Table Talk: ROMANS: WEEK 6
ROMANS: Part 1: THE GREAT REVELATION
This first movement of Romans (chapters 1–4) lays the foundation for understanding the gospel by revealing humanity’s deep need and God’s gracious solution. Paul begins with the good news that God has made a way to set things right (1:1–17), then unpacks the problem: all people, whether obviously sinful or outwardly religious, fall short of God’s perfect standard and stand under His judgment (1:18–3:20). But into this hopelessness, God reveals His righteousness through Jesus—offering justification as a gift, received by faith and not by works (3:21–31). To make it clear, Paul points to Abraham as the example of being made right with God through faith alone, showing that salvation has always been by trusting in God’s promise rather than human effort (4:1–25). Together, these chapters remind us that the gospel levels the ground for all and calls us to a faith that relies fully on God’s grace.
Spiritual Practice: CONFESSION
We believe that Jesus’ teaching is more than just knowledge for our minds (though it certainly includes that). It should transform us from within that flows outward into our actions. By practicing the ways of Jesus, we are being shaped into a people who look more and more like Him.
Confession may be good for the soul, but it can be very hard to do. We are invested in looking like good, moral people. After all, appearing good is one way of dealing with the notion that something is wrong with us. But this very appearance of goodness can be a way we defend ourselves against our sin. For when we can’t see our sin we have nothing to confess.
Every time we confess how we have missed the mark of God’s love and truth, we open ourselves up to the mending work of the cross. Jesus’ wounds hold true life-changing power. This is the shocking reality that confession can open up to us. Through confession and forgiveness we live into the truth of being God’s new creation! The old is gone. The new has come.”
Set aside some time for confession and self-examination. In the presence of God ask for light to pierce your defenses.Then ask yourself, Who have I injured recently through thoughtlessness, neglect, anger and so on?
As the Holy Spirit brings people to mind, confess your feelings about these people to God. Ask God to forgive you and if need be to give you grace to forgive them.
Write an apology; make a phone call or confess out loud in an attempt to put the relationship back on track.*Adapted from Adele Calhoun’s The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook.
Prayer
You can pray this prayer daily during the sermon series, or use it as a closing for table conversations each week.
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From the Book of Common Prayer
SERMON SUMMARY God has provided a way to make us right through faith in Jesus, who took on what we deserved, showing God is both just and the one who makes us right. Since we are made right by faith, not by what we do, there's no room for pride, and this new way of salvation actually confirms God's original law; boasting in Christ
Passage: Romans 3:21-31
Conversation Starters
Kids
What is the best surprise gift you've ever gotten that you didn't have to earn? Why do free gifts feel so special? God’s love is a free gift to us. You can’t do anything to make God love you more, and there is nothing you can do that will make Him love you less!
Can you tell me about a time you felt proud of something you did (like winning a game or doing well on a test)? How did it feel to tell others about it? God says we can’t earn His love by being good enough — it’s a gift. How is that different from winning a prize?
Students
Imagine you had a huge financial debt you couldn't pay, and a stranger stepped in and settled the whole thing. How would that freedom change your relationship with the person who paid the debt?
Romans 3:26 shows God as both just (He demands sin be paid for) and the justifier (He pays the price Himself). Why is it crucial that God didn't just ignore the problem, but solved it in a perfectly fair yet merciful way?
Adults
We live in a culture built on meritocracy—the belief that you get what you earn. How does the concept of justification as a free gift challenge the deep-seated impulse we have to earn God’s favor? Where in your life do you notice subtle pride or a sense of “earning” your standing—whether with God or others?
Think about a time you received something you didn’t earn but deeply needed (e.g., forgiveness, a second chance, help). How did that experience shape your perspective?
