There are two main things we want the students to take away from Romans chapter 5. The first point is that peace with God and the ability to be adopted as children of God are made possible through faith in Jesus. We have either been or currently are enemies of Christ and His kingdom, yet Jesus died for us. His death paid the ransom for our souls, and we have been justified by His blood. Justification through faith is something we all have access to if we place our faith and lives in the hands of Jesus Christ.

The second point is that there are only two camps, or families, that we will ultimately belong to. The first is the house of Adam, which represents the family and condition we are all born into. We inherit Adam's fallen state and lack the glory and honor we owe to God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, we can never earn our way out of this fallen state. Unfortunately, if one is not adopted into the family of Christ, they remain in the house of Adam. In that case, eternal punishment for the sins we commit here on earth is the only other outcome. Let’s make sure to communicate to the students this week that they have the opportunity, right now, to join the family of Christ if they haven’t already. If they have already made that decision, encourage them to live in the freedom described in chapter 5—the freedom that comes from knowing the death and resurrection of Christ can cover the great multitude of sins we will commit on earth.

Questions to ask:

What house do you belong to: the house of Adam or the house of Christ? (This could be a reflective time within your group.)

Jesus didn’t just die for your sins alone, but also to adopt you as His child and personally bear the punishment for your sins. How does the idea of Jesus desiring to see you as a blameless family member change or enhance your perception of Him?

When we are found in Christ, we are adopted as sons and hold a perfect relationship with God. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced parents who have let us down in various ways, making it hard to understand what it would be like to have a perfect father. What are some truths in Romans that can help remind us we have a Father who always listens and never lets us down?