Romans 5:1-6:2
“It is clear that where such a basic and essential word as grace is misunderstood, the great realities of which it speaks will also be misunderstood. There will be a gap between our understanding and the true reality. In some areas of life or even in some areas of doctrine this kind of gap may not matter a great deal, but in this particular instance it is absolutely crucial. A mistaken view of grace will inevitably lead to a distorted view of salvation and we will be in real danger of ‘turning to a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all’ (Gal. I. 6,7).” – J. Douglas MacMillan (1933-1991)
- How many ways can you describe how “professed Christians” have misunderstood, and/or misrepresented God’s grace?
- How does misunderstanding the doctrine of grace hurt the effectiveness of the Church?
The believer’s justification before God is described in past tense (See Romans 5:1, 5:9, 5:11)
- How does this truth affect your relationship to God?
As we read in Romans 6:1-2 and Romans 6:15, the Apostle Paul anticipated that fallen man, even though believers, could easily abuse the gift of God’s grace.
- Discuss some of the pitfalls of grace mentioned on Sunday. Can you think of other pitfalls that can lead to abusing God’s grace that were not mentioned on Sunday?
- How do you personally succeed at avoiding these pitfalls?
Both 2 Corinthians 13:5 and 1 Timothy 4:16 encourages believers to take a personal “spiritual inventory.”
- How can you best implement this admonition?
Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
- As a church, how well is Lifeline Community living this out in our community?
- How can we improve?
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