[1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2]Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5 ESV)

1. Outline for yourself the content of Romans 1-4, just so you're sure where we're going from here.
2. How would you describe shalom, that all-encompassing peace with God that the gospel promises to give us?
   o What evidence is there in your life of shalom?
   o If we are at peace with God, how do you think we are to live in the world? What should be the products of that peace that came at such a high cost to God?
3. How would you describe the Christian life as "standing in grace" and "rejoicing in hope of the glory of God?"
   o How does suffering impact your definition?
   o How do you respond to the "prosperity gospel?"
      * Do you think that Christians should not suffer during this earthy life?
      * Do you believe that being a Christian is a means by which we will necessarily receive tangible earthly blessings?
   o Does the presence of human suffering make you doubt your hope? Does it challenge your faith?
4. How does the Christian life rest on "hope against hope?"
5. When you think of the glory of God (access into His Temple, into His royal courts), what images spring to mind?