Only Through Jesus
Romans: Foundations of Faith | Matthew 6:25-34 | Chris Meade | May 24, 2026
In Romans 3:19–31, Paul makes clear that no one can achieve God’s perfect standard through good works or obedience to the Law. The Law was never meant to save us, but to reveal our sin and our desperate need for grace. Yet in the middle of mankind’s guilt and failure comes the hope of the Gospel: through faith in Jesus Christ, God freely gives His righteousness to all who believe. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are justified—declared righteous before God—not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us. Jesus became the atoning sacrifice for sin, redeeming us from guilt and restoring us into relationship with God. Salvation is not earned by works, religion, or moral performance, but received by grace through faith in Jesus alone.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Heart Check: Read Romans 3:19-24
o Romans 3 teaches that no one can achieve God’s perfect standard on their own. Why is it so difficult for people to admit their need for grace, and what keeps you from fully surrendering your failures to Jesus?
o Paul says that “through the law we become conscious of our sin.” In what ways have you tried to “earn” God’s approval through your behavior, performance, or religious activity instead of resting in His grace?
o Paul writes that the righteousness of God or “God’s perfection” is given to us through faith in Jesus.” How does understanding that your standing before God is based on Jesus’ perfection—not your own—change the way you view yourself and your relationship with God?
3. Purpose Defined: Read Romans 3:25-31
o The message emphasized that we are “justified freely by His grace.” What is the difference between being “declared righteous” by God and trying to “make yourself righteous”? Why does that distinction matter in everyday life?
o Jesus paid the penalty for sin through His redemption and atonement. Is there any guilt, shame, or past failure that you still struggle to believe Jesus has fully paid for? What would it look like to truly trust Him with it?
o Paul says boasting is excluded because salvation comes through faith, not works. How can pride, comparison, or self-righteousness subtly creep into our faith, and how does the gospel humble us while also giving us confidence?
4. Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear something that you learned through this study?
o Romans 10 declares that salvation is available to “all who believe.” Who in your life needs to hear the message of grace, and what is one practical way you can share the hope of Jesus with them this week?
KEY DEFINITIONS:
RIGHTEOUSNESS = God’s perfection
JUSTIFIED = (legal term) the instantaneous and irreversible divine declaration of the unrighteous as positionally righteous. (TGC) (The imperfect- are declared perfect)
REDEMPTION = Freed…released…through the payment of a ransom.
ATONEMENT = Reconciliation–the complete restoration of a relationship or “At-One-Ment”
GRACE = “Unmerited Favor” or Receiving what we don’t deserve.
MERCY = Not receiving what we do deserve.
Only Through Jesus
Romans: Foundations of Faith :: Rom 3:1-18 :: Chris Meade :: May 17, 26
In Romans 3:1–18, Paul lays the foundation for why every person desperately needs Jesus by confronting the reality and power of sin. Speaking to both Jews and Gentiles, Paul reminds the church that no one is made right with God through heritage, morality, or religious performance because all people are under sin’s dominion apart from Christ. Sin affects every part of our lives—our relationship with God, our words, our actions, and our hearts—and it explains the brokenness we see in ourselves and in the world around us. Yet in the middle of this difficult truth, the sermon pointed to the faithfulness and grace of God, reminding us that the answer is not behavior modification but the saving work of Jesus Christ. Because we all equally need grace, followers of Jesus are called to respond to others and to themselves with humility, honesty, and the same grace God has shown us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Read Romans 3:1-8
o Romans 3 teaches that God remains faithful even when people are unfaithful. Can you think of a season in your life where you experienced God’s faithfulness despite your own failures or struggles? How should that shape the way you view God today?
3. Read Romans 3:9-18, Matthew 15:18
o Romans 3 shares that sin affects not only our view of God, but also our words, attitudes, and actions. What tends to come out of your mouth when you are stressed, hurt, angry, or frustrated? What might your words reveal about what is happening in your own heart?
4. Living This Out: Read Hebrews 12:15
o With “the World”: Pastor Chris shared that followers of Jesus should not be surprised when those who don’t know Jesus act like it. How can we Christians speak truth without becoming angry, cynical, self-righteous, or fearful toward the world around us?
o With the Church: One of the barriers to authentic Christian community is pretending we don’t struggle with sin. Why do you think people in the church often hide their struggles? What would it look like for your group, family, or friendships to become a place marked by greater honesty and grace, with no risk of shame through personal expectations?
o With Yourself: The message reminded us that the answer to the brokenness of sin is ultimately Jesus—not behavior modification. In what areas of your life are you trying to “fix yourself” instead of fully surrendering that struggle to Christ? What would trusting Jesus more deeply in that area actually look like this week?
o With Everyone: How do we show and receive grace, while still placing boundaries and natural consequences to sin? How do we distinguish what is appropriate?