We have an eternal security on this side of the cross. What is your one comfort in life and death?

After the last couple of chapters in Romans, all looks lost, all looks grim, but God has a plan in the midst of sin, darkness, and evil. A righteousness from God has come and is free for all who believe and trust in the Savior.

Paul is laying bear all our assumptions and expectations of the problems with humanity and the world, and how God and the Gospel work.

Paul has strong words for those who consider themselves “religious” but know nothing of the inner transformation of the gospel. A good reminder for the church in modern times and the dangers of “dead orthodoxy.” Where do we see a religious spirit in our own lives?

Our words fall short of the wonderful God who made all things and is the Counselor of all things. How do you describe the one who made all things and is sustaining all things and one day will ultimately heal all things? In a day when God is not seen as the ultimate authority in our lives, we’ll wrestle with how God is a trusted, loving, and wise Counselor.

As exiles, we are called to live with humility before God and others, in complete trust in God, and with vigilance. Why do you think God opposes the proud?

The letter ends with a call to gospel shaped leadership and lives of humility. Whether serving as an elder/pastor or a leader in the world our call is to be examples of Jesus to our church and world.

The church is gifted with many abilities, talents, and gifts, to share with each other, and the world. Gifts in the Greek has the idea of “grace” woven into our understanding. If this is true, Peter challenges the church despite their suffering and exile to use their gifts of grace for the glory of God.

Marriage in the first century Roman world would have looked very different compared to Peter’s biblical vision. Men saw women as property, and woman typically didn’t have much voice in their communities. Peter’s vision for biblical marriage is filled with gentleness and humility and respect for one another.

It’s hard to compare suffering of the first century and what we see around the world today. But the same biblical principle is true: Christ suffered, and so will his disciples. We must follow in his steps. The brilliance of these passages is the way Peter uses Christ as an example of how to suffer well.