Monday's Lesson - Death Swallowed Up

Read Romans 5:12. What is Paul describing here? What does this explain?

This passage talks about the systemic effect that sin had on humanity. When Adam sinned the effects of that sin spread to the entire human race. Because death is a result of sin wherever there is sin then there is death. Paul is describing the fact that all humanity is subject to dying because of sin.

What has been your own experience with the reality and the tragedy of death? Why, in the face of such a relentless enemy, must we have a hope in something greater than ourselves or greater than anything this world offers?

Death has ripped many families apart and brought many tears to the eyes of humanity. If death is the final destiny for life and nothing more then life is meaningless. Our hope in something better gives us a reason to live.When we understand that there is something better beyond the grave when death strikes we can still have hope.

Prayer: Father thank you for all that you have done. Thank you for giving us a hope in the face of death. Help us to trust in your no matter what difficulties we face even death. In Jesus name amen.

Monday's Lesson - God Seeking Man

Read Romans 5:6–8. What do these verses tell us about the character of God, and why are they so full of hope for us?

This passage is so beautiful. God did not wait until we were good or when we had it all together to die for us but He died when we were helpless and ungodly. God had us on His mind even when we did not have Him on our mind. God demonstrated His unconditional love toward us in sending Jesus to die for us.

What other reasons are we given to rejoice? (Rom. 5:10, 11)

When we realize that God reconciled us to Him how much more will He do for us now that we are reconciled. God restored us to Himself while we are still sinners, now that we have been redeemed He will work all the more to secure our salvation.

We also rejoice in Jesus because His sacrifice for our sins made this all possible.Jesus paid it all!

Prayer: Father thank you that you sought us out. Thank you that you perused us in order to save us. Please keep seeking after us. In Jesus name amen.

Tuesday's Lesson - Therefore, Being Justified

Read Romans 5:1–5. On the lines below summarize Paul's message. What can you take from that for yourself now?

This passage starts off with the word therefore, this means that it is signaling something as a result of something else. We find here that the result is peace with God. This peace is achieved through Jesus Christ who enables us to be justified by faith.

Because of sin we have been placed at enmity with God, but through Jesus we can have peace with God. Rom 8:7 tells us that the mind which is set on the flesh is hostile towards God. This hostility or enmity is broken by faith in Jesus and makes us at peace with God.

This passage also talks about how Jesus has introduced us to the grace of God which is our hope of the glory of God. Paul's says We rejoice in this understanding , and not only that but we also rejoice in trials because they produce perseverance, character and hope.

This a personal message for me because it gives me a perspective on trials. Trials are a blessing from God because they lead us to hope. This passage concludes by saying hope does not disappoint. Whatever I am going through God has promised a better ending.

What is the one thing in all your life that you hope for more than anything else? How can that hope be fulfilled in Jesus? Or can it? If not, are you sure you want to be putting so much hope in it?

My hope is to be all that Jesus wants me to be. I know that Jesus is the only one that can help me to do this.

Prayer: Father thank you for the gift of Jesus. Help us to understand that trials work for our good. Help us to be strong in you. Please redirect our misguided hope to the things which matter the most. Thank you in Jesus name amen.