Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet
Back to the Garden
Bryan Schneider · November 7, 2026
Romans 1-6
sharonrpc.org/sermons/back-to-the-garden
Main points
- The gospel is God's power to save
- The law shows our sin
- Right standing through faith in Jesus
- Abraham's family belongs by faith
- Jesus' righteousness is our only hope
- Grace leads to newness of life
Summary
- The law shows us our sin. Our right standing before God comes through faith in Jesus.
- We become members of God's covenant family the same way Abraham did. We believe God's promise.
- Jesus is our only hope of escaping judgment. We need his righteousness.
- If you have faith in Christ, you've been redeemed from slavery to sin. Live your life for his glory.
Reflection and discussion
- What does God's law show you about your own sin?
- Are you resting in Jesus' righteousness, or trying to get right with God through your own righteous acts?
- How does Abraham's faith help you understand belonging to God's covenant family?
- Why doesn't God's free grace give us permission to continue in sin?
- If you belong to Jesus, what would living for his glory look like this week?
Key terms
- Justification
- God accepting us as righteous because of Jesus' righteousness, received through faith.
- Grace
- God's free kindness to sinners who cannot earn right standing with him.
- Redemption
- Being set free from sin and death through the blood of Jesus.
- Union with Christ
- Being joined to Jesus in his death and resurrection, so that our life is hidden in him.
- Antinomianism
- The mistaken idea that justification apart from works gives us permission to live without obedience to God.