How the Guilty are Freed | Romans 4:25-5:1

Main text: Romans 4:25-5:1 (ESV) 25 (Jesus) was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Preaching Point: We must trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the only means of dealing with our sin and securing our peace with God.

Teaching Points:

1. Own Your Sin (v. 25a)
2. Trust in the Risen Christ (vv. 25b-1a)
3. Enjoy Peace with God (v. 1b)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Isaiah 53:4-6 and 1 Peter 2:24. How do these passages show that your sin, not just sin in general, put Christ on the cross?
3. Why must anyone who claims to trust in Jesus fully own their culpability in his death?
4. Read Galatians 2:16 and Romans 10:9-10. If you stood before God today, what would you point to as the basis for your acquittal, and does your answer match what these passages teach? How so?
5. How would you explain to a friend or family member how the death and resurrection of Christ make it possible for them to be declared righteous before God? (Be ready to share in LifeGroup this week.)
6. Read Jeremiah 6:14-15. Israel’s leaders falsely assured the people they had peace with God, even though God promised judgment unless they repented. It is possible to believe you have peace with God when you don’t. How can someone know for certain that they are not deceived about their position before God?
7. Read Romans 5:9-11 and Isaiah 53:5. According to these passages and Romans 4:25-5:1, why should a genuine Christian have confidence that they have true peace with God?
8. What other benefits does the Bible say belong to those who have peace with God? (Write down the verses you find below.)