ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

FROM SUNDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2007

ROAMING ROMANS SESSION 6: ROMANS 4:1-25

1. Begin by having a general discussion about the basis on which God lets people into heaven. Why do we think the way we do about this?

2. Many people think that the way we live now influences the decision God will make about us as the end of time. Is this right? Why? Or why not?

3. In Romans 4, Paul uses Abraham as an example of someone whose righteous life might have been expected to guarantee him a place in heaven. Read verses 1-8.

4. Have a look at Isaiah 41:8 and, for example, Genesis 26:5. What was it about Abraham that was so special?

5. How would you answer someone who said that "God is a kindly and indulgent figure who will somehow square the books so that everyone receives eternal life when they die. Yes, there will be a few exceptions like Hitler and so on. But basically, at the end of the day, God's bark is worse than his bite. The threats of judgement are just there to try and get us to behave a bit better. When it comes down to it, the ticket with 'I did my best' is all I need to get me safely through the pearly gates into heaven"?

6. What does it mean to be 'justified by works'? What does the Bible say about how Abraham was justified? How does the quotation in Romans 4:3 from Genesis 15:6 help?

7. Why is the idea that 'God justifies the wicked' so scandalous?

8. How would you respond to someone who says that this means we can sin as much as we like and still make it into heaven?

9. Paul next turns to the issue of whether what is said here applies just to the Jews or whether it is for everyone. What does he conclude? Why?

10. "We haven't really understood the gospel unless the question 'Does this mean that I can sin as much as I like and still make it?' occurs to us." Take some time to pray together about how we at St Nicolas are communicating the gospel - both as individuals and as a church. And do pass on any feedback to me. Thank you.

David Stone
19 November 2007