Faith Talk – June 29, 2025

Sunday: June 29, 2025
Series: Romans: The Righteousness of God
Sermon: The Joy of God’s Righteousness

Romans 5:1-3a – Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions.

This sermon explores the transitional chapter of Romans 5, which moves from justification (being saved from sin's penalty) to sanctification (being saved from sin's power).

Paul presents three sources of joy for believers: peace with God through justification, hope in God through the sanctification of afflictions, and reconciliation with God that transforms us from enemies of God into friends with God.

The passage emphasizes that our past justification serves as the foundation for present sanctification—if God loved us enough to save us when we were enemies, how much more will He help us now as His children? Paul uses a "greater to lesser" argument throughout, showing that God's love demonstrated at the cross gives us confidence to face current struggles, knowing that the same God who justified ungodly sinners will sanctify His beloved children through the resurrected life of Christ.
 
Main Points

• Three sources of Christian joy: peace with God, hope through afflictions, and reconciliation through Christ
• Justification fuels sanctification: past salvation provides a foundation for present growth.
• Afflictions produce character: suffering refines us through endurance, character, and hope.
• God's love is "greater to lesser": if He saved enemies, He'll certainly help friends.
• Reconciliation changes our relationship: from hostility to harmony with God.
• Present salvation through Christ's resurrected life: ongoing victory over sin's power

Homes with Adults

• Paul teaches that we should "rejoice in our afflictions" because they produce endurance, character, and hope. What current affliction in your life could God be using to refine your character, and how can you respond with faith rather than resistance?
• The sermon distinguishes between justification (saved from sin's penalty) and sanctification (being saved from sin's power). How does remembering your justification give you hope and strength in your ongoing battle against sin?
• Paul uses "greater to lesser" logic—if God loved you as an enemy, how much more as His friend. How does this truth change your confidence in approaching God during times of failure or struggle?

 
Homes with Students

• Paul says afflictions are designed to build character, not just to make us miserable. What's a difficult situation you're facing that God might be using to make you stronger?
• The passage talks about having "access to grace" through faith. What does it mean practically to "stand in grace" when you're dealing with peer pressure or temptation?
• God proved His love by dying for us "while we were still sinners." How does knowing God loved you before you cleaned up your act affect how you view yourself and others?

 
Homes with Kids

• Paul says we can have joy even when hard things happen because God is making us stronger. Can you think of a time when something difficult helped you grow?
• God loved us and saved us even when we were doing wrong things. How does that make you feel about God's love for you?
• The Bible says we have "peace with God." What does it mean to be friends with God instead of being afraid of Him?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of justification that brings us peace with You and access to Your grace. We're grateful that our relationship with You has changed from hostility to harmony, from enemies to beloved children.
 
We ask for help in understanding how our past justification should fuel our present sanctification. When we face afflictions and struggles, help us to remember that You are refining us and building our character. Give us the faith to rejoice even in difficult times, knowing that You are working for our good.
 
We commit to standing in Your grace and living in the hope of Your glory. When we feel overwhelmed by sin or circumstances, remind us of the "greater to lesser" truth—if You loved us enough to die for us when we were Your enemies, how much more will You help us now as Your children. Help us to live in the joy of reconciliation, celebrating our friendship with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Materials needed:

• Index cards or small pieces of paper
• Two boxes or containers labeled "GREATER" and "LESSER"
• Markers or pens
• Bible

 
Instructions:

• Explain the concept:
  • Read Romans 5:8-10 together
  • Explain Paul's "greater to lesser" logic: If God did the bigger thing (saved us as enemies), He'll certainly do the lesser thing (help us as friends)
    
    
• Create "Greater" cards:
  • Have family members write or draw on cards the amazing things God has already done:
    • "Jesus died for my sins"
    • "God made me His child"
    • "I'm forgiven forever"
    • "God gave me eternal life"
  • Put these in the "GREATER" box
    
    
• Create "Lesser" cards:
  • Write current struggles, fears, or prayer requests on other cards:
    • "Help me with my math test"
    • "Give me courage to stand up for what's right"
    • "Help our family with money problems"
    • "Make me brave when I'm scared"
  • Put these in the "LESSER" box
    
    
• Practice the logic:
  • Pull one card from each box
  • Say together: "If God [read GREATER card], then He can certainly [read LESSER card]"
  • Example: "If God died for my sins when I was His enemy, then He can certainly help me with my math test now that I'm His child"
    
    
• Create a family reminder:
  • Make a poster with "GREATER → LESSER" at the top
  • List some of the most encouraging combinations
  • Hang it somewhere visible for when family members face discouragement
    
    
• Weekly practice:
  • Each week, add new "lesser" struggles and practice the greater-to-lesser logic
  • Celebrate answered prayers by moving cards to a "THANKFUL" section

This activity helps families internalize Paul's logical argument and builds confidence in God's love and care during daily struggles.