ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

FROM SUNDAY 13 JANUARY 2008

ROAMING ROMANS SESSION 8: ROMANS 5:12-19

1. Begin by reading Romans 5:12-19.

2. Helen began with the story of escaped convict Jean Valjean in Victor Hugo's 'Les Miserables'. What is it about the bishop's action in this story that sheds light on what Paul is talking about in this chapter?

3. Look back to the beginning of the chapter. What does Paul state that our lives as Christians are built on?

4. "With God it's different. You get what you don't deserve all the time." To what extent would you say you live your life according to this truth? Why is this not always as straightforward as it might be?

5. Today's passage introduces another factor into the equation. What is it that Paul describes as the opposite of grace?

6. Verses 12-19 set out a number of different contrasts. Can you identify them?

7. In what way is the 'gift not like the trespass' in verse 15? Can you think of any examples of how sin leads to death - either literally or metaphorically? How about examples of grace leading to overflowing blessing?

8. In what way is the 'gift not like the trespass' in verse 16? How would you answer someone who finds it hard to understand how God can forgive the sin of the world, given how terrible it is?

9. In what way is the 'gift not like the trespass' in verse 17? Why does 'God's abundant provision of grace...' need actively to be received? Why can't we just have it anyway?

10. What do you think it means in practice for us to 'reign in life' (verse 17)?

11. Helen concluded by talking about the negative effect individualism has on the sharing of God's grace. Can you think of ways in which you have noticed this? What steps could you take to reverse this?

David Stone
14 January 2008