Wesleyan Discipline Articles of Religion Paragraph 230
Justification, Regeneration and Adoption: We believe that when one repents of personal sin and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, that at the same moment that person is justified, regenerated, adopted into the family of God, and assured of personal salvation through the witness of the Holy Spirit.

Paragraph 230 continues: We believe that justification is the judicial act of God whereby a person is accounted righteous, granted full pardon of all sin, delivered from guilt, completely released from the penalty of sins committed, by the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by faith alone, not on the basis of works.

Three Sections of Romans 4:
Faith Rather than Works – (vs.1-8)
Faith Rather than Circumcision – (vs.9-15)
Faith Rather than Unbelief – (vs.16-25)

Dealing with the guilt connected with our past sins:
1 – Stop denying our guilt… Willingly admit we have sinned;
2 – Admit our guilt before God… Ask for His forgiveness;
3 – Let go of our guilt… Believe God has forgiven us.

Ephesians 2:8-9 … “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.”

2 Corinthians 5: 21… “God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God.”

Steps to Remaining in a Vital Relationship with God:
1 – Dwell on the Word of God… every day;
2 – Avoid wavering… by seeking godly wisdom from God’s Word;
3 – Strengthen your faith… through consistent worship practices.

Hebrews 10:38-39… “For in just a little while, He who is coming will come and not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”

Sermon Questions

1. Discuss…. the various definitions of ‘justification':
a. The process or state of being declared right with God;
b. God’s act of declaring us not guilty for our sins, thus making us right with Him;
c. Proven to be just, right, or reasonable; to acquit or absolve.

Conclude by… writing out your own personal definition and understanding.

2. Bible commentators have divided Romans 4 into three sections:
a. Faith rather than works. (vs.1-8)
b. Faith rather than circumcision. (vs.9-15)
c. Faith rather than unbelief. (vs.16-25)

Which of the three sections speaks most clearly to you about the process and end-result of justification by faith? Why?

3. Why do you think it is often hard for believers to accept and embrace the fact that the act of justification is a free gift from God to anyone willing and ready to accept it? What causes us to want to work for our salvation?

4. Faith is simply a matter of trusting in God. Compared to what you can remember about your own faith when you first accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior… in what areas of your life have you observed the most growth? Share your thoughts with the group.

5. Faith is a God-given gift. It is free to us, but extremely costly to God. What kinds of gifts do you take delight in giving to other believers… those whom you observe to be showing significant strides in spiritual growth?

6. Read Philippians 3:8-9. Then…read it again slowly. Take in the words. Encourage one another by sharing how you are living this out on a daily basis.

7. Believers have an enemy… Satan. He’s an enemy who wants to constantly dredge up thoughts and reminders of previously committed sins …. sins which are now definitely under Jesus’ blood. How do you go about resisting and overcoming those impulses… and maintaining a victorious Christian life?

Some Suggestions:
· Dwell on the Word of God daily.
· Avoid wavering by seeking God’s wisdom.
· Strengthen your faith through ongoing worship of the Lord!