Week 5: Romans 12:17-21
February 3-9
Overview: In many ways, the verses we’re studying this week serve as both an expansion and a practical application of the principles we explored last week. How can we truly bless instead of curse, and what makes this such an important distinction? What does genuine compassion look like in our everyday actions, especially toward those who may not deserve it? How does humility shape our understanding and response to these challenges? The clearest expression of our gratitude for God’s mercy toward us is often found in the simple, everyday acts of kindness we extend to others. We are called to be merciful, just as He has shown us mercy. This means seeking to bless those around us, even when it feels uncomfortable or when we feel they don’t deserve it. Even if someone has wronged or mistreated us, we are still called to be a blessing, not to seek revenge or gain at their expense. We must remember that we never have the right to respond with evil, even when evil has been done to us. Let’s take a closer look at what Paul has to say about this and how it challenges us to live out these principles.
Day 1: Romans 12:17-21
What do we learn about God?
What do we learn about people?
What is the key/main point?
Are there any truths/points regarding the gospel?
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity from the list below to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 2: Romans 12:17-21
Note that not every text will have each of these. Please don’t force the text to make it fit. Simply look for what is there.
What sins are we called to avoid?
What commands/principles are we given to obey?
What promises can we claim?
What examples are there to follow?
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity from the list below to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 3: Romans 12:17-21
Consider times you’ve been offended or hurt. Could you have misunderstood something or contributed to the conflict? Is it possible that the other person’s intentions were different from what you perceived?
Think about times when someone has become polarized against you. Could you have contributed to the situation in any way? It’s not about whether you’re justified, but if your actions were necessary. Is it possible the issue isn’t entirely “theirs”?
In all these situations, we should also ask: Is there any way to reconcile the rift or lessen the harm?
Think of three to five people you dislike or who have hurt you. For each, write a concrete step you can take to bless them or ease the conflict in the coming week or when you next encounter them.
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity from page 6 to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 4: Romans 12:17-21
M-O-P
Meditation
Pray and ask God for insights as you meditate on today’s passage.
Read through the passage for the day a couple of times.
Observations
Write as many observations as you can from the passage.
Write out word for word the key verse of the passage in which God spoke to you and include the scripture reference.
Prayer
Pray and ask God to remind you during the day about what you just learned and through the power of the Holy Spirit, how you will apply these principles to your life.
Spend time just talking with God; take some time in Adoration, some time in Confession, some time in Thanksgiving, and some time in Supplication (making requests).
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity from page 6 to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 5: Romans 12:17-21
Reread the passage for the week and ask God to give you eyes to see His truth and how He wants it to specifically impact your life. Review each day of notes and highlight/identify what stood out to you most and why.
Summarize what you think God is teaching the original readers through this week’s reading.
Write out key applications and action points from this passage for your life.
Who is someone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus that you can share a biblical truth from this passage with?
Take time praying for that person and try to set up an appointment to meet up with them.
Going Deeper:
Because God created us all with different personalities and spiritual temperaments, we each have our own unique ways to worship, grow, and connect with Him. Choose a Bible study method/activity from the list below that helps you connect with God and deepens your knowledge and understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
• Meditate on Scripture in nature
• Write a poem related to this text
• Sing the Scripture
• Do a word study on some words in the text
• Listen to a worship song related to this text
• Draw a picture related to this text
• Look up parallel verses
• Reach out to a friend and talk about what you are learning this week
• Listen to this text of Scripture (audio Bible)
• Paint related to this text
• Memorize your favorite verse in the text
• Journal
• Pray the Scripture
• Write a letter of encouragement to someone sharing what God is teaching you
• Do a prayer walk as you pray through this Scripture or something God spoke to you about in this text
• Read Scripture out loud
• Choose a main idea/repeated word or phrase from the text and look at how it is carried out throughout the verses this week
Sermon Notes:
Disclaimer: “Unless otherwise noted, the overviews and questions were taken in part from smallgroup.com, a curriculum writing division of LifeWay Christian Resources.”