The Love of God 3 – demonstrative

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The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the security and demonstrative nature of God’s unconditional love.

Scripture

Romans 5:6-10

6  For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7  For one will scarcely die for a righteous person–though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die– 8  but God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9  Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Observation and reflection

Note: “Justified” is a legal term by which one is declared to be faultless or innocent of the charges brought against one (in other words innocent, sinless or righteous).  “Reconciled” means to bring together peaceably, implying that the reason for separation and animosity has been dealt with.
 

  1. What do you understand under the phrase “while we were still weak”? (verse 6)
    1. How does that make the substitutionary death of Christ so much more glorious?
    2. In which ways were you “weak” or helpless before God the Judge when you realized you need God’s grace?
  2. Most mothers would gladly jump in front of a bullet or lion to save their baby. For whom would you gladly be a substitute for torture and death? (verse 7-8)
    1. What typically are the nature of these relationships for whom one wood die? Why would one substitute your life for another?  What does that say of the other person?
    2. What does Christ’s substitutionary death say of you? (Or rather, God’s estimation of you?)
    3. What then does Christ’s substitutionary death say of God’s loving kindness?
  3. How are we “justified by [Christ’s] blood”? (verse 9)
    1. Why would Paul argue that “[then] much more shall we be saved… from the wrath of God”? [hint: see verse 10, but say it in your own words]

Personal reflection and Prayer

God demonstrated his love for us that he ensured our life and reconciliation with him by asking his Son to take the punishment of our sins on himself – even before we sought relationship and grace from Him.  How much more now that we’ve been adopted as His children does Christ’s act of love secure our righteousness before God our Father!

  1. Extended periods of hardships can sometimes make people cry out “has God forgotten or rejected me!?” When have you ever felt this way?
    1. Considering today’s devotional reading (above), what would you answer yourself if you feel that way again?
  2. Sadly, our struggle with sinful habits does not end the day we are born again. These habitual sins lead to patterns of guilt and shame that can easily convince us God has grown tired and has given up on us.  When have you felt this way?
    1. Considering today’s devotional reading (above), what would you answer yourself if you feel that way again?
  3. Thank God his GREAT LOVE THAT HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED in the death of Christ his son!
  4. Who do you know doubts God’s love because of hardships of habitual sins? Meet them for coffee to remind them of God’s tremendous love!

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