On Sunday, February 14, 2016 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Romans 4:13-25. This message was part 2 in the “ABC’s of Faith” series. Below are a set of questions for group discussion or personal reflection related to the message:
Sermon Questions for Reflection or Discussion:
- Read Romans 4:13-25
- Think through different eras of your life. How have you believed salvation was “awarded” at different times? How do you believe salvation is “awarded” now?
- In Romans 4:13-17a, Paul makes the argument that people are not made righteous by their adherence to the Law, but by placing their faith in the promises of God. The language of the Law is “If you _______, then God will______.” However, the language of faith is, “God will ________. Do you believe it?” Is your understanding of the Christian life more organized around the language/understanding of the law, or of faith? What is the connection between the law and faith?
- Faith in God is not a blind leap. It is based on our understanding of the character of God. What do you know about God that makes it easier for you to trust Him? Is there any evidence in the world that makes trusting God not seem unreasonable?
- Abraham was placed in the dramatic position of having a “dead” body, but God promising life. Abraham kept his faith in God, even though trusting God would have seemed strange given his age and past personal experience (childless for all those years). Yet Abraham persisted in faith and was rewarded for it. What are some areas in your life where God’s Word seems at odds with what you are feeling or have experienced in the past. What would it look like for you to keep firm in faith even when your situation looks “as good as dead?”
- Jesus won the trophy of righteousness and salvation for all who would believe in Him. Has there been a time in your life where you have trusted Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins and received the righteous He is offering to you? If so, when? If not, why not?
- What stood out to you most from today’s message? Any particular application you are taking away from this message?
To download the sermon questions in pdf format, click here.