WEEK 9
11
So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our
Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. (Romans 5:11, NLT)
Having concluded chapter 4 by saying Jesus was raised for our justification, Paul explains the benefits
of justification in the first half of chapter 5.
OPENING QUESTION
When do you find that you lack joy in life? What circumstances have you faced—hardships, difficulties,
losses—in which you have not felt joyful or hopeful?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read Romans 5:1-2. What does Paul mean when he says “we have peace with God?” Read
verses 9-10 for an answer. To be “reconciled” means to be no longer looked at with anger,
reunited in fellowship.
2. Read two or three translations of the end of verse 2. Some translations use words like “joyfully”
and “rejoice.” What does Paul say is the reason for our joy?
3. Some people think that God promises His people a life of comfort and health. But Paul’s words
in Romans 5:3-5 suggest otherwise. What are some of the benefits of going through hard times
according to Paul? Read also James’ words in James 2:2-4.
4. Do you think that the benefits Paul and James describe of facing trials might suggest that God
desires that we sometimes face difficult times? Read and discuss 2 Timothy 3:12, Acts 14:22
and Matt. 5:10-12.
5. What is Paul’s point in verse 7? Does it ring true to you? Not counting your closest friends and
family, do you think you would give up your life for even a decent person? What about a real
bad person?
6. What condition was mankind in when Christ died for us (and your condition before believing in
Him)? Read Romans 5:6, 8 and 10. What does it make you think about God that He became a
man and died for us while we were helpless, sinners, His enemies?
7. Read verse 11 in two or three translations. Given what Paul has said so far this chapter, do you
think you can find joy in the midst of trials and hardships? Is it difficult? How can you and your
group, find this joy in difficult times, and help others to do so?
REFLECTION
Read Romans 5:6-11 and Ephesians 2:1-10. None of us would likely give up our life for a stranger, even
one who is relatively good. But God became a man and died, not for decent people, but for His
enemies! He died for wicked sinners who utterly deserve death! What love!
APPLICATION
When have you felt a lack of joy in your life? When have you felt joyful even in the midst of difficult
and even painful circumstances? Last week you thanked God for being able to trust Him even when it
feels hard to do so. This week, ask Him to help you find joy, even in difficult times, because of the
saving, intimate relationship you have with Him, and in hope for what awaits you in eternity.
MEDITATION & MEMORIZATION
Using a translation of your choosing, memorize Romans 5:11, and meditate on the wonderful
relationship with God that you have through your faith in Jesus Christ, and the source of joy that can
be. Translations can be found online at www.biblegateway.com. Here are a few translations from
which to choose:
NLT: So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God
because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
CEV: And in addition to everything else, we are happy
because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us.
NASB: And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
CEB: But that is not all; we rejoice because of what God has done
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God's friends.