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Why can the Christian be confident in adversity?
In "God's Word for Today" William Snider writes:
In times of difficulty, Christians have access to the grace which will enable us to stand. Remember that Peter said that our God is the God of “all grace” – all kinds and as much as we need. Are you drawing from that grace today – moment by moment? What kind of grace do you need today? Would you want to share your need with your class? We rejoice even in tribulation because “we know” that God is purposefully working in our lives to build character and confidence in Him. Consider the testimony of Job – “He knoweth the way that I take . . . I shall come forth as gold.” The rejoicing is not in the pain, but the knowing. In contrast to our one-time alienation from God, we now are enjoying His love communicated to us by the Holy Spirit.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 17.
Why can the justified be confident?
In "Biblical Perspective" Gordon Snider writes concerning Romans 5:10:
Paul presented additional reasons why the justified can have confidence. When we were enemies probably means not only that man was in rebellion against God, but that God also considered us to be deserving of punishment. We were reconciled . . . by the death of his Son. Reconciliation is a new term in Paul's argument. The cross did not change the fact that natural man is still a rebel against God, but it did make it possible for God to reach out to the sinner. Since the death of Christ has removed our alienation from God, we can have even greater confidence that we shall be saved by his life. The death of Christ changed our spiritual position. The life of Christ changes our daily performance and guarantees our future glorification.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 17.
How does the Bible picture the sinner?
In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:
This is the picture Paul gave of fallen man: helpless (v. 6), hopeless (v. 8), and hostile (v. 10). He had no means of justification — yet God provided the means. He had no hope of getting on course — yet God provided the way. He had no method of being reconciled to his Creator — yet God provided a plan.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 16.
Pray for your students
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the privilege of teaching such a wonderful class. Thank You for how You are working in each of my students’ lives. Thank You for (state specific ways you see God working in the lives of your students). May You continue to bless each one, increase their faith, and deepen their love for You and one another.
Lord, I pray that You would enlighten my class’ understanding of Your Word. Help each one to see that the Bible is not an ancient, out-of-touch document, but instead that You are speaking to us through scripture and that in Your words we find abundant life.
I also pray that you would encourage my students to care for one another. Help us not to be a group of strangers meeting weekly, but a family who care for one another deeply. When one has a need, help us all to rally around in support. When one rejoices, may we join in the celebration, happy that You have poured blessings upon our fellow Christian.
Father, help our class to develop a passionate love and concern for lost people. May our passion move us to action, instead of allowing us to simply feel good while sitting on the sidelines. Use us to impact the world with Your love.
Guilt and Grace
Lesson 3 - December 18, 2016
Focus Text: Romans 5:6-21
Central Truth: We receive life through God's grace provided by Christ's death.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify what God's grace does for man.
Lesson Outline:
- Redeemed by Christ's Death (Romans 5:1-8)
- Reconciled by God's Grace (Romans 5:9-16)
- Recipients of Abundant Life (Romans 5:17-21)
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Romans 5:1
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1)