July 17
Lesson 7
GOD SET THINGS RIGHT
DEVOTIONAL READING: Ephesians 2:1–7
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Romans 3
ROMANS 3:21–31
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Photo: Fodor90/iStock/Thinkstock
KEY VERSES
There is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
—Romans 3:22–24
TOWARD A NEW CREATION
Unit 2: A World Gone Wrong
LESSONS 4–7
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify the only means that can make people right.
2. Describe how Christ’s death and resurrection enable God to be both just and a justifier of those who believe.
3. Express gracious acceptance to others as a result of having received God’s grace.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. The Mystery Revealed
B. Lesson Background
I. Righteousness Through Faith (ROMANS 3:21, 22)
A. Role of the Law (v. 21)
B. Role of the Christ (v. 22)
II. Justified by Grace (ROMANS 3:23, 24)
A. Short of the Glory (v. 23)
Self-Esteem Run Amok
B. Redemption in Christ (v. 24)
III. Planned by God (ROMANS 3:25, 26)
A. Patient Judge (v. 25)
B. Just Justifier (v. 26)
IV. Result of Faith (ROMANS 3:27–31)
A. Boasting Excluded (vv. 27, 28)
B. Gentiles Included (vv. 29, 30)
Healing Divisions
C. Law Upheld (v. 31)
Conclusion
A. The Mystery Solved
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Abraham Ay-bruh-ham.
Gentiles Jen-tiles.
Mosaic Mo-zay-ik.
propitiation pro-pih-she-ay-shun.
Visual for Lesson 7. Use this visual to discuss how the concept of grace relates to the other three concepts depicted.
History teaches us, however, that the most destructive wars of the twentieth century were fought between the most highly educated, “enlightened” countries. Regardless of how out-of-touch the biblical idea of sin might seem to modern culture, it remains a sad fact of life. The ills of society demonstrate that evil and sin still abound. No amount of rationalizing can change the fact that we live in a sin-sick world. Jesus, not self-esteem, is the cure for that.
—C. R. B.
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
How does a person’s coming “short of the glory of God” reveal itself today?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding wisdom
■ Regarding commitment
■ Regarding love
■ Other
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
How does knowing that you are justified by grace, not your own goodness, make a difference in your life? How should it?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding hope versus discouragement
■ Regarding confidence versus fear
■ Regarding life purpose versus meaninglessness
■ Other
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
In what ways does Christ’s death on your behalf help you better understand God’s character?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ In terms of His commitment
■ In terms of His goodness
■ In terms of His mercy
■ In terms of His wisdom
■ Other
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
How does (or should) the truth of verse 28 affect a Christian’s life?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Attitudes to have toward God
■ Attitudes to have toward others
■ Attitudes regarding oneself
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
How does God’s grace help you experience unity and fellowship with other Christians?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Concerning those of different race or ethnicity
■ Concerning those of different economic status
■ Concerning those whose family structures-differ markedly from your own
■ Other
______________________________________________________
Weatherly, Jon, Charles R. Boatman, Teresa D. Welch, et al. “God Set Things Right.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2015–2016. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jim Eichenberger. Vol. 63. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 2015. 398. Print.
Comments