Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
In chapters 5-16 of Romans, Paul continues to develop the ideas from chapters 1-4 and shows us the implications of these truths for our lives.
Romans 5-8: New Kinds of Humans
Paul teaches that when we trust Jesus, we are both forgiven and transformed into new kinds of people (Romans 5). When we accept our new identity as whole-hearted humans who love God and people (baptism is a symbol of this new identity), then we are liberated to become what we were made to be (Romans 6). God gave the law to show us how sinful we are, not to provide a checklist that can save us (Romans 7). Jesus released his Spirit into the hearts of his people so they can truly live out the core commands of the Torah (Romans 8).
Romans 8:1-2 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
Romans 9-11: What About Ethnic Israel?
Paul summarizes the history of Israel to show that God can bring good out of people’s rejection of God (Romans 9). Many Israelites were too focused on their laws and traditions to see Jesus, so they rejected him (Romans 10). But God is not done with them, and their rejection of Jesus has opened up the invitation to even more Gentiles (Romans 11). And God will not ultimately give up on Israel, his original covenant people.
Romans 11:5-6 It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.
Romans 12-16: Unified in Peace and Love
In light of God’s redemptive plan for Jews and Gentiles, Paul gives some practical directives to the church in Rome. He tells them to serve, love, and forgive one another – which fulfills Jesus’ greatest commandment to love God and people (Romans 12-13). He instructs Jews and Gentiles to show grace for each other on non-essential issues (Romans 14-15). Then he greets some old friends before closing his letter (Romans 16).
Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
So what?
What do these chapters have to do with us today? They teach us that faith is not purely intellectual, but deeply practical. We start by God’s grace and we continue by that same grace. The Christian life is a gift from God that changes individuals and communities.
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Make two lists. In the first list, write down some behaviors that come from our old way of living before we became Christians. In the second list, write down things we do because we are new people in Christ.
- Why do we still struggle with sin as Christians even though we are new people in Jesus?
- What does water baptism symbolize? When is a person ready to get baptized?
- Read Romans 8:1-2. Do you ever struggle with feelings of shame and condemnation? Where do you think those feelings come from? According to Romans, how can you defeat those feelings?
- Read Romans 12:1. What does this verse teach us about true worship? What are some practical ways that you can live in a way that is acceptable to God?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
