Romans 5:1-6

1.    Verse 1 recalls the main theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Whenever you see a “therefore” or “wherefore,” you can expect a return to the theme. Find the other, earlier main statements of this theme and review the progress of Paul’s presentation so far (see Romans 1:16-17; 3:24, 28).

2.     In verses 1 & 2, Paul seems to carry some of the thinking of John. Look for peace in John 16:33 and 14:27. Look for access to God in John 10:9 and 14:6.

3.    How does trouble produce patience, and patience produce experience, and experience produce hope? Compare James 1:2-3 and 1 Peter 1:5-7. Why do you think Paul included the affirmation that this hope has no shame in it?

4.    About the Holy Spirit being shed abroad, or poured out, in our hearts, compare Peter’s quotation of Joel in Acts 1:16-21 (Joel 2:28-32). Notice the last words Peter quoted from Joel, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” To consider the name of the Lord, compare Matthew 28:19.

5.    What joy or excitement comes to you from this text? What questions arise for you out of the reading of this text? What did you learn that was new to you, or a new way of looking at something? What does this text tell you about God and about yourself? About humans in general?

Old Testament References
5:5    “Ashamed,” Psalm 22:5; 25:20;
    Holy Spirit “shed abroad” / “poured out,”Joel 2:28-32