Friday, February 3, 2012

Romans 5:1-5 Unpack this


Romans 5:1-5
As we approach examination time and assessments, times where we are “justified” by the work we do let’s relook at this famous passage in Romans.

Peace and Hope
 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.


As a group think of examples in your own lives or from your studies of the main themes of this passage. Here are some examples if you get stuck:

1) pictures of peace -- The peace pilgrim....
SEEDS--Young people born in war, choose peace...

2) areas inaccessible to us except through one means…like afterhours access cards in uni computer labs. In the world of warcraft, levels become accessible when you know the way...

3) stories of undeserved kindness (grace)
Bankers have come under attack recently, but they have the opportunity and know-how to change lives.....

4) stories of people hoping against all odds

Here a sand dancer hopes for wholeness.......in moments.


5) what the glory of God looks like to you.

6) examples of endurance
NZ Parkour-- The body needs to be strong, to be useful

7) examples of character



8) examples of your own affliction

9) examples of God’s love





As a group decide which stories move you most and why.
Get everyone to close their eyes and get one person to read the verse twice slowly. The group is to run the images and stories through their mind as the verse is read. This is one method of biblical mediation. If you are alone read the verses slowly rereading and thinking about each word.

You may like to just mediate on a word or a phrase throughout the day and try to apply it to all the areas of your life. For example you could pray for an awareness of God’s glory throughout the day.


THE CHALLENGE IS TO MEDIATE ON SCRIPTURE FOR 21 DAYS SO THAT HABITS ARE FORMED.


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