Dear Church | Membership has Benefits | Pastor Jamie Kemp

read: Romans 5:1-11

There are amazing benefits to being “made right” (justification) in God’s sight by faith in Jesus.

BENEFIT 1:  Peace with God

We are moved from being God’s enemies and strangers to friend.  This peace is undeserved privilege - a gift from God, not something earned through good deeds or religious efforts.  It means that when you believe, you belong.

BENEFIT 2:  Purpose in Pain

Being “made right” doesn’t make life easier, but it give pain a purpose.  Problems and trials, when embraced, develop endurance, character and confident hope.  The key shift in perspective is realizing that your pain isn’t punishment, it’s preparation for maturity and strength.

BENEFIT 3:  Position is Secure

Our identity is secured in Christ, rooted in God’s love, not in our performance, situation, or background.  While we were still sinners and utterly hopeless, Christ died for us, restoring our friendship with God.  

The struggle many face is being more interested in self-help (putting ourselves in control) than surrender (putting God in control).  True surrender leads to a new identity and the blessing of God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What does it mean to have peace with God? 
2. What external factors (grades, career, social media, relationship status) do you often find your identity rooted in, and how can you actively remind yourself of your secure, “undeserved” position as a friend of God?
3. When has God used a difficult or painful season in your life to grow your character or deepen your faith?  How does knowing that pain has a purpose change the way your face challenges now?
4. Many young adults struggle with insecurity and self-worth.  What does it mean for you personally that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”?  How does that truth secure your identity?
5. What is something - a relationship, a future plan, a bad habit - that you have been trying to control in your own strength that you need to surrender to God?