Session 4

Restored Relationship

Romans 5:1-11,18-21

Memory Verse: Romans 5:19

Christ died for sinners, making reconciliation with God possible for all.

I was just a child the first time I heard the word “reconciliation.”
My mom and dad had separated with the intent of pursuing a divorce.
My heart was broken.
I couldn’t imagine how this could happen.
As a child, I thought we had the perfect life, and now it was crashing in around me.

However, one day my dad told me that they were seeking reconciliation.
I didn’t know what that meant,
but I watched two people at odds with each other work to restore their relationship and move forward.
Sadly, they concluded that too much had happened.
For the marriage, reconciliation was not possible-
though they maintained a loving relationship with me and with God.

Reconciliation is a relationship word.
It starts with a division,
but something works to heal that rift, to bring the two sides back together.
The divide between God and man began with sin.
In Romans 5, Paul taught how that relationship can be reconciled.

FIRST THOUGHTS

Reconciliation paints a picture of love at work.
Imagine two children in trouble with their mom.
When their mother confronted them about their disobedience,
their responses were tinged with disrespect.
Their bad behavior built a wall between themselves and their mother.
She knew that something had to be done to restore the relationship.
Because she loved her children, she took the first step toward making things right.
So did God when Christ died for us. (PSG, p. 37)

Reflect:

• With whom have you sought reconciliation? (PSG, p. 37)

ENGAGE

Discuss:

Forgive others and Seek Forgiveness.
Which one is easier, and why?
Every person needs to be reconciled to God.

Review:

Highlight the importance of being reconciled to God:

“In Romans 5, Paul listed three results of reconciliation.

1. Reconciliation with God brings a new peace with God (5:1-5).
   Those who are justified by faith in Jesus now live at peace with God. .
2. Reconciliation witnesses to God’s unconditional love (5:6-11).
   Jesus died as a substitute for the ungodly.
   His death served as a perfect sacrifice for sin and a perfect demonstration of God’s love.
3. Reconciliation initiates a growing grace in the life of the believer (5:12-21). .

While Adam’s disobedience led humanity into condemnation, Christ’s obedient sacrifice leads to justification and reconciliation for all who accept Him in faith.”

Transition:

Paul gave believers reasons to rejoice in Christ because we have been reconciled with God through faith in Him.