Bible Study Snacks, Romans 5:12-21

Hi, everyone!

Thank you so much for joining me once again as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans. This week, we will be studying Chapter 5, verses 12-21. It is my most sincere hope that you find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening in your walk with God.

Before we move on with our study let's briefly review the scripture that we covered during our last meeting together. I strongly feel that reviewing what we previously touched on helps prepare us for our current study.

In review...

Having validated his belief of "justification by faith" with evidence from the Old Testament, Paul discussed the blessings of such justification. First, there is peace with God (1). Second, we have access to grace in which we stand (2). Third, there is cause for rejoicing in hope, so that we can glory even in tribulations (2-4). Fourth, there is God's love which He first demonstrated with the gift of His Son (5-8). Lastly, there is salvation from God's wrath (9). All of this is made possible when we are reconciled to God through the death of His Son and should be the basis for endless rejoicing (10-11).

This week...

To explain further the way in which salvation is made possible, Paul compares Christ to Adam. Through one man, Adam, sin and death entered the world, and the consequences have led to the death of many. In a similar way, through one man, Christ, many may now become righteous. Through Jesus' death on the cross, justification is made possible for many (12-19). Upon comparing Christ with Adam, Paul briefly mentions that with the entering in of law sin abounded. But the increase of sin has been adequately answered by the grace offered in Jesus Christ (20-21).

Let’s pray:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Carefully read through Romans 5:12-21. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there with you, sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. Who is responsible for bringing sin into the world (Romans 5:12)? Note: See also Genesis chapters 2 and 3.
2. What sign or evidence is there that everyone has sinned (Romans 5:12)?
3. Was there sin before the Old Testament Law was given by Moses around 2000 B.C. (Romans 5:13)?
4. How do we know this (Romans 5:14)?
5. Who is Adam said to be a type for (Romans 5:14)?
6. How is the gift of God different than the result of the one man’s sin (Romans 5:16)?
7. Please finish the corresponding sentences below (Romans 5:18).
-Through one trespass there resulted ________________ to all men, in the same way one act of _______________ resulted in _______________ that brings life to all men.
8. From Romans 5:19 write down the effect one man has had (Adam & Jesus) upon the world.
-19a. Through the disobedience of the one man __________.
-19b. Through the obedience of the one man ___________ .
9. If we know sin is all around us by the presence of death, what then is the mark or sign of God’s grace in a Christian’s life (Romans 5:21)?
10. How many times is the phrase ‘the many’ used in Romans 5:12-21?
11. What is the significance of this? Please refer to Isaiah 53:1-12 (especially 10-12).
12. List at least three changes you desire to take place in your life because of these verses.

Finally, after answering the study questions, read Romans 5:12-21 again. Pause and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we go along in our studies together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri