Feb. 6 | Discovery

Study Questions for Groups

By Michael C. Mack

1. How did you sense God’s peace and joy this past week?

2. In what way(s) did you experience being a part of Christ’s body last week?

Ask two people to read aloud Romans 3:9-31 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to restate the passage in their own words in a minute or less.

3. What would be your thesis statement (main idea) for this passage?

4. Let’s dig deeper into the passage:

• How does this passage describe the condition of humans under the law?

• How does the passage describe the condition of people who are in Christ?

• What does the use of absolute statements such as no one, all, and not even one reveal to you?

• How does humankind’s condition under the law affect different parts of their bodies?

• In what ways has your experience with biblical law made you conscious of sin?

• How is God both the one who is just and the one who justifies?

• What part does our faith play in our redemption?

• In verses 27-31, Paul asks and then answers the questions people may have concerning justification through God’s grace. What question would you ask?

5. What do you learn about God from this passage?

6. What do you learn about people?

7. How does God’s grace help you live in obedience to him?

8.  With whom will you share this message of our human condition and God’s grace?

9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .”

10. What circumstances will you face this week that might require you to display grace?

For Next Week: Read and reflect on Romans 5:1-21 as we continue studying Romans with a focus on being “justified.”You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.