Right with God
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. Compare your life-style
before and after you became a Christian. What changes has Christ made in your life?
Bible Reading
Read Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is
the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein
is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. 18 For
the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth
in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto
them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, beeing understood by
things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. 21 Because that, when
they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and
their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory
of the uncoruptable God into an image made like to corruptable man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping
things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleaness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their
own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature
more the the Creator, who is blessed for ever, Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for
even their women did change the natural into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving
the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly,
and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to
retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Beeing filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness: full of envy,
murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backciters, haters of God, depiteful, proud, boasters, inventors
of evil things, disobedient to parents. 31 Without understanding, covenentbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death,
not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. How does God reveal himself
to people?
Question 2. God reveals
himself to people in many ways. The revelation of God through creation is called general revelation (Psalm 19:1;
Acts 14:17; Romans 1:20). God also reveals himself through the Bible (Psalm 19:8; Romans 1:16; 1 John 5:13); the
Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:13); and the incarnation of Christ (John 12:49; 14:10). This is called
special revelation.
3. How have some people
provoked God to anger?
4. Why is the truth of the
gospel hidden from some people?
5. What happens when God
lets people go their own way?
6. How can we find freedom
from the bondage of sin?
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational
Study Bible.
What does it mean to be righteous?…
Righteousness has nothing to do with doing good works, though good works
are a byproduct of being righteous. Jesus spoke of God as the only one who is truly good. The word “good” is a
synonym for righteous, so it follows that to be righteous is to be like God. But how can anyone be like God, who
is holy and perfect?
… Righteousness, meaning to be right or just, begins with believing God.
It sounds so simple, but how many times do we disbelieve God? God's formulas are so simple that we ignore them
because we think there must be more to it than that.
All sin is rooted in unbelief. All righteousness is rooted in belief. Believe
God for all His promises and He will count it unto you as righteousness. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, God's
ultimate standard and incarnation of righteousness, and be saved. Believe in Jesus Christ to deliver you in your
day of trouble and learn what the righteousness of Christ can do in and through you.
(From Unto the
Hills by Billy Graham)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. How would you describe
righteousness to a new believer?
8. Based on this passage,
explain what is required to be right with God.
Question 8. Some people
don't understand how to establish a right relationship with God. Others have misconstrued ideas based on their
own assumptions. This question will challenge the group to examine their own beliefs, lay aside any misconceptions,
and acknowledge the truth of the gospel. Remind your group of Christ's words in John 14:6.
9. Have you seen the righteousness
of Christ transform a person's life? Explain.
Prayer
Father, forgive us for being witnesses of your majesty and yet living like
you did not exist. Forgive us, Father, when we sometimes put more hope in the things of this earth than in the
incredible promises of your heaven. Have mercy on our hardened hearts. Transform us into your likeness.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
How can I thank God for saving me from a life of sin and bringing me into
a right relationship with him?
Additional Questions
10. Why is it important
to establish a right relationship with God?
11. In what area of your
life do your sinful desires interfere with living a righteous life?
12. How does this passage
encourage you to live by faith?
For more Bible passages on righteousness, see 1 Samuel 26:23; 1 Kings 10:9;
Habakkuk 2:4; Zephaniah 2:3; Malachi 4:2; Romans 3:21; 8:10; Galatians 3:11; 2 Timothy 3:16.
To complete the book of Romans during this twelve-part study, read Romans
1:1–32.
From Life Lessons from the
Inspired Word of God—Book of Romans by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996
by Word Publishing. Published by Word.
