ME VS. ME: Part Three Preparation Guide

SERMON TITLE: The Heart of Romans: From Shame to Honor

PERICOPE: Romans 5:1–11 - Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

POINT 1. We Have Peace With God

Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Life Question: Am I living like I have peace with God, or am I still trying to earn what Jesus already secured?

POINT 2. We Stand in Grace

Romans 5:2 says 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 

Life Question: What would change in my life if I stopped standing in shame and started standing in grace?

POINT 3. Suffering Can Produce Spiritual Formation

Romans 5:3–4 says suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope

Life Question: What is God trying to produce in me through what I have survived?

POINT 4. God’s Love Has Been Poured Into Our Hearts

Romans 5:5 says God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Life Question: What part of my heart still needs to receive the love God has already poured out?

POINT 5. Christ Died While We Were Still Weak

Romans 5:6–8 reminds us that Christ died for us while we were still powerless, ungodly, and sinful.

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Life Question: Am I hiding from God because of weakness, or bringing my weakness to the One who already loved me there?

Part Three Big Takeaway

Me vs. Me is not won by pretending to be strong. It is won by standing in grace, receiving God’s love, and letting Christ restore the honor sin tried to steal.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, prepare my heart for Part Three of this study. Help me stop living from shame and start standing in grace. Teach me that I am justified by faith, loved by You, strengthened through suffering, and restored through Jesus Christ. Transform me from the inside out. In Jesus’ name, amen.