Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

The Three "I Am" Statements of Paul - Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Scripture References

Romans 1:14-16Acts 9:20-222 Kings 7:1-91 Corinthians 9:23Acts 23:11Ephesians 6:19

Sermon Summary

Drawing from Romans 1:14-16, Pastor Daniel Batarseh examines the Apostle Paul’s passionate commitment to the gospel. He challenges believers to overcome spiritual apathy by recognizing their obligation to share the life-saving message of Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways

1True conversion fundamentally changes a person's priorities, replacing self-interest with a desire to share Christ.
2Spiritual maturity involves growing from sharing a personal testimony to being able to prove the truth of Jesus through the Word of God.
3Believers are 'debtors' to the world because they possess the only cure for the 'disease' of sin and hopelessness.
4God often answers our prayers for ministry opportunities, but the path to those opportunities may involve trials and unexpected circumstances.
5The gospel is the unique power of God; therefore, believers should never be embarrassed to declare it, even in a sophisticated or hostile culture.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Pastor Daniel mentioned that Paul moved from 'proclaiming' Jesus to 'proving' Him. Why is it important to be able to point to Scripture rather than just our own experiences?
2How does the story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 change your perspective on sharing your faith? Do you feel like a 'debtor' to those around you?
3Paul was eager to go to Rome, but he arrived as a prisoner after a shipwreck. How should this affect how we view 'open doors' and answered prayers in our own lives?
4What are some modern-day 'lies' that the world declares boldly? How does the 'clean, pure, gracious gospel' contrast with these messages?
5In Romans 1:16, Paul says the gospel is the 'power of God.' Have you ever seen the gospel move powerfully in someone's life? Share that experience.
6What practical steps can we take to 'radiate heat' onto each other's hearts when we feel spiritually cold or apathetic about evangelism?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Reflect on your own conversion experience and ask God to renew the initial 'rush of regeneration' and zeal for His name.
Study the Old Testament to see how it points to Jesus, so you can move from just 'proclaiming' to 'proving' the gospel.
Pray specifically for 'divine appointments' in your workplace, school, or neighborhood this week.
Identify one person or environment where you have felt 'ashamed' or hesitant, and ask the Holy Spirit for the boldness Paul requested in Ephesians 6.
Treat every daily interaction—at the gym, grocery store, or office—as a mission assignment from God.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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