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.
