Ideas and questions for group members and leaders for Romans 5:1-21

Romans 5:1-21 Questions

Questions and ideas to help group members and leaders prepare for Romans 5:1-21

Warm up question in pairs: Name one thing you hoped for as a child and never got. Name one thing you hoped for and did get. In today’s lesson, we learn the difference between human hope which is uncertain and biblical hope which is certain.

Romans 5:1-5

1. What is peace with God? After our justification, we are no longer enemies of God. We are now friends and at peace with God. The verses following this elaborate on peace with God. Colossians 1:21 tells us we were once alienated from God but after salvation we are no longer.
2. Is the peace of God the same as peace with God? While there are some similarities, there is a difference. The peace of God is one of the nine flavors of the fruit of the spirit. One has defined the peace of God this way: The tranquil state of the soul assured of its salvation through Christ and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot.
3. What are some other ways people seek “peace”? Buddhists seek nirvana, which is achieved through an elaborate system of good works. Hindus seek maksha, which is achieved through liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of rebirth and union with ultimate reality called Brahman. Ask group members to suggest other ways.
4. What are the key theological words in these verses? 

1. Access-the word in the original is used only here and in Ephesians 2:18 and 3:12. Lightfoot says it means having an audience with God. Do you recall the veil in the Temple being torn into from top to bottom after Jesus died on the cross? That is access.
2. Grace-the state of acceptance and favor with God.
3. Hope-the expectation of what is sure. Biblical hope is different from man’s hope. When we say, “We hope our team wins,” there is very uncertain. Can people live without hope? No.
4. Endurance/perseverance-from the root words that mean to remain under; steadfastness.
5. Proven character-proof of genuineness; a brand of what is tested and true; spiritual transformation that affects behavior.

 Romans 5:6-11

1. What does 5:6 & 8 do the teaching of limited atonement? It stands it on its end. Jesus died for all people, even the ungodly and sinners as we read here, not just “the elect.”
2. What is Paul referring to in 5:10 when he says how much more will we be saved by the life of Jesus? By Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have been justified before God and delivered from his future wrath. Now that Jesus is alive, he can do so much more for us. He is constantly interceding for us; he is our Advocate. (See Hebrews 7:25, I John 2:1 and Romans 8:34.) Since Jesus is alive, he can and is working in our lives every day.
3. What can Buddha and Muhammed for their followers every day? Nothing because they are dead.

Romans 5:18-21

1. What did the one trespass of Adam lead to? Condemnation for everyone. What did Jesus’ one act of righteousness lead to? Justification for everyone (who puts his faith in him)
2. What did Adam’s disobedience lead to? Many made sinners What did Jesus’ obedience lead to? Many will be made righteous
3. How did the law multiply trespasses? Adam and his descendants sinned before the law was given. After the law was given, there were more ways to sin by breaking the law.
4. When sin multiplied, what multiplied even more? Grace
5. Does Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam know anything of grace? No. It is unique to Christianity.