Big Questions
Romans: Foundations of Faith :: Rom 3:1-18 :: Chris Meade :: May 17, 26
In Romans 3:1–18, Paul lays the foundation for why every person desperately needs Jesus by confronting the reality and power of sin. Speaking to both Jews and Gentiles, Paul reminds the church that no one is made right with God through heritage, morality, or religious performance because all people are under sin’s dominion apart from Christ. Sin affects every part of our lives—our relationship with God, our words, our actions, and our hearts—and it explains the brokenness we see in ourselves and in the world around us. Yet in the middle of this difficult truth, the sermon pointed to the faithfulness and grace of God, reminding us that the answer is not behavior modification but the saving work of Jesus Christ. Because we all equally need grace, followers of Jesus are called to respond to others and to themselves with humility, honesty, and the same grace God has shown us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Read Romans 3:1-8
o Romans 3 teaches that God remains faithful even when people are unfaithful. Can you think of a season in your life where you experienced God’s faithfulness despite your own failures or struggles? How should that shape the way you view God today?
3. Read Romans 3:9-18, Matthew 15:18
o Romans 3 shares that sin affects not only our view of God, but also our words, attitudes, and actions. What tends to come out of your mouth when you are stressed, hurt, angry, or frustrated? What might your words reveal about what is happening in your own heart?
4. Living This Out: Read Hebrews 12:15
o With “the World”: Pastor Chris shared that followers of Jesus should not be surprised when those who don’t know Jesus act like it. How can we Christians speak truth without becoming angry, cynical, self-righteous, or fearful toward the world around us?
o With the Church: One of the barriers to authentic Christian community is pretending we don’t struggle with sin. Why do you think people in the church often hide their struggles? What would it look like for your group, family, or friendships to become a place marked by greater honesty and grace, with no risk of shame through personal expectations?
o With Yourself: The message reminded us that the answer to the brokenness of sin is ultimately Jesus—not behavior modification. In what areas of your life are you trying to “fix yourself” instead of fully surrendering that struggle to Christ? What would trusting Jesus more deeply in that area actually look like this week?
o With Everyone: How do we show and receive grace, while still placing boundaries and natural consequences to sin? How do we distinguish what is appropriate?
How Do I Find My Purpose?
Big Questions: Navigating the Chaos? | Matthew 6:25-34 | Chris Meade | May 3, 2026
In Matthew 6:25–34, shares that in a world driven by fear, anxiety, and constant uncertainty, followers of Jesus are called to live differently—not consumed by worry, but anchored in trust. Jesus redirects our focus from obsessing over self-preservation and earthly concerns to embracing an eternal perspective, reminding us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and cares for us deeply. Worry ultimately reveals a lack of trust in God and an attempt to control what we cannot, while true peace comes from surrendering those fears to Him. By examining what we’re feeling, identifying the source of our fear, and asking whose voice we’re listening to, we can realign our hearts with God’s truth. The antidote to anxiety, Jesus teaches, is to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness—living fully present today, trusting God with tomorrow, and believing that He will faithfully provide for all we need.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Heart Check: Read Matthew 6:25-34
o Where is worry currently showing up in your life?
o WWhat specific situations (personal, financial, relational, global) are causing you anxiety right now—and how are they affecting your thoughts, actions, or your walk with Jesus?here is worry currently showing up in your life?
3. Purpose Defined: Read Matthew 6:19-24
o What does your worry reveal about what you are treasuring most? (This could be anything on this earth: finances, health, relationships, possessions, control, etc.)
o In light of Jesus’ teaching about storing up treasures in heaven, how might your fears expose where your trust or security is misplaced?
4. When you are feeling anxious or worried:
o What “voice” are you listening to? How can you begin to discern whether your thoughts are coming from fear-driven influences (media, culture, self) or from the voice of God, who brings peace and trust?
o Jesus points to birds and flowers as examples of God’s care. Where have you seen God provide for you in the past? How can remembering His past faithfulness strengthen your trust in Him right now?
5. The Antidote to the Poison of Worry/Anxiety:
o What does it look like for you to “seek first the Kingdom of God” this week?
o Be specific—what is one intentional step you can take (in your time, priorities, generosity, or obedience) to shift your focus from worry to God’s Kingdom?
Practical Exercise:
Do this this week. Write out the answers to the following questions as honestly and reflectively as you can. Pray after reading each question and before writing anything down. Listen for the voice of God and what He is sharing with you.
WHAT AM I FEELING? (FEAR, WORRY, ANXIETY, ANGER, SHAME, BITTERNESS, ETC.)
Ask God and pray that His voice would reveal to you:
“GOD…WHY AM I FEELING ______? WHERE IS THIS COMING FROM? (WHAT AM I ACTUALLY FEARING? WHY AM I ACTUALLY ANGRY)”
Allow God to dig deep and bring to the base root cause.
Pray and ask:
“GOD, IS THIS OF YOU? IS THIS YOUR VOICE I’M LISTENING TO?”
Read Colossians 5:22-23 and remind yourself of the fruits of the Spirit. Is the voice you are listening to drawing you to these things? If not, they are not of God.
IF IT IS NOT OF GOD—WHAT VOICE IS IT?
WHAT IS THE VOICE OF GOD TELLING YOU IS TRUE?
WHICH VOICE WILL YOU DECIDE TO BELIEVE?
LIST WHAT IN THIS SITUATION YOU CAN CONTROL?
You can only control how you respond. How then does the voice of God want you to respond? You know it is the voice of God when it aligns with His Word that reveals His heart, His Kingdom, and His life.
LIST WHAT YOU CAN’T CONTROL THAT YOU NEED TO GIVE OVER AND ENTRUST TO GOD.
Then pray over the list:
God, I trust you will…do the work in _________. I can’t change them. I trust that…you have a plan for this…you will use this…are working in and through ___________. God I trust you will provide for me if I ____________.