BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott unpack Philemon 1–7 and Paul’s addressing of Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus — along with their whole house church — as a united community rather than just individuals. Within the context of Colossians 4.1-18 and “Ephesians” 6.21-24, the introduction of Philemon (1-7) illustrates the collective responsibility of believers within a Spirit-filled, life-giving community to live out the gospel.

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Paul addresses Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus — along with their whole house church — as a united community rather than just individuals. This introduction highlights the collective responsibility of believers in living out the gospel as it will personally apply to Philemon and his slave, Onesimus.

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): Why do you think Paul makes resolving personal issues and conflict a public matter, inviting Philemon’s church to partner with him in the reconciliation process with Onesimus? In what ways do you personally fight against the temptation to be individualistic in your struggles and conflicts?

PHILEMON 4-7: PAUL AFFIRMS OF PHILEMON

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): Why do you think Paul advocates for a believer’s faith to go beyond a private or intellectual pursuit to one that impacts the church community around them? Do you think Paul would agree or disagree that a Christian’s life is one of privacy, independence, and personal devotion?

ACTIVATION STEPS

STEP #1 – EMBRACE FAITH AS A SHARED JOURNEY (Philemon 1-3):

STEP #2 – ADDRESS

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott discuss Romans 8.26-39, showing how we can share the same glory as Jesus and the Father. They also share how Christians are more than conquerors through Jesus, and nothing (except our own lack of faith) can remove us from God’s protection and vindication.

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APPLICATION QUESTION(S): What struggles do you have with the concept that as a believer you share the same glory with both the Father and Jesus as you trust the Holy Spirit in your weakness?

ROMANS 8.31-39: WE ARE IN GOOD HANDS

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): If we are more than conquerors and God works all things out for our good, what might this mean for circumstances that appear to not work out in our favor or for our benefit?

ACTIVATION STEPS

STEP #1 – LET THE HOLY SPIRIT BE IN CONTROL (Romans 8.26):

STEP #2 – TRUST THE HEAVENLY FATHER TO WORK (Romans 8.28):

STEP #3 – KNOW THAT YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER LOVES YOU (Romans 8.38-39):

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott unpack Romans 8:1-25, revealing the choice we all face — living as children of God or of the devil. They explore how Christ’s death and resurrection conquered sin, death, and the enemy for believers, yet the full realization of this victory remains a future hope. This episode dives into the tension between present freedom and the unseen fulfillment of God’s promises.

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APPLICATION QUESTION(S): In what areas of your life are you still relying on your own effort (e.g., experience, understanding, ability, education, responsibility, will power, self-discipline, etc.) instead of surrendering to the Holy Spirit (asking what His opinion is on a matter)?

ROMANS 8.16-25: HOPE FOR THE FUTURE LIFE, RESURRECTION, & GLORY

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): If sin, death, and the enemy are resolved issues for the Christian, how should this impact the way you think, make decisions, and live now?

ACTIVATION STEPS

STEP #1 – SET YOUR MIND ON THE SP

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott Frerking explore Romans 7, focusing on the tension of living under the law without the power of Jesus. They also discuss the hopeless cycle of striving to live good but without Christ and the freedom that comes only through living empowered by the Holy Spirit

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Romans 7.7-10: The Human Experience – Innocence/Ignorance (v.9: alive apart from the law) → Revelation (v.8, 9: “age of accountability”) moments of understanding consequences → Choosing Sin (v.10: self-reliance) → Rejection of a Dependence Upon God (v.10: Death).

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): What do you think Paul means when he says we are “dead to the Law” (Romans 7.4, 6)?

ROMANS 7.13-25: HOW SIN TRAPS US THROUGH THE LAW

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): What’s the main difference you see between Romans 6 (v.6-7) and 7 (v.13-25)? What might this mean for both the Christian and the non-Christian?

ACTIVATION STEPS

STEP #1 – RECOGNIZE THE STRUGGLE (Romans 7.13-25):

STEP #2 – RESPOND WITH GRACE (Romans 7.24-25a):

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott Frerking explore Romans 6, emphasizing that we are truly dead to sin but still have a choice of lordship—either sin (rebellion) or obedience (Jesus). They discuss the reality that we are always bearing fruit, and the type of fruit reveals whom we have been serving.

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Romans 6.12-14 – Our weapons (our physical bodies) reveal who our master is:

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): If salvation is more than just forgiveness — if it actually involves dying to an old, unhealthy way of thinking and behaving — how should that reshape the way we think about grace, sin, and discipleship?

ROMANS 6.15-23 – CHOOSE YOUR LORD: SIN (REBELLION) OR OBEDIENCE

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): What masters (think: fears, worries, anxieties, or doubts) compete for your attention and affection? These can often be identified by who and what we try to control and what occupies our thoughts, time, and attention.

ACTIVATION STEPS

STEP #1 – ASSESS YOUR FRUIT (Romans 6.20-23):

STEP #2 – ENTRUST YOURSELF TO YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER (Romans 6.13):

STEP #3 – SUBMIT & SERVE YOUR TRUE MASTER (Romans 6.22):

BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott Frerking discuss Romans 5 and how faith in Jesus requires risk, maturity, and endurance. We also share how sin is anything in opposition to our nature or design, that is, living as the image and likeness of God.

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APPLICATION QUESTION(S): Think about the times you’ve shown love and forgiveness to someone you deemed undeserving or uninterested. What does this reveal about how you believe God loves and forgives you?

ROMANS 5.12-21 – ADAM V. JESUS

APPLICATION QUESTION(S): When do you find it easier to rely on your own thoughts and conclusions instead of seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength in a situation?

ACTIVATION STEPS

STEP #1 – IDENTIFY THE SOURCE

STEP #2 – SHIFT YOUR TRUST

STEP #3 – WALK IN ALIGNMENT

Nathan and Phil dive into the tensions of growth — navigating confrontation, grace in freedom versus judgment in addiction, and forgiving repeat offenders. They discuss mediation, reconciliation, appropriate vulnerability, and what the fruit of the Spirit looks like in real life. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode two.*

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Phil Reeves interviews Nathan to uncover the real-life stories that inspired his book UnLove. In this heartfelt conversation, Nathan shares the personal experiences, struggles, and lessons that shaped the principles outlined in the book. From moments of heartbreak to breakthroughs of grace, he offers an honest look at the theology woven into each chapter, revealing the raw and relatable journey behind its creation. This discussion is a powerful glimpse into the connection between Nathan’s own story and the message of UnLove. *Please note, this discussion takes place in three parts. This is part three.*

To watch the video version with episode notes and links, or to find us on your favorite podcast platform, visit:

Nathan talks with Phil about his dream of church planting — and how Lacey devastatingly crushed it. He reflects on key “waypoints” in his journey to freedom and writing UnLove, the shifting seasons of relationships, and his struggle with appreciating apologies. They also explore how God uses, and sometimes orchestrates, tragedy for our growth, the age of accountability, and the weight of our expectations on others. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode one.*

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In this second part, Phil Reeves continues interviewing Nathan, where he opens up about the weight of living a double life in his addiction to pornography, the pain of public church discipline after being a youth pastor who went to a strip club, and the redemption he and Lacey walked through with their church. He also explores the danger of expecting others to fully understand our story, the balance between empathy and clarity in ministry, and how his struggles have shaped the way he helps others on their journey to healing. *Please note, this discussion takes place in three episodes. This is episode two.*

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