When In Romans | Week 7 | The Benefits of Justification | Pastor Ryan DeFrain
Sermon Summary
In this week’s message, we delve into the profound implications of our faith in Christ beyond the initial act of salvation. The sermon, grounded in Romans chapter 5 verses 1-11, highlights three key benefits that believers receive when they place their trust in Jesus. Firstly, we have peace with God, signifying an end to the hostility caused by our sins. Secondly, we gain access to God’s grace, which is not just the starting point of our relationship with Him but the very foundation that it stands upon. Lastly, we learn that we can rejoice in our afflictions, as they produce endurance, character, and ultimately, a hope that does not disappoint because of God’s love poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on Your word and the message we have heard, we ask for open hearts and minds. May we be receptive to the truths You have revealed to us, and may our discussion be guided by Your Spirit. Help us to grasp the fullness of the peace, grace, and hope that You offer through our faith in Christ. May our conversation be fruitful, and may we leave this place more aware of Your presence and the transformative power of Your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could pick any place in the world to visit for a day, where would it be and why?
Key Verses
– Romans 5:1 (NIV): “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– Romans 5:2 (NIV): “Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”
– Romans 5:3-4 (NIV): “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
– Romans 5:8 (NIV): “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Questions
1. How does understanding that we have peace with God change the way we approach Him in prayer and worship?
2. In what ways have you experienced the grace of God in your life since you first believed?
3. Can you share a time when you felt God’s grace was particularly evident during a difficult situation?
4. How does the assurance of God’s love help us to endure and even rejoice in our afflictions?
5. What does it mean to you that God demonstrates His love for us by Christ dying for us while we were still sinners?
6. How can we encourage one another to stand firm in the grace of God rather than slipping into self-reliance?
7. What are some practical ways we can remind ourselves of our peace with God when we feel distant or unworthy?
8. How can the hope we have in Christ impact our daily lives and interactions with others?
Life Application
This week, let’s challenge ourselves to live in the reality of the peace and grace we have been given through Christ. Each day, take a moment to thank God for His peace and ask for the awareness to recognize His grace in your life. When faced with difficulties, consciously choose to see them as opportunities for growth and a deeper understanding of God’s love and faithfulness.
Ending Prayer
Gracious God, we thank You for the time we have spent in fellowship and discussion. We are grateful for the peace, grace, and hope that You have poured into our lives through our faith in Jesus. As we go from here, may we carry these truths in our hearts and live them out in our daily lives. Help us to be a reflection of Your love to those around us, and may our actions this week be a testament to the transformative power of Your grace. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.