Foundations of Faith
Foundations of Faith | Romans 1:18-32 | Chris Meade | February 22, 2026
Just as a good doctor must honestly diagnose illness in order to bring healing, God’s Word—through the Holy Spirit—lovingly exposes the deep spiritual brokenness in every human heart. In Romans 1, Paul explains that humanity’s core problem is not merely sinful behaviors but the rejection and suppression of God Himself, which leads to many visible symptoms of brokenness in our lives and world. Rather than reacting with denial or anger, believers are called to receive and stand for God’s truth with humility, recognizing that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only cure that washes, restores, and gives a new identity rooted, not in our sin or struggle, but in Christ.
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—Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16—focusing on what the Word of God is for and does.
o When someone exposes something broken in your life, what is your typical response—defensiveness, denial, anger, or humble openness—and why?
o What is your response when God’s Word exposes something that is broken? What is your typical response—defensiveness, denial, anger, or humble openness—and why? p> o In what areas of your life might you be treating symptoms (behaviors) while avoiding the deeper heart issue God wants to heal?
3. The DIAGNOSIS: Read Romans 1:18-25
o Paul says people often suppress truth. Where might you be tempted to ignore or downplay truth that the Holy Spirit is bringing to your attention?
o What “created things” (success, comfort, relationships, identity, etc.) most compete for the place of worship that belongs to God alone in your life?
4. The SYMPTOMS: Read Romans 26-32
o When you see brokenness in the world or in those who are unsaved, do you respond more with 1) judgment/anger, 2) avoidance/fear, or 3) with compassion that points people to the gospel? Are there some sins (symptoms) that you struggle with more than others?
o Which is easier to focus on—the cultural war you see…or the spiritual war you don’t?
o What about those who are saved and claim to be followers of Jesus? Is your response different?
5. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. In Christ you are not defined by your past or vice:
o How does remembering that your identity is in Jesus—not your past or your struggles—change the way you view your own brokenness?
o This week, what is one specific step of faith or obedience the Holy Spirit is prompting you to take in response to God’s loving diagnosis and His offer of healing through Jesus?
Foundations of Faith
Foundations of Faith :: Romans 1:8-17 :: Chris Meade :: February 15, 2026
Paul longs to visit the believers in Rome because he knows the gospel is not advice but the very power of God for salvation—bringing forgiveness, restoration, and transformation to anyone who believes. Having personally experienced the life-changing power of Jesus—from persecutor of the church to preacher of Christ—Paul lives unashamed and boldly proclaims that Christ’s victory over sin and death is available to all. The same gospel that changed Paul frees us from shame and empowers us to live confidently and publicly for Jesus.
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: What is Your Identity?
o When have you experienced the freedom of being fully known and fully loved?
o How does that reflect the way Jesus receives you?
3. Read Romans 1:8-17
o Are there specific environments (workplace, family gatherings, friendships) where you tend to shrink your faith into “…jesus…” instead of living boldly as “JESUS!”? What fears are driving that response?
4. The gospel is POWER!
o How does remembering that the gospel is the power of God—not just good advice—change your confidence in sharing it?
o What transformation can you point to and celebrate in your own life that demonstrates the power of the gospel? (Take time to thank God specifically for those changes.)
5. Unashamed:
o What is one practical way you can live unashamed this week?
o Who has God placed on your heart, like Rome was on Paul’s heart? How can you intentionally pray for, encourage, or spiritually strengthen them this week?