(Romans Series-14) "The Fruits of Faith" (The Fruits of Faith, Part 1)

THE FRUITS OF FAITH

Romans 5:1–5 (ESV Bible)

Key Verse: 5:2b, "we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

1. How does Paul begin (1a)? What does it really mean to be “justified by faith” (declared righteous/not guilty; see 3:24)? Why does Paul use the verb “have been”?
2. What does this faith bring us (1b)? What does it mean to have “peace with God”? Why is it found only “through our Lord Jesus Christ”?
3. How do we obtain access to “this grace” (2a)? What does it mean to “stand” in it? What does this look like for you when you face failures or doubts?
4. Read verse 2b. How are the peace and grace given through Christ related to this hope? What does it mean to “rejoice” in this hope? How does this apply to you right now?
5. Through faith in Christ, why do we rejoice even in our sufferings (3–4), and how does this make us even more hopeful? With what suffering or trial in your life do you need God's help to persevere and grow in hope?
6. What affirms our hope (5)? How can we have this personal assurance of God’s love? How can you pray based on this assurance of God’s love?