Watch a two minute overview of Romans Chapter 5
Dig In:
Passage: Romans 5
Dig Deeper:
Chapter Summary
v1-2 - I would classify these as the most important verses in the entire Bible: Since you have been (past tense = already accomplished) JUSTIFIED (made just-as-if-I'd never sinned, and just-as-if-I'd always obeyed) you have PEACE with God (this is why we're calling it the Peace Challenge) through Jesus (This peace is not based on your actions, but on what Jesus has already accomplished for you) through whom you've gained access by faith into this grace in which you now live (since you are at peace with God, you are connected to His never ending grace)
v3-5 - Because you are living in this never ending grace, you can rejoice even when you suffer, because it builds you up and leads you into hope. This is a different kind of hope than what we're used to, as in "I hope the Twins do well this year (even though I know they probably won't." The hope we cling to is sure because all the past tense verbs in v1-2 indicate it's already accomplished.
v6-11 - several of these verses are worth memorizing!
v12-20 - Although these verses seem confusing, knowing how the 'mechanics' of our salvation work will help you realize this peace in all areas of your life. - Sin entered the world through Adam and spread to all of his offspring. - Adam was different than you in a couple of ways. First, he was a 'pattern / type' of the one to come (Jesus). Jesus is often called the second Adam, because like the first Adam, he represents his people. All people fit into one of these two categories: you're either in Adam, which means you're still mired in sin, or you're in Christ, in which case you have the peace referred to in v1-2. Second, as a representative, Adam was given 'a command.' Those who remain in Adam have not met God's requirement to perfectly obey His command, while those who are in Christ have met it, and therefore have peace with Him. - Adam's failure brought death to all, while Christ's success brings life to all who are in Him. - The point of God giving the law thousands of years after Adam's sin was never to give people a chance to earn what Adam failed to fulfill, rather the law was given as a mirror so that we can see just how far from God's righteous standard we've fallen. Old Testament Reference -
Psalm 81 describes both those who persist in their sin and those who repent and are restored to God.
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions. For every comment or reply you post, you will receive an entry for this month's prize: a gift certificate to Lakeside Deli. Congratulations to Lisa Sampson for winning the February Contest!
Choose a passage and put it into your own words (v3-5, v8, v10 or v19 would be good choices).
It's easy to understand why unbelievers don't have peace, but why do you think so many Christians often miss out on enjoying the peace we have?
Try to explain the significance of Adam in a sentence or two.
Which short phrase did you dwell on yesterday? How did your understanding of that phrase change, or how did the phrase change your day?
NEW:
Dwell:
Keep one of these phrases in your mind throughout the day and come back to it often, asking God to speak to you through these words:
v1 - You have peace with God
v2 - You have access to God
v3 - Glory in your sufferings
v8 - God demonstrated His love for you
v15 - God's grace overflows to you through Christ
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: A holy God, who has demonstrated His love for you so that you have peace with Him
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will boast in God through every part of your life (v2, v11)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
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