Welcome to week 39 of Weekly Word! We are so glad you are here as we study through the books of Colossians and Romans.
As we walk through our sermon series, So That, our weekly readings, devotionals, and reflection questions will ground us in the supreme sufficiency of Jesus and the power of the gospel, so that His grace transforms our lives from the inside out.
Below, you’ll find this week’s readings, a short devotional to enjoy at the end of the week, and reflection questions for your own time with the Lord or group discussion.
Readings:
- Romans 5 & 6
- Colossians 2:9-23
Devotional:
Readings: Romans 5&6
There are such rich, foundational truths found in Romans 5 &6. In chapter 5, Paul reminds us that we have peace with God through Jesus and access to His grace through faith. Though all people received condemnation through one act of sin, through one act of righteousness (Christ’s payment for our sin), we have received justification (being made right with God). Paul describes this righteousness as a “free gift.”
In Romans 6, we see a Biblical perspective of sin and the implications of our salvation for us to continue to walk in the righteousness we have received. We learn that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. But that doesn’t mean that we should then walk in sin in order to receive more of God’s grace. Instead, when we reflect on the truth of Christ’s righteousness that is now ours through faith, God’s grace that covers our sin, and Christ’s death and resurrection, we too can “walk in the newness of life.” (v.4)
With these truths as our foundation, we are instructed to live out our salvation and new identity in this way:
– Rejoice in our sufferings
– Walk in the newness of life
– Consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus
– Present ourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life
– Present ourselves to God to be used as instruments of righteousness
Friends, may we not see the list above as a checklist we have to complete on our own. Instead, by the Holy Spirit’s power, may we follow after these things and continue to experience the grace and peace that is for us in Christ!
Reflection Questions:
- Read Romans 5:12-17 again. Note how many times Paul references the “free gift” of justification and eternal life through Christ. Spend a few minutes in prayer thanking God for this free gift!
- As you reflect on your identity in Christ—being dead to sin and alive to God—what does this stir in you? Spend a few moments in prayer or journaling your thoughts. Ask God to help you walk in the newness of life this week!
Dig Deeper
Want to dig deeper into the big picture of Romans? To get more context on how the book is structured, specifically chapters 5–16, check out this animated short video from BibleProject that breaks down the main themes of the second part of Romans!
We also encourage you to check out this video resource from BibleProject on the book of Colossians.
We are praying for you as you dig into God’s Word this week!