Water For The Way Discussion Week 2

Romans 4:1-5

“1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter?

2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.

3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation.

5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.”

Romans 4: 13-17

“13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.

14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,

15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.

17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”

Just to refresh your memory here are the highlights of last weeks message.

Favor is defined as approval or preference, and the Favor of God is the acceptance of God.

The approval or acceptance of God cannot be earned; it can only be accepted.

Our actions should flow from a heart of gratitude and love for God, not from the belief that they will result in God loving us.

Accepting the grace of God can be difficult for some, but the favor of God is not transactional.

Abraham was justified by faith in God, not by following the law perfectly.

The promise of God comes by faith and grace, not through following the law.

Living in the Favor of God requires letting go of the idea that a strict adherence to the law leads to righteousness.

Here are some discussion questions based on the passage:

Have you ever felt like you needed to earn favor from God?

How did that belief affect your relationship with God?

Have you ever struggled to accept that God's love and grace are freely given, without any need for you to earn it?

Why do you think the Jewish people relied on the righteousness of Abraham so much—to the point of believing he followed the law perfectly? Are there people in our lives we can often rely on too heavily or view in unrealistic ways?

Why do you think it is human nature to want to have a "hero" or "perfect person" to look up to and follow?

How does our perception of others affect our own beliefs and actions?

Why is legalism such an easy trap to fall into? Have you ever held yourself or others to legalistic standards?

What is legalism, and how does it differ from grace?

Why do you think legalism can be tempting for some people?

How does legalism affect our relationship with God and with others?

How does it make you feel to know that grace is a gift and not something to earn?

What does grace mean to you?

How does the knowledge of God's grace change your perspective on your relationship with Him and with others?

How can the understanding of grace help us live a more fulfilling and joyful life?

How would/Has your life change if you truly accepted grace as a gift and then extended grace as a gift to those around you?

What are some practical ways to extend grace to others?

How can we overcome the temptation to judge or condemn others?

How would our relationships with others change if we approached them with a mindset of grace and forgiveness?