Table Talk: ROMANS: WEEK 8
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's promise to Abraham came through faith, and our faith in God, who raised Jesus from the dead, is what makes us right with Him.
Passage: Romans 4:13-25
Conversation Starters
Kids
Can you think of something you can’t see but know is real? (wind or air, love or other feelings, smells, sounds, etc.) How do you know it’s there? Sometimes it’s hard to trust things we can’t see. What helps you believe in something even if you can’t see it?
God did something amazing by raising Jesus from the dead. What’s something amazing you’ve seen God do in your life or in the world, or that you’ve heard about in the Bible?
Students
Abraham trusted God’s promise to give him a child even though he was old and the situation looked impossible. Why do you think God sometimes works through “impossible” situations?
Is it hard for you to trust God in certain situations? If so, what makes it hard for you to trust God sometimes? How can believing in the resurrection of Jesus strengthen your faith when you face hard or uncertain situations? What would it look like for you to “believe the impossible” in your own life right now?
Adults
Abraham trusted God’s promise despite overwhelming odds. How do you typically respond when reality seems to contradict what you’re hoping or praying for? The resurrection is the ultimate “impossible” event. How does believing in Jesus’ resurrection give you confidence in God’s power today?
What are some “impossible” promises or situations in your life (past or present) where faith plays or played a key role? How can Abraham’s example shape the way you talk to others about trusting God in hard times?
