Saved from the Alienation of Sin
Romans 5:1-11
Summary
We come—at long last—to the final sermon in our Advent sermon series. Today we will consider reconciliation as a powerful picture of our salvation in Christ. In our passage, Paul teaches that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, believers are now reconciled to God. This is the present reality of every believer. Once enemies of God because of sin, we have been justified by faith and now have peace with God. The war is over, the door to God’s presence is open, and the celebration has begun. As we begin a new year, we are reminded that the greatest restoration we need—and the greatest joy we can know—is peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Discussion Questions
1. Read Romans 5:1–2. What blessings does Paul say believers now possess because we have been justified by faith?
2. Why is the phrase “peace with God” (v.1) so significant? How is that different from simply experiencing the “peace of God”?
3. In verses 6–10, Paul uses four words to describe our condition before Christ (weak, ungodly, sinners, enemies). Which of these is most striking to you, and why?
4. Why is it important to remember that reconciliation is a present reality (“now”) and not something we are waiting to achieve?
5. The sermon highlighted three realities of reconciliation:
7. Verse 2 says we have “obtained access” into grace. What does it look like practically to live as someone who has access to God?
8. Are there areas in your life where you still live as if the war is ongoing—marked by fear, guilt, or distance from God?
9. How might a deeper awareness of reconciliation change:
Summary
We come—at long last—to the final sermon in our Advent sermon series. Today we will consider reconciliation as a powerful picture of our salvation in Christ. In our passage, Paul teaches that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, believers are now reconciled to God. This is the present reality of every believer. Once enemies of God because of sin, we have been justified by faith and now have peace with God. The war is over, the door to God’s presence is open, and the celebration has begun. As we begin a new year, we are reminded that the greatest restoration we need—and the greatest joy we can know—is peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Discussion Questions
1. Read Romans 5:1–2. What blessings does Paul say believers now possess because we have been justified by faith?
2. Why is the phrase “peace with God” (v.1) so significant? How is that different from simply experiencing the “peace of God”?
3. In verses 6–10, Paul uses four words to describe our condition before Christ (weak, ungodly, sinners, enemies). Which of these is most striking to you, and why?
4. Why is it important to remember that reconciliation is a present reality (“now”) and not something we are waiting to achieve?
5. The sermon highlighted three realities of reconciliation:
- The war is over.
- The door is open.
- The celebration has begun.
Which of these do you find hardest to believe or live out personally? Why?
6. How does knowing that God is for you (not against you) reshape the way you view suffering, hardship, or discipline?7. Verse 2 says we have “obtained access” into grace. What does it look like practically to live as someone who has access to God?
8. Are there areas in your life where you still live as if the war is ongoing—marked by fear, guilt, or distance from God?
9. How might a deeper awareness of reconciliation change:
- Your prayer life?
- Your response to suffering?
- Your relationships with others?
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