Into the Heart of Romans
A Deep Dive into Paul’s Greatest Letter
Led by the Spirit (2|4)
Pages 91-97
Romans 4:13-16 (NIV) It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
Romans 5:17-19 (NIV) By the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
The [gar] is back for more! When you read verses 12-17 with the For [gar] highlighted, did it help or aid in reading those verses with a new filter or different lens?
Paul builds his argument in Romans 8:12–17 by showing that we are “debtors” not to the flesh, but to the Spirit who makes us God’s children and heirs. How does understanding yourself as a “debtor” as a Spirit-led child and heir of God shape the way you see your present calling?
Paul teaches that believers share in Jesus’ own sonship, we are God’s adopted royal family, not merely for the comfort of belonging, but to “participate in the Father’s project” of wise rule over His world. How does understanding your identity as an adopted “royal” child of God shape your sense of purpose, responsibility, and mission in God’s world?
Paul’s theme of sonship brings together Israel’s story of a liberated people given royal dignity and a direct challenge to pagan claims of empire (especially Caesar’s). Where do you see the gospel today quietly, or boldly, confronting the “empires” or cultural powers of our time, and how might your identity as God’s adopted child affect your response to them?
Paul frames Romans 5–8 as a sweeping exodus story, freedom through the waters, confrontation with sin at “Sinai,” God’s presence dwelling with His people, and now the call to “choose life” as they stand on the edge of God’s promise. Where in your own journey do you sense God placing before you a “choose life” moment, inviting you to trust, obey, or step into something new as part of His continuing story?