Free at last, free at last, the words of the old slave song that rang out in Martin Luther King’s speech sound like the shout of the apostle Paul after three chapters of the bleakest diagnosis of humanity. This sermon pauses to celebrate and unpacks the new identity God gives in Christ: peace with God, reconciliation, grace, hope and love (Romans 5). There is also an honest word about why faith does not mean the end of hardship, and where the strength to face it comes from. Listen and see which of these statements about yourself you most need to hear today.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Romans 5:12-21 Paul contrasts Adam and Jesus. According to this passage, what did the disobedience of one man bring into the world, and what did the obedience of the other bring?
- How do you understand Romans 5:8, that God showed His love while we were still sinners? What does this say about whether God's love is conditional?
- The sermon distinguished peace with God from reconciliation with Him, using the image of a war ending and of forgiveness between people. What is the difference for you, and how does it change your relationship with God?
- Paul says we stand firmly in grace, not just that we experienced it once. What would your day look like if you woke up without guilt, confident in that grace?
- The speaker firmly rejected the teaching that nothing bad can happen to a Christian. How have hardships in your life led to perseverance, character and hope?
- Which part of your new identity mentioned in the sermon (peace, reconciliation, grace, hope, God's love, new life) speaks to you most today, and how can you express your gratitude to God for it this week?
