Since March, HG8 (Young Adults' Bible Study) have been slowly wading through the book of Romans, using John Stott's commentary as a guide. This study has definitely had it's challenges (such as John Stott's very large vocabulary for a start!), yet immensely rewarding as we delve deeply into the words of Paul's letter. And we're only three chapters in! Below is a brief summary of some of the things we have learnt in the past months so you all can see what we've been up to. We would love to hear what other Home Groups and Bible Studies are doing together also! (If you'd like to write up what you've been up to in yours - let me know.

1. Introduction - Before we started looking at Romans, we though about the essential place of foundational teaching. We talked about how important it was to base our life on the truths found in the Bible. We need to be studying, reaffirming, and growing in what we believe, and applying those truths practically to our lives (See this post and video for a little more info on why we should study God)
   
   
2. Ch 1:1-7 - In the first few verses of this letter, we saw Paul's gospel perspective - his clear focus on the gospel. We were challenged to define ourselves by the gospel, and to think of the basic truths we believe in.
   
   
3. Ch 1:8-17 - This study was based around our gospel priorities - thinking about what our priorities are due to the gospel in our life: things such as preaching the gospel, thankfulness, faithfulness, prayerfulness and fellowship. We also wrestled with some difficult verses, and spent time defining what the word 'righteousness' means - a task easier said than done, and requiring getting into a little Greek.
   
   
4. Ch 1:18-32 - From verse 18, Paul begins a section on the great depravity of man, and God's wrath. This was a very interesting study where we learned "Nobody can plead innocence, because nobody can plead ignorance" (Stott), "for his [God's] invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). This led to discussions over the sovereignty of God in salvation, the truth of God's wrath, and other issues.
   
   
5. Ch 2:1-16 - Here Paul speaks of the "critical moralisers" who disobey and disregard God's word - those who hypocritically judge others, then sin themselves. He tells how God's wrath is against these people, and that righteous, inescapable and impartial judgement is to come. We thought about how we can often act as these people do, and talked about the meaning of works if salvation is by faith alone.
   
   
6. Ch 2:17-3:8 - In these verses, Paul speaks of the self confident Jews who placed their faith in their religious practices and heritage: they thought they were special, saved and secure due to the covenant, circumcision, and the law. We were challenged that we can also be like this at times. We discussed the place of the Old Covenant in our time, the ways we justify our sin, and what it means to be part of God's family.
   
   
7. Ch 3:9-20 - Paul concludes his first section by stating that all are under sin. We reflected on what we had seen in Romans so far: that we are completely hopeless, lost in sin and unable to save ourselves, deserving of God's great wrath. This makes us look forward in hope to the great 'righteousness revealed' Paul will speak of in the coming chapters.
   
   
8. Ch 3:21-29 - Finally, Paul reveals the great hope of the gospel - "the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe". In this study, we explored some of the terms essential in our understanding of the cross and of salvation: faith, justification, righteousness, grace, redemption and propitiation. "Christ is none other than God himself taking upon his own holy and eternal heart the implications of his own wrath". In light of the preceding verses of despair, we saw just how beautiful the good news of the gospel is!

We've come a long way, but still have a long way to go! (13 more chapters). However, moving slowly through this books gives a chance to learn some of the deeper truths it possesses we may have otherwise missed.

(HG8 meets as two separate groups fortnightly, but each group completes the same study. This above summary is the perspective from only one group, but the others most likely learn similar lessons)

Remember - we'd love to hear on the site what you're up to too!