Small Group Discussion Guide

"So Help Me God: From Guilty to Free"

Based on the Ordination Service Sermon by Pastor Eric Gable

Scripture Focus: Romans 3:19, 5:9, 8:1

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"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." — Romans 8:1

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A NOTE TO FACILITATORS

Welcome, and thank you for leading this week! This guide is designed to work whether you've been leading groups for years or this is your first time. You don't need to be a biblical scholar — your job is simply to create space for honest conversation. Read through the guide before your meeting, choose the questions that feel right for your group, and trust the Holy Spirit to do the rest.

Estimated Total Time: 60–90 minutes Flexible Options: Questions marked with ★ are the "must-ask" questions if time is short. All others are optional based on your group's pace and interests.

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OVERVIEW

(For Facilitator Reference — You May Share This with Your Group)

In this sermon preached at an ordination service, Pastor Eric Gable used the language of a courtroom to walk us through one of the most important truths in all of Scripture: every human being stands guilty before God's perfect law, but through Jesus Christ, the Judge has overruled the penalty we deserve. Drawing from Romans 3:19, 5:9, and 8:1, Pastor Gable showed how God's law exposes our guilt, Christ's blood justifies us, and life in the Spirit sets us free from condemnation. He challenged both the newly ordained ministers and deacons — and everyone present — to live in the freedom of that "not guilty" verdict and to serve God faithfully in response to what Christ has done.

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SECTION 1: ICEBREAKER

(5–10 minutes)

Before diving into the sermon, let's get to know each other a little better.

★ Opening Question:

"Think about a time when someone took the blame for something you did — or when you were let off the hook for something you deserved to be in trouble for. What happened, and how did it make you feel?"

(If your group is new or quiet, you can share your own brief story first to model vulnerability and set the tone.)

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SECTION 2: SCRIPTURE READING

(5 minutes)

Have someone in the group read each passage aloud. You may want to ask three different people to read one passage each.

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Romans 3:19 (The Problem: We Are All Guilty)

"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God."

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Romans 5:9 (The Provision: Justified by Christ's Blood)

"Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him."

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Romans 8:1 (The Verdict: No Condemnation)

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."

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A Word of Context for Your Group: Pastor Gable used the image of a courtroom to explain these three verses. Think of it this way:

• Romans 3:19 is the indictment — we are all found guilty.
• Romans 5:9 is the intervention — Jesus paid the penalty we owed.
• Romans 8:1 is the final verdict — in Christ, we are declared "not guilty."

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SECTION 3: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(30–45 minutes)

Work through as many questions as time allows. Questions are organized from lighter to deeper. Feel free to skip or add based on your group's needs.

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THEME A: Understanding God's Law and Our Guilt

(Observational & Interpretive — approximately 10 minutes)

1. ★ Pastor Gable said, "God's law is already perfect — it is we who are flawed." In your own words, what's the difference between God's law and man's law? Why does that difference matter?

[Leader Tip]: Some people may be more familiar with thinking about laws as rules to follow rather than as a reflection of God's character. If discussion stalls, try asking: "Why do you think no human legal system has ever been able to create true, lasting justice?"

2. Romans 3:19 says the law exists so that "every mouth may be stopped" — meaning no one can argue their way out of guilt before God. How does it make you feel to sit with the idea that every person — no matter how good they seem — is guilty before God?

[Leader Tip]: This question can surface discomfort, especially for people who grew up in performance-based religious environments. Affirm that the goal isn't to make people feel bad, but to help us understand why grace is so extraordinary. You might say: "The point isn't to shame us — it's to help us see how much we needed a Savior."

3. Pastor Gable mentioned that Paul himself admitted doing the things he knew he shouldn't do (Romans 7:15-19). Why do you think Paul — a trained religious leader and apostle — was so honest about his own ongoing struggle with sin? What does that honesty teach us?

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THEME B: The Price That Was Paid

(Interpretive & Personal — approximately 10–15 minutes)

4. ★ Pastor Gable asked the congregation: "Have you ever willingly taken the blame for something you didn't do?" He pointed out how difficult and even frightening that would be. How does thinking about it that way change how you see what Jesus did on the cross?

5. Romans 5:9 says we are "justified by His blood." The word "justified" is sometimes explained as meaning "just as if I'd never sinned." What difference does it make in your daily life to know that God doesn't just forgive you — He actually declares you righteous in His sight?

[Leader Tip]: Some group members may struggle to truly believe this applies to them personally, especially if they carry significant guilt or shame. Be sensitive and affirm that this is one of the hardest truths to fully receive. You might follow up with: "Is there an area of your life where it's hardest to accept that you are truly forgiven?"

6. Pastor Gable said, "Sin is Satan's law — every sin we commit exalts Satan." That's a strong statement. How does thinking about sin not just as "breaking rules" but as something that honors the enemy change the way you think about temptation and daily choices?

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THEME C: Living in the Freedom of "Not Guilty"

(Application & Personal — approximately 10–15 minutes)

7. ★ Romans 8:1 declares there is "now no condemnation" for those in Christ. Pastor Gable emphasized the word now — this verdict is already in effect. Why do you think so many Christians still live as though they are condemned, even after receiving God's forgiveness?

8. The sermon was preached at an ordination service, and Pastor Gable challenged the new ministers and deacons with this truth: "Your flesh is going to creep up — fight that flesh and walk in the Spirit." You don't have to be a minister to relate to that struggle. What does it look like practically — in your everyday life — to "walk after the Spirit" rather than after the flesh?

[Leader Tip]: This is a great place to invite specific, concrete examples. You might prompt the group: "Think about a specific moment this past week when you had to choose between following what your flesh wanted and what the Spirit was leading you toward. What happened?"

9. Pastor Gable shared his personal story of running from God for years, living what looked like a glamorous life, until God met him in a hotel room in April 2006. He said, "I ran from God because I felt I needed to be perfect first." Have you ever felt like you needed to "get yourself together" before coming to God? How did that belief affect your relationship with Him?

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THEME D: Responding to What God Has Done

(Community & Commitment — approximately 5–10 minutes)

10. ★ At the end of the sermon, Pastor Gable led the congregation in a declaration: "Christ is our Savior — so help me God. Christ is our Shepherd — so help me God. Christ is our Solution — so help me God." If you were to add one more phrase to that list based on what Christ has personally meant to you, what would it be? Why?

[Leader Tip]: This is a wonderful closing question for the discussion section because it invites personal testimony and celebration. Don't rush it — let people share freely. If the group is quiet, share your own answer first.

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SECTION 4: PERSONAL APPLICATION

(10–15 minutes)

These questions are more reflective. You may want to give people 2–3 minutes of quiet thinking time before sharing, or invite people to write down their answers before discussing.

Reflect quietly on these questions, then share as you feel comfortable:

A. ★ Pastor Gable said that when he was ordained, he sat and wondered, "Lord, what next?" Whether you've been a Christian for decades or just a few months, what is God calling you to do next in your walk with Him? What's one step you could take this week?

B. The sermon reminded us that we cannot escape God — not in the depths of the ocean, not in the depths of space. Is there an area of your life where you've been trying to hide from God rather than running to Him? What would it look like to stop hiding and come to Him this week?

C. The ordination service was a moment of public commitment — ministers and deacons making a promise before God and the church. Is there a commitment you've been putting off making — to God, to your family, to your church, or to your own spiritual growth? What's been holding you back?

D. Pastor Gable's transformation began not when he had everything together, but when he simply surrendered and said, "Lord, that's it. I give it up." Is there something in your life right now that God might be asking you to surrender? What would it mean to say, "So help me God" — and truly mean it?

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SECTION 5: THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

(Share Before Closing Prayer)

Choose one of the following challenges to practice this week:

🔵 Option 1 — Memorize It: Write Romans 8:1 on a card or in your phone and read it aloud every morning this week. Let it be your daily reminder that in Christ, you are not condemned.

🟢 Option 2 — Confess It: Is there a sin or a pattern you've been carrying in shame rather than bringing to God? This week, bring it specifically and honestly to God in prayer. Receive His forgiveness — and if needed, speak with a trusted believer or pastor.

🟡 Option 3 — Share It: The "not guilty" verdict is not just for you — it's for everyone. Think of one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. Pray for them by name this week, and ask God for an opportunity to share what Christ means to you.

🟣 Option 4 — Serve It: The ordained ministers and deacons made a commitment to serve God's people. Consider one way you can serve someone in your church or community this week — not to earn anything, but as a response to what God has freely given you.

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SECTION 6: PRAYER FOCUS

(5–10 minutes)

Close your time together in prayer. Here are suggested topics to guide you:

Give thanks for:

• The gift of salvation and the "not guilty" verdict we have in Christ
• The grace of God that pursues us even when we run
• The community of believers God has placed us in

Pray for:

• Those in your group who are struggling to truly receive God's forgiveness
• The newly ordained ministers and deacons from the service — that they would walk in faithfulness, courage, and humility
• Anyone in your group or in your lives who does not yet know Christ

Surrender:

• The areas of your life where you've been walking after the flesh rather than the Spirit
• Any shame or condemnation you've been carrying that Christ has already paid for

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Suggested Closing Prayer (Facilitator may read or pray freely):

Father, we thank You that Your verdict over us in Christ is "not guilty." Help us to live like we believe it. Where we've been hiding from You, draw us back. Where we've been walking in the flesh, give us strength to walk in the Spirit. And where there are people around us who don't yet know this freedom, give us the courage to share it. So help us, God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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SECTION 7: OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE

(For Groups With Extra Time or Advanced Study)

Bonus Question 1 — Going Deeper into Romans: Romans chapters 3–8 form one of the most complete explanations of the gospel in all of Scripture. Read Romans 6:1-4 together:

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

How does this passage answer the question: "If I'm already forgiven, does it really matter how I live?" What does Paul say our response to grace should look like?

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Bonus Question 2 — The Oath and the Call: At the service, the ministers and deacons made a solemn promise:

"I do solemnly promise to defend my faith and the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ... with all of my heart, with all of my mind, with all of my soul, and with all of my strength."

Every Christian — not just ordained ministers — is called to be a witness for Christ (Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 3:15). If you were to write your own personal "ministry oath" — a commitment statement for how you will serve God in your specific calling and season of life — what would it say? Try drafting it together or individually and share.

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Bonus Question 3 — On Being "Thick-Skinned" in Ministry: Pastor Gable warned the new ministers: "It's going to take some thick skin. There are going to be many days you don't feel like serving." Read 2 Timothy 4:2-5:

"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you — be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

Whether you are in formal ministry or not, all of us face moments when doing the right thing is costly or unpopular. What helps you stay faithful when following God feels difficult or discouraging? What has God used to renew your commitment in those seasons?

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ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE FOR FURTHER STUDY

For groups or individuals who want to explore the sermon's themes more deeply during the week:

Theme	Passage
The reality of sin	Romans 3:23; Ecclesiastes 7:20
Justification by faith	Romans 5:1-2; Galatians 2:16
Life in the Spirit	Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-25
Qualifications for ministry	1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9
The call to serve	Matthew 20:25-28; John 13:12-17
Perseverance in ministry	2 Timothy 4:6-8; Hebrews 12:1-3
The plan of salvation	Romans 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-9

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QUICK REFERENCE: FACILITATOR'S GUIDE AT A GLANCE

Section	Time	Key Question
Icebreaker	5–10 min	Tell about a time you were let off the hook
Scripture Reading	5 min	Romans 3:19, 5:9, 8:1
Discussion (Theme A)	10 min	God's law and our guilt
Discussion (Theme B)	10–15 min	The price Jesus paid
Discussion (Theme C)	10–15 min	Living in freedom
Discussion (Theme D)	5–10 min	Responding to grace
Personal Application	10–15 min	What is God calling you to do next?
This Week's Challenge	2 min	Choose one action step
Prayer	5–10 min	Thanksgiving, intercession, surrender
Total	60–90 min

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This guide was prepared for small group use based on the sermon "So Help Me God" preached at the ordination service at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church. Permission granted for local church small group use.

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"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." — Romans 8:1