Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

Download the discussion questions (PDF) or see them listed below. We highly encourage you to listen, think, and talk about the sermon. These are questions you can reflect on by yourself, with your family, or with your small group.

1. Both the Apostle Paul and John Bunyan considered themselves the “chief of sinners”. How did a deep awareness of their sin impact their understanding of the gospel?
2. What do you think fueled Saul’s intense hatred of Jesus Christ and His followers? Does this “fuel” still exist today? If so, how?
3. What does Saul’s conversion from a persecutor of the church to the greatest minister of the gospel tell us about who can be saved, and how they are saved?
4. In Psalm 51, King David confesses his sin of adultery, murder and deception but says this, ‘Against You, You only, have I sinned,’ Why is it so important for Christians to view our sin this way?
5. Over and over in the book of Romans, Paul uses phrases like, “while we were sinners, “while we were enemies”, “while we were weak” to describe our condition when Jesus came to save us. What do you find most amazing about Jesus saving you while you were still in your sin? If you spent just five minutes each day contemplating this marvelous truth, how would it impact your life?
6. When Paul was converted, he preached that all should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. When a person truly repents and becomes a believer should we expect to see their lives drastically changed? Why or why not? Is this the same as a works based salvation? Explain.
7. How should a true understanding of the gospel naturally lead to a life of joyful obedience even in the face of great trials and persecution?