Invitation to Romans: Leader Guide: A Short-Term DISCIPLE Bible Study

By Abingdon Press

The Leader Guide provides process guidance for weekly group sessions. The Leader Guide understands the role of leader as facilitator of small-group sessions. Procedures for guiding sessions include: directions for using related video segments, and questions for discussion.

Exploring how people have interpreted Romans through the ages is a good lens to view the history of Christianity itself. Compare what Paul writes in Romans to what theologians like Augustine, Luther and Calvin say in trying to understand Paul in their time. At the end of this study your group will have a more informed commitment to Paul's radical vision of God's relationship to both Christians and Jews and to their relationship to each other, thanks to the "love of God in Christ Jesus."

The weekly video segments first present text read aloud against a backdrop of a wide variety of church settings followed by a conversation between a church historian and a church theologian about the text. The second weekly video is led by story teller, Michael Williams, who shares snapshot views of how Romans has been read through history.

Ideal experience for adults who are interested in the practice of prayer and worship and would like to connect prayer practice with Scripture. The study is accessible for adults with little prior Bible experience.

Participants for this Invitation to Romans do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of Romans a week, they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples.

This eight-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts.
Sessions:

An Orientation to Romans
The Righteousness of God and the Faith of Jesus
Abraham, Father of All
Christ, the New Adam
Sin, Law, and Grace
Divine Purpose and Human Responsibility
The Salvation of Israel and the Nations
Love and Humility Are the Making of God's Kingdom

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Release date: Aug 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781426769429

Book preview

Introducing This Study Series

INVITATION TO ROMANS is one of a series of studies developed on the model of DISCIPLE Bible study. DISCIPLE is a family of Bible study resources based on the general assumption that people are hungry for God’s Word, for fellowship in prayer and study, and for biblically informed guidance in ministry. Like all long-term DISCIPLE resources, this series of short-term DISCIPLE Bible studies: (1) presents the Bible as the primary text; (2) calls for daily preparation on the part of students; (3) features a weekly meeting based on small-group discussion; (4) includes a video component for making available the insights of biblical scholars to set the Scriptures in context; and (5) has as one of its goals the enhancement of Christian discipleship.

INVITATION TO ROMANS is designed to provide congregations with an in-depth, high-commitment Bible study resource able to be completed in a shorter time frame than the foundational DISCIPLE studies. However, the shorter time frame does not mean this study has expectations different from those associated with the thirty-four week DISCIPLE: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY. In fact, the term invitation rather than introduction has been used for this series to signal that these studies are not basic introductions but rather invitations to in-depth study. The expectation remains that participants will prepare for the weekly meeting by reading substantial portions of Scripture and taking notes. The expectation remains that group discussion, rather than lecture, will be the preferred learning approach. The expectation remains that biblical scholarship will be part of the group’s study together. The expectation remains that each person’s encounter with the Bible will call him or her to more faithful discipleship. In fact, it is our hope that this series of short-term DISCIPLE Bible studies will ultimately inspire participants to commit to a long-term DISCIPLE study in the future. For while these short studies of selected Scriptures can be both meaningful and convenient, the deeply transforming experience of reading and studying all the Scriptures—from Genesis to Revelation—continues to be the primary aim of DISCIPLE.

Leading This Study

For leaders of INVITATION TO ROMANS, it will be vital to keep in mind that to have as rich and meaningful an experience as possible with this type of short-term study, you will need to pay close attention to the timing of the suggested discussion activities and group dynamics. One of the challenges of any short-term, small-group study—especially one based on group discussion—is the time it takes for people in the study to become comfortable sharing with one another. If your group is made up of people who are already acquainted, the challenge may be minimal. However, be prepared to have a group of people who do not know each other well, perhaps some who have never done much substantive Bible study