MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:

1. What is the definition of boasting? What other words can be used in place of boasting?
2. Without stating a name, describe a time when you’ve experienced a person boasting. What was the person boasting about? Why?
3. Read Romans 3:27-31. What repeated words or themes do you notice across these verses?
4. Read Romans 3:27. What does Paul mean when he says that “our boasting” is excluded? How is it excluded?
5. What is the difference between the “law of works” and the “law of faith”?
6. Read Romans 3:28. Why does faith eliminate boasting?
7. How does justification “by faith” eliminate any grounds for religious pride or comparison? How would you explain this to someone else who doesn’t understand justification by faith in Jesus Christ?
8. How does verse 28 clarify the relationship between faith and works in justification? How could what Paul says be misunderstood? Why?
9. Why does Paul structure this passage with a series of questions and answers? How does it help to communicate what he is trying to say?
10. Read Romans 3:29-30. Why is Paul emphasizing that God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles? How does the unity of Jews and Gentiles under one God support what Paul is saying about justification by faith?
11. What’s the difference between the words “by” and “through” in this passage? What does it communicate? Are these phrases different or parallel?
12. Read Romans 3:31. What final question does Paul ask in this verse? What is his conclusion?
13. Why is what is stated in Romans 3:31 important to include here? How should Christians understand the ongoing role of the Old Testament law in light of this passage?
14. In what ways do people today still try to “boast” before God, even subtly? What forms of spiritual pride might still creep into our lives?
15. How do these verses help define what biblical faith is, and what it is not? How can these verses shape the way we think about salvation and human effort?
16. What does this section reveal about the relationship between God’s justice and God’s mercy?
17. What practical steps can believers take to live out the truth that salvation is by faith alone, in Christ alone, and is available to all?
18. Recapping what we’ve learned in this series, how does this passage connect back to Romans 1–3?

Live It Out:

This week, live out what we’ve learned by:

1. Abandoning all hope that you have place in your good works. What steps can you take this week to live more fully in the reality of justification by faith, not performance? How can you ensure that your obedience is motivated by gratitude and faith rather than earning God’s approval?
2. Making room for One More. Who are you praying about inviting to Christmas at the Bridge? Who else can you share an invite card with, either in person or online? Have you saved your seat so that we can best prepare for everyone attending? Invite others and save your seat below.
3. Boasting about Jesus. Identify areas where you may be boasting about yourself, even subtly. Explore why do you feel the need to boast. Instead of boasting, keep remembering what has Jesus done in your life that you can share with others. Stop boasting in yourself and in your own works and start boasting in what Jesus has done for you.

Reading Plan
Monday: Romans 3:27
Tuesday: Romans 3:28
Wednesday: Romans 3:29-30
Thursday: Romans 3:31
Friday: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Saturday: Ephesians 2:8-10