Grow Guide | May 26, 2024
Holy Trinity
Romans 5:1-8
Connecting Question
When was the last time you spilled something that made a mess?
What is one thing that made you laugh last week?
Prayer for Illumination
On this week of Holy Trinity Sunday, may the moving of your Spirit not be to us a chasing after the wind, but a warm breeze of hope. May the Church act as one body to bring love, joy, and your holy truth to every generation and people. And may we also have the wisdom to receive these things graciously. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Context
Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed, Alleluia. We are a Community in Christ, it is BOTH growing in faith and carrying on the work of Jesus Christ. The doctrine of the Trinity keeps us balanced, helps us to remember the other parts of God that we must pay due attention to, individually and as a community of faith. The Holy Trinity reminds us that the God who created the universe is also the God who lived among us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth and is also the same God whose Spirit moves us in our moments of spiritual clarity.
From Pastor Sarah Henrich at EntertheBible.org:
The Apostle Paul writes the longest of his letters to followers of Jesus in Rome, announcing that he plans to visit them, to be mutually encouraged, and to be sent on by them to Spain. To accomplish the goal of having the support of the Roman Christians, Paul sets forth an account of the gospel that he preaches–particularly about the saving work of God in Christ–and spells out its implications for the Christian life. In addition, he writes concerning the salvation of the Jewish people, discusses some particulars of Christian conduct (life under the Roman government, living together in the midst of disagreements, and fulfilling the law of love). He speaks of his plans for travel as an apostle and sends greetings by name to some 26 people known to him in Rome.
Look at the Book
Open to Romans 4:1. What kind of sentence is verse 1? Why might Paul use that style of a sentence to speak to people?
In Romans 4:1, who is the biblical character talked about? What do you know about them? Why would Paul talk about them? In verse six, who is talked about?
Who is someone in history that has inspired you?
Paul wants to welcome not only Jewish believers, but gentiles. What does “gentile” mean? Google it if helpful.
Paul is making an argument on why gentiles should be included in God’s covenant promise of love and faithfulness. How can John 3:16-17 help him?
Jump to Romans 5:1. What’s the first word? It’s Paul’s favorite! Chapter four was his argument, now he explains what that argument means for people.
Paul says we are “justified by _____.” What does that mean to you? Give an example of an excuse that a child or another has given to justify something.
Because of the power of faith, what does Paul say we are given? ______ with God. What does that look like in your life?
What is the source of being justified by faith and receiving peace with God? (The last words of Romans 5:1)
Our focus words this week are: love, glory, access. Which word are you drawn to? Why?
In verse two, what has Christ given us access too? What are some things people struggle to get access to in our culture? Why?
Read Romans 5:3. What does it mean to boast in our sufferings? Is that okay? What does Paul mean?
In Romans 5:5, what does God pour or spill into our lives? How? How is this good news? Do we do this work?
Romans 5:8 is key verse. Please underline it. What’s the truth being told here? What is the Good News?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
Point out hope in someone’s life this week.
As you pour something out in the sink or water plants, pray for someone carrying a heavy burden.
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.