Beyond Sunday - Week 10
Beyond Sunday
Week of March 24, 2024
“A Contrast Between Two Men,” When in Rome, Week 10, Romans 5:12-21
Thought:
In Romans, Paul draws a contrast between Adam as the representative of created humanity, and Jesus as the representative of a new spiritual family.
Like it or not, we are born into Adam’s physical family line—the line that, because of his one act of disobedience, leads to certain death. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherit our sinful nature and the corresponding guilt from Adam. Paul makes it clear that this inherited sin, not breaking God’s law, brings death. Is it fair that we be condemned because of something Adam did thousands of years ago? Earlier in Romans Paul made it clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” thus confirming that inheritance.
We had no choice in being born into Adam’s physical family. But thanks be to God, we can now choose to be “born again” into Jesus’s spiritual family—the family line that leads to forgiveness and life. And Paul makes it clear that we get more in that bargain than we inherited from Adam. By choosing Jesus’s free gift of salvation, purchased with His one act of obedience, we can “…receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness [and] reign in life…” If you haven’t already, now is the time to make that choice!
Read: Psalm 51:5, John 3:3-6, John 10:10; 27-29, Acts 2:22-24, Ephesians 2:1-5, 1 Peter 1:3-5
Discussion Questions:
· God knew before He created Adam that Adam would sin, and He knew His Son, Jesus, would have to die to atone for that sin. Given that is true, what does all that reveal to you about God and how He feels about mankind?
· How would you explain what Paul means in Romans 5:17? In other words, what does he mean that we will “…reign in life…?”
· What does it mean to you to have life to the full (John 10:10)?
Pray: This might be a good time to revisit and use that A.C.T.S. prayer model (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication) in your prayer time. Praise God for who He is; confess any areas where you still battle against sin; thank God for all He has done for you; ask Him for what you and/or others need. You can learn more about the model here.
Next Steps:
· If you have not yet chosen to be “born again” into Jesus’s spiritual family, make a list of the questions and concerns holding you back. Now make a second list of all the reasons for and benefits of making that choice. If you want more info or help with working through these lists, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com
· We encourage you to brainstorm some people in your life (co-workers, neighbors, family members, friends, etc.) who maybe don’t have a church home, or don't know Jesus, and invite them to one of our Easter services! Visit our website -here- to download one of our Easter invite graphics that you can use to post on your socials or text to a friend.
Week of March 24, 2024
“A Contrast Between Two Men,” When in Rome, Week 10, Romans 5:12-21
Thought:
In Romans, Paul draws a contrast between Adam as the representative of created humanity, and Jesus as the representative of a new spiritual family.
Like it or not, we are born into Adam’s physical family line—the line that, because of his one act of disobedience, leads to certain death. Just as we inherit physical characteristics from our parents, we inherit our sinful nature and the corresponding guilt from Adam. Paul makes it clear that this inherited sin, not breaking God’s law, brings death. Is it fair that we be condemned because of something Adam did thousands of years ago? Earlier in Romans Paul made it clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” thus confirming that inheritance.
We had no choice in being born into Adam’s physical family. But thanks be to God, we can now choose to be “born again” into Jesus’s spiritual family—the family line that leads to forgiveness and life. And Paul makes it clear that we get more in that bargain than we inherited from Adam. By choosing Jesus’s free gift of salvation, purchased with His one act of obedience, we can “…receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness [and] reign in life…” If you haven’t already, now is the time to make that choice!
Read: Psalm 51:5, John 3:3-6, John 10:10; 27-29, Acts 2:22-24, Ephesians 2:1-5, 1 Peter 1:3-5
Discussion Questions:
· God knew before He created Adam that Adam would sin, and He knew His Son, Jesus, would have to die to atone for that sin. Given that is true, what does all that reveal to you about God and how He feels about mankind?
· How would you explain what Paul means in Romans 5:17? In other words, what does he mean that we will “…reign in life…?”
· What does it mean to you to have life to the full (John 10:10)?
Pray: This might be a good time to revisit and use that A.C.T.S. prayer model (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication) in your prayer time. Praise God for who He is; confess any areas where you still battle against sin; thank God for all He has done for you; ask Him for what you and/or others need. You can learn more about the model here.
Next Steps:
· If you have not yet chosen to be “born again” into Jesus’s spiritual family, make a list of the questions and concerns holding you back. Now make a second list of all the reasons for and benefits of making that choice. If you want more info or help with working through these lists, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com
· We encourage you to brainstorm some people in your life (co-workers, neighbors, family members, friends, etc.) who maybe don’t have a church home, or don't know Jesus, and invite them to one of our Easter services! Visit our website -here- to download one of our Easter invite graphics that you can use to post on your socials or text to a friend.
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Keep preaching that "Good News"!