Date: 15 Aug 2012
Passage: Romans 5:3-5
Verses 3-5 describe a sequence that begins with suffering and ends with hope – with several stages in between. Do you see yourself in that sequence? (Note: “hope” is not unfounded optimism. Instead it is the blessed assurance of our future destiny and is based on God’s love, which is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit and objectively demonstrated to us in the death of Christ.)
Date: 14 Aug 2012
Passage: Romans 5:2,3
What are the two things Paul says we should rejoice in? Why can we rejoice even in our suffering? How does this perspective change our response towards difficult/painful times?
Date: 13 Aug 2012
Passage: Romans 5:1-11
After the first 4 chapters of Romans with its overwhelming picture of human sinfulness, the idea that we might have peace with God is powerful indeed. Is “peace with God” something you possess right now?
Date: 11 Aug 2012
Passage: Read Eph 2:8-10
What is the difference between “works” in v9 and “good works” in v10? How successful do you think you would be if you had to work for your salvation?
Date: 10 Aug 2012
Passage: Read and reflect on this statement, then decide if you agree or disagree with it giving reasons.
“Ceremonies and rituals serve as reminders of our faith. They are not important in themselves and we should not think that they give us any special merit before God.”
Date: 9 Aug 2012
Passage: Romans 4:9-12
At which point in his life was Abraham’s faith credited to him as righteousness − before or after his circumcision? What is the significance of this answer for law-keeping/rituals?