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Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
Jackpot
April 23,2023
Week 2: Grace
Jeff Griffin
Romans 5:2a
Our study of God’s grace is of ultimate importance. Though grace is a dynamic that is rarely found in our society, grace is central to God’s treatment of His children. May we understand, observe, experience, and enjoy the grace of God on a daily basis.
Our text discusses the concept of “access.” Can you think of a time that you enjoyed remarkable access? Backstage? Restricted location? Met a celebrity? Tell the group about it.
1. The temple in Jerusalem was composed of a series of barriers that restricted access: The Court of Gentiles, The Court of Israelites, The Court of Priests, The Holy Place, The Most Holy Place. Why did God design this system that emphasizes the restrictions in access to Him?
2. Reread Romans 5:2 We have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
Through Christ, we are given access into God’s presence. Tell the group of time that you had a profound experience of God’s presence.
3. Romans 5:2 says that when we enter God’s presence, we experience his “grace.” Grace is defined as “undeserved favor.” Discuss the implications of this understanding of grace.
4. In contrast to “grace,” “merit” is a system of receiving what is deserved. What are examples of the “merit” system in our lives?
5. Reread Luke 15:20 “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
How does this moment from the parable of the prodigal son illustrate God’s grace?
6. Romans 5:2 says that God’s grace is not to be experienced occasionally, but rather, we are to “stand” in his grace. How can we increase the consistency of our inner enjoyment of God’s “undeserved favor?”
Outwardly, we live in “The Land of Merit,” but internally, our souls can dance in “The Land ofGrace.” Pray that God would help each of us escape the tyranny of “The Land of Merit” and increase our joy found through standing in his “undeserved favor.”