Straining Gnats

June 4, 2023

Complexity demands simplicity. When Google launched the world’s most complex web browser, they did so with a simple search bar on a blank screen. When Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, a device more powerful than a supercomputer in the year 2000, it only had one button. And when the God of the Universe wanted to reveal Himself to His creation, He did so by taking on flesh and assuming the form of a simple servant. So often we complicate the message of Jesus with important but non-essential ideas. Rather than focusing on the good news of Jesus, we haggle over minute issues of theology and doctrine, leaving a lost world even more confused or, even worse, uninterested. Join us each Sunday in June and July for Essentials, a sermon series focused on what is essential, what isn’t, and why the difference matters.

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Passage

Matthew 23:23-24

Principles

In essentials we have ________, in non-essentials we have _____________, and in all things, we aspire to ________ ________________ ____________.

Practice

Spend the summer defining your essential beliefs.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

Do you have a favorite book of the Bible? If so, what is it and why?

Today we are beginning a series of conversations based on the book of Romans. To dig deeper, check out Romans for Everyone (Part 1) by N.T. Wright. This book offers a daily reading from Romans and a short devotional commentary on each passage.

Another way to engage throughout the week is to read the chapter we discuss in our group once daily between our group meetings. For example, we will discuss Romans 1 this week, so you will read Romans 1 once daily between today and next week’s meeting.

HEAR

Read Romans 1:1-15

Who wrote this letter? To whom was it written?
Based on this introduction, why do you think Paul wrote this letter?

Read Romans 1:16-25

Why might Paul have felt it necessary to say that he wasn’t ashamed of the Gospel? Is it possible to honestly believe the Gospel and still be ashamed of it? Why or why not?
Why does Paul believe people are without excuse regarding their knowledge of God? Read Romans 10:11-15. Compare this passage to Romans 1:20.
Can you give an example of how unrighteousness can suppress the truth? What is God’s reaction to man’s rebellion (v. 24)? Can you recall when someone who really loved you turned you over to your desires, knowing that it would result in negative consequences? Why did they do that?

Read Romans 1:26-32

What resulted from God allowing people to pursue the lusts and impurity of their hearts?
Based on Romans 1:26-31, can anyone claim to be without sin?
According to verse 32, what is the consequence of our sin? According to this verse, how do we further our rebellion by attempting to justify our sin? Can you see this in your own life experience?

HUDDLE

Have you ever asked Jesus to forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness? Are you walking with Him daily? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Readings

Our summer Bible reading plan will focus on passages related to our essential beliefs. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to affirm what is essential. How will this essential affect your life today?

Day 1: Genesis 1
Day 2: Genesis 2
Day 3: Acts 2
Day 4: Acts 17
Day 5: Romans 1
Day 6: 1 Corinthians 15
Day 7: Titus 3

Think Deeper

If heaven had one entrance question, what would it be?
How would you describe the difference between an essential and a non-essential belief?
What are your essential beliefs? Did Jesus say anything in support of those beliefs?