Table Talk: ROMANS: WEEK 7
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 Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, was made right with God by his faith long before any laws or rituals, setting a pattern for us of justification through faith alone.
Passage: Romans 4:1-12
Conversation Starters
Kids
Abraham trusted God even though he didn’t know everything that would happen. Can you think of a time when you had to trust someone, even if you didn’t see what would come next (like jumping into a pool into someone’s arms or trying a new food or activity)? Why do you think it’s important to trust God? What’s one way you can show that you trust God this week (at home, at school, or with friends)?
Students
Who is someone you’ve looked up to because of their trust or faith? What stood out to you about their example?
When have you had to take a step forward without knowing the outcome—like starting something new, making a big decision, or moving outside your comfort zone? How did faith or trust play a role? What’s the difference between doing challenging (but good) things to “earn” God’s approval and doing them because you trust Him?
How can Abraham’s story encourage you when you feel uncertain about what God is doing?
Adults
Reflect on a time when you had to trust God before you saw any proof that things would work out. What did that reveal about your faith?
Abraham’s story shows that faith came before law or ritual. How does this challenge the way people sometimes think about religion or “being good enough”? In what ways do we, consciously or not, rely on rituals, traditions, or personal effort to feel “right” with God? How might embracing Abraham’s pattern of faith bring more freedom or peace into your spiritual life?
How can you model this kind of faith to others—at home, at work, or in your community?
