some big regrets in the Bible? What are some regrets in your own life?
2. Have you ever experienced a delay in God's help to you? (see Ps. 13:12) How did you handle the delay? What did you learn about God and yourself?
3. How is the resurrection a source of hope in this life?  In what ways does the Bible describe the resurrection that might encourage us to hope?
4. Do you look forward to the resurrection? Why?

The Christ of Life and Death

Philippians 1:18b-26

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

The Christ of Life and Death — Pastor Trey Russell
Philippians 1:18b-26
Sermon Series: Philippians
February 20, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does vv.12-18 and vv.18b-26 function together as a unit? What do they have in common and what are their different focus points?
2.   While in prison, what is Paul’s singular aspiration and how do we know this? How might his mention of “deliverance” be misleading?
3.   What two things give Paul confidence in his “deliverance” and why? How does this reinterpret shame and failure for the Christian?
4.   Why is “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” a universal maxim for every Christian? What do Jesus’ comments in Luke 14 15-33 have to do with this?
5.   How can death be gain? How does this help you think of your earthly pursuits, even good ones?
6.   What will be the fruit of Paul living and returning to the Philippians, as he expects to do? What does this tell us about our relationships in the church? Are we pursuing relationships like this? 

References: Phil. 2:9-11, 3:8; Rev. 5:11-13; Luke 14:25-33; 2 Cor. 5:8

The Apostle's Praise

Romans 16:25-27

25 Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. 26 But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. 27 All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.

The Apostle’s Praise — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 16:25-27
Sermon Series: Romans (90th Sermon)
February 13, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Which portions of Romans have most impacted you over the last two years? How can you make this epistle a key part of your life moving forward?
2.   What does Paul’s doxology say about his ultimate priority? How does this give greater meaning and direction to our lives?
3.   How does God strengthen/establish us? Why should this motivate us to make better use of our time?
4.   Where do we see God’s sovereignty in this passage? Why should his wisdom free us from worry?
5.   In what ways does Paul end the letter where he began? How does the end of v. 26 bring us all the way back to Genesis 12:3?

References: Romans 11:33-36; 1:11, 3; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Galatians 4:4; Romans 1:16; Ephesians 2:12; Genesis 12:3.

The Apostle's Care

Romasn 16:17-23

17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. 19 But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you his greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.
22 I, Tertius, the one writing this letter for Paul, send my greetings, too, as one of the Lord’s followers.
23 Gaius says hello to you. He is my host and also serves as host to the whole church. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you his greetings, and so does our brother Quartus.

The Apostle’s Care — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 16:17-23
Sermon Series: Romans (89th Sermon)
February 6, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How has the end of Romans given us insight into the heart of Paul and of Christianity itself?
2.   What does Paul warn his readers against, and what does he instruct them to do? How does this encourage humility and devotion to sound doctrine?
3.   How are the false teachers described? What is the relationship between division and false teaching?
4.   What does it look like to be naive? How have you seen people deceived and led astray “by smooth talk and flattery” (v. 18)?
5.   How does Paul view the Roman Christians? What reassurances are provided for believers in v. 20?
6.   How are the final greetings from Paul’s friends related to the previous warning?
7.   What do Gaius and Erastus tell us about the makeup of the early church?

References: Galatians 5:20; Philippians 2:2-3; Romans 8:13; 1:25, 8; 15:14; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 12:9; Matthew 10:16; Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16; Acts 16:1-3; Philippians 2:22.

The Apostle's Greetings, Pt. 2

Romans 16:1-16

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
3 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. 5 Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. 6 Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. 12Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.
14 Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. 16 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.

The Apostle’s Greetings, Pt. 2 — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 16:1-16
Sermon Series: Romans (88th Sermon)
January 30, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What do you find most surprising, interesting, or edifying in this list of names? Are there any that stand out to you?
2.   How does this passage reflect the diversity of the Roman church? Considering the rest of the letter, how might this diversity have given rise to tension and division?
3.   What does it say about God’s purposes that many of these people were likely slaves or former slaves? How does this relate to 1 Corinthians 1:26-29?
4.   Where do we see reference to multiple house churches? Where do we find evidence that Christianity had made its way into “Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22)?
5.   What language does Paul use to emphasize unity amid diversity? How can we lose sight of the one great unifier?
6.   How does Paul’s directive in v. 16 build on his example? What is the “holy kiss,” and what are the implications for us today?
7.   How does the final sentence keep both the universal and the local church in view?

References: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Mark 15:21; Philippians 4:22; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 5:14.

The Apostle's Greetings, Pt. 1

Romans 16:1-16

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
3 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. 5 Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. 6 Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. 12Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.
14 Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. 16 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.

The Apostle’s Greetings, Pt. 1 — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 16:1-16
Sermon Series: Romans (87th Sermon)
January 23, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why are we tempted to fly over passages like this? In the words of Chrysostom, how have you discovered “treasure” in these sorts of texts?
2.   In what ways was Christianity countercultural in its appreciation and elevation of women? How is this reflected in these greetings?
3.   How is Phoebe described? Should we view her as a deacon/deaconess?
4.   What was the history between Paul and Prisca and Aquila? Why is this couple in Rome, and how does Paul’s mention of them help to draw support for his ministry/mission?
5.   What does this list of names tell us about the Christian life? Why should it raise our affections for God’s people?

References: Acts 18:27; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 2:12; 3:11; Acts 18:24-26; Romans 15:14; Acts 18:1

The Apostle's Prayer Requests

Romans 15:30-33

30 Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.
31 Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem. 32 Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other.
33 And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.

The Apostle’s Prayer Requests — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:30-33
Sermon Series: Romans (86th Sermon)
January 16, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why was Romans written? How is theology woven together with practical ministry and missions?
2.   How does Paul’s plea for prayer push us towards community? What does it mean to say that praying for one another is “basic Christianity”?
3.   In what ways is prayer labor and warfare? How can we grow discouraged if we mistakenly view it as easy?
4.   What are Paul’s two requests? What was the outcome, and what are the implications for us?
5.   Where do we see Paul’s overarching concern to further the gospel? How does he view his own life?
6.   How can our GCs grow as places of joy and refreshment?

References: Romans 1:9-10; Colossians 4:12; Ephesians 6:12, 18-19; Acts 20:22-24; Acts 21:13, 21; Ephesians 2:14; Romans 1:12; 15:29; 1:10; Matthew 6:10; Acts 21:17; 28:14-15.

The Apostle's Plans

Romans 15:22-29

22 In fact, my visit to you has been delayed so long because I have been preaching in these places.
23 But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. 24 I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.
25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially. 28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain. 29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together.

The Apostle’s Plans — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:22-29
Sermon Series: Romans (85th Sermon)
January 9, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  How should Paul’s example guide our goals and resolutions for the new year?
2.  What has hindered Paul from visiting the Romans? How does this illustrate the importance of our personal desires taking a back seat to God’s will?
3.  What two reasons were given for wanting to visit Rome? How does this encourage us to prioritize missions and edification?
4.  How does this passage challenge us not to have merely social relationships within the church?
5.  Why is the collection for the Jerusalem Christians so important to Paul? How does it play into his larger work as the Apostle to the Gentiles?

References: Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Romans 1:5, 9-11, 12; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17; Acts 11:28-29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:2-4; Romans 11:17; John 4:22; Romans 15:6.

The Apostle's Ministry

Romans 15:14-21

14 I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them. 15 Even so, I have been bold enough to write about some of these points, knowing that all you need is this reminder. For by God’s grace, 16 I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit. 17 So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. 18 Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them. 19 They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit. In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum.
20 My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. 21 I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says,
“Those who have never been told about him will see,
and those who have never heard of him will understand.”

The Apostle’s Ministry — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:14-21
Sermon Series: Romans (84th Sermon)
January 2, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions

The Unbound Gospel

Philippians 1:8-13

8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

The Unbound Gospel — Pastor Trey Russell.
Philippians 1:8-13
Sermon Series: Philippians
December 26, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What has happened to Paul and why is it so unlikely, humanly speaking, that it would result in gospel advancement? Can you think of other times in Scripture when the gospel advanced against all odds?
2.   How can you better see all of life as ripe for gospel advancement?
3.   Why is it so crucial to connect the gospel to the message of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ? What other “gospels” do we commonly hear that actually are not?
4.   Consider Paul’s interaction with his guards and his response to those with impure motives. What does this tell us about his focus? Would this focus change anything in your life? How?
5.   In 2022, how can you use the advance of the gospel as a filter for all of life?

References: Romans 15:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 2:2; Romans 1:16; Matthew 7:21-23; Philippians 4:22; Ephesians 6:19-20; Acts 4:29-31; Galatians 5:20-21; Ephesians 3:7-13

Accepted by Christ, Accepting One Another

Romans 15:7-13

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”
10 Again, it says,
“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Accepted by Christ, Accepting One Another — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:7-13
Sermon Series: Romans (83rd Sermon)
December 19, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What major Christmas themes do we find in this passage?
2.   How do these verses serve as a conclusion to Paul’s topic? In what ways do they look back over the entire epistle?
3.   How does Paul unify and motivate his readers?
4.   What do we learn about Christ from this text? Why did he come?
5.   What happens to unnecessary divisions when we are preoccupied with praising God for his mercy?
6.   How does Paul bring together the two themes of unity and hope? Why does neglect of one necessarily affect the other?
7.   How does Romans 15:13 give fresh direction to your prayer life?

References: Romans 1:16; Matthew 15:24; Luke 1:68-79; Genesis 12:3; Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1; Isaiah 11:10.

Placing Others over Self

Romans 15:1-6

1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Placing Others over Self — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:1-6
Sermon Series: Romans (82nd Sermon)
December 12, 2021

1.   Where do we see worship of self in our culture? How can we help each other not be self-absorbed?
2.   What is Paul calling the strong to do as they relate to the weak? Why is this much easier said than done as we relate to one another within the local church?
3.   How is Christ the opposite of self-pleasing? How does a right understanding of Christmas breed self-denial?
4.   What does Paul say here about the role of Scripture? How does that encourage you to be more intentional about getting into the Word as the new year approaches?
5.   How does this passage highlight the importance of church unity? How does it also show us that such unity must be based on the authority of Scripture?
6.   In what ways do we take for granted or cheapen the language of “glorifying God”? How does this passage put meat on the bones of that concept?

References: Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 6:2; Psalm 69:9; Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Corinthians 10:11, 31-33.

Guarding Against Stumbling

Romans 14:13-23

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Guarding Against Stumbling — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 14:13-23
Sermon Series: Romans (81st Sermon)
December 5, 2021

EEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What were the major implications of Romans 14 covered in the introduction of the sermon? Which of these has most impacted you?
2.  How can we be more sensitive/attentive? In what ways are we prone to ignore or disregard the consciences of our fellow Christians?
3.  What is Paul encouraging his readers to guard against? What’s at stake for the weak?
4.  How does this passage redirect our focus to what really matters in the Christian life? How does it attack selfishness/individualism?
5.  How does Paul call his readers to self-denial? How might this play out in practice in a local church today?
6.  What does v. 23 warn us against? How can we educate our consciences so that they are not overly scrupulous?
7.  How does the final verse help us to make sense of the “moral” unbeliever?

References: 1 Corinthians 8:10; Romans 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 3:9; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 1:21; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.

Worshipping While Differing

Romans 14:5-12

5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ”
12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Worshipping While Differing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 14:5-12
Sermon Series: Romans (80th Sermon)
November 28, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What makes Christ’s ownership/lordship so central to Christianity?
2.   What does this passage teach about the conscience? Why should we not act against conscience?
3.   What does it look like in practice to consciously live to please the Lord? What changes can you make to pursue this way of life more actively?
4.   How does gratitude function as a test for right conduct? How does it grant freedom to the Christian?
5.   How does Paul relate our discipleship to Christ’s death and resurrection in this passage? How do his words encourage Christians in the face of death?
6.   Have you given much thought to standing before God’s judgment seat? How is Paul using future judgment to motivate his readers? 

References: Colossians 3:17; 2:16-17; Galatians 4:10; 2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 3:23; 1 Timothy 4:4-5; Isaiah 45:23; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 3:13-15; 2 Corinthians 5:8-10; Matthew 7:1-2.

Welcoming While Differing

Romans 14:1-4

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Welcoming While Differing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 14:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (79th Sermon)
November 21, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Notes
1.     How are we tempted to overinflate the fact that there are big differences within the church in our day? How does studying church history provide a little perspective?
2.     How does this passage encourage us to prioritize unity and love in the church? To what extent has this been a priority for you?
3.     Who are the “weak,” and why are they described this way? How do the opinions of the weak in Romans differ from the positions taken by those in Galatia?
4.     What are the sins to be avoided for both groups, the “strong” and the “weak”? How does this highlight the inevitability of pitfalls in the Christian life?
5.     How does Paul provide a threefold reminder of the gospel of grace in his response to the weak?

References: Romans 15:7; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-11; Romans 15:1, 8-9; 14:5, 21, 14; Daniel 1:1-16; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 1:7; 3:24; 8:33-34; 5:1-2; 8:38-39.

Living in the Daylight

Romans 13:11-14

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Living in the Daylight — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 13:11-14
Sermon Series: Romans (78th Sermon)
November 14, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  How has God transformed your life by means of particular biblical texts, as he used this one in the life of Augustine?
2.  How is this passage eschatological? What is the threefold situation of the believer described in the sermon?
3.  Why do Christians constantly need to be called to “wake up”? How does Paul’s characterization of the world as darkness, night, and sleep call us away from worldliness?
4.  Why is our new, daytime clothing described as “armor”? What does this tell us about the Christian life?
5.  What do we learn about walking in darkness from vv. 13-14? What does it look like for us to “make no provision for the flesh”?
6.  What does it mean to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”? How does this summarize life as a Christian?

References: 1 Thessalonians 5:5; Galatians 1:4; Titus 2:11; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 6:11-12; Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:7; 1 Corinthians 3:3; James 1:14-15; Romans 12:2; 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Loving Our Neighbor

Romans 13:8-10

8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Loving Our Neighbor — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 13:8-10
Sermon Series: Romans (77th Sermon)
November 7, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does this passage get to the heart of our Christian witness?
2.   Why should v. 8 not be used to forbid Christians from borrowing?
3.   What does it mean to say that our love debt to our neighbor is ongoing and unpaid? Is there anyone in your life whom you’ve decided to stop paying?
4.   How should we define love? How does the context help us?
5.   How does loving our neighbor fulfill / sum up God’s horizontal commands?
6.   Why should this passage not be used to minimize the importance of God’s written Word?
7.   How does the love command simplify the Christian life in practice?

References: Romans 12:9-10; Psalm 37:21, 26; Matthew 25:27; John 15:13; Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Matthew 22:34-40; 7:12; Ephesians 5:29; Romans 8:3-4; Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 9:21; James 2:8.