Meeting Times: 10 am - 11 am and 7 pm - 8 pm. You can attend either or both if you want more perspectives. We will be covering the same material.
We are studying the book of Romans, which is Paul’s clearest explanation of the Gospel. Over the next several weeks, we’re going to discover what this letter means for us.
You’ll notice that our study isn’t divided by chapters. Instead Pastor Jamie has organized it by THOUGHT SECTIONS. Remember, Paul wasn’t writing a book with chapter numbers and headings - he was writing a letter. Sometimes one idea continues in the next chapter, so rather than stopping where a chapter ends, we’ll follow Paul’s complete train of thought. Pastor Jamie’s hope is that this helps us understand no only what Paul says, but why he says it.
Week 4 Study questions
Read Romans 3:21 - 5:21
1) Paul says that righteousness comes through faith rather than through following the law. What do you think is the difference between trying to be “good enough” for God and trusting God’s grace?
2) Paul writes about justification. What does it mean to you to be made right with God—not because of what you’ve done, but because of what God has done?
3) How do you see Jesus balance the law and grace? Can you think of any stories where Jesus had to balance those things?
4) Paul uses Abraham as an example of someone who trusted God before the law was given. Why do you think Abraham was an important example for Paul’s Jewish readers?
5) Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God.” What does “peace with God” mean to you? How might that change the way we approach God?
6) In Romans 5, Paul says that suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope. How have difficult seasons shaped you in ways you didn’t expect?
7) Paul compares Adam and Christ in Romans 5. What do you think he is trying to help us understand about the difference between what humanity brought into the world and what Christ brings to us?
8) After reading this entire section, how would you explain God’s grace to someone who believes they have to earn God’s love?
9) In summary, what are the main points of this passage in Romans?