Study Questions for March 15, 2026

March 12th, 2026
by Kyle Carnahan

Grace Upon Grace by Cliff Herring

Read Romans 5:1-21; Colossians 1:21-22; Philippians 3:20-21; and Psalm 43:4.

Pastor Cliff opened the sermon by reflecting on how the imagination and science fiction of his childhood—specifically Star Trek—inspired a sense of wonder and possibility. How has God used your own interests or "inspirations" to help you see the majesty of His creation and His care for you?
Read Romans 5:1-2. The first "pillar" of security is peace with God. Pastor Cliff emphasizes that this peace is "objective"—it is a fact established by Jesus, not a fluctuating feeling. Why is it vital to ground your security in the fact of what Christ has done rather than the feeling of your current mood?
Read Colossians 1:21-22. Before Christ, we were "enemies" separated by evil thoughts and actions, yet now we stand "holy and blameless". How does it impact your daily confidence to know that when God looks at you, He sees someone without a single fault?
The second pillar is our position in grace, described as a place of "undeserved privilege". Pastor Cliff notes that the Greek word for "stand" (histammy) emphasizes a permanent, immovable position. In what ways do you sometimes try to "stand" on your own effort instead of resting in the security of God’s authority?
Read Romans 5:3-5. Pillar three involves rejoicing in trials, which leads to endurance, character, and hope. While Pastor Cliff admits this is "difficult to fathom," he notes that these trials are often linked to living faithfully in an ungodly world. Can you share a time when a specific "problem" in your life actually strengthened your spiritual muscles?
Read Philippians 3:20-21. As "citizens of heaven," we currently live in "weak mortal bodies" that grow tired and ache. How does the promise of a future glorified body—one that never experiences pain or exhaustion—give you perspective when your physical strength fails?
Pillar four is the possession of divine love, poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Pastor Cliff states that the Spirit indwells us for our "protection" and "power". How can you more intentionally rely on the Holy Spirit this week to combat daily temptations or the "enemy's schemes"?
Read Romans 5:9-10. The fifth pillar is the certainty of deliverance from wrath. Pastor Cliff quotes: "If the dying Savior reconciled us to God, surely the living Savior can and will keep us reconciled". How does the reality that Jesus "took the wrath we deserved" free you from a fear of future judgment?
Read Romans 5:11. The final pillar is joy in the Lord because we are now "friends of God". Contrast this with the "friends" we might have on social media; what does it mean to you personally that the Creator of the universe calls you His friend?
Read Romans 5:12-21. The sermon contrasts Adam (representing sin and death) with Christ (representing grace and life). If Adam’s one act of disobedience affected billions, why is Christ’s one act of righteousness even more extensive and effective for those who receive it?
Reflect on the "Sixteen Sunrises": Pastor Cliff tells the story of astronaut Butch Wilmore, who saw 16 sunrises a day from space as reminders of God’s control. How can a simple, daily event—like the sun rising or setting—remind you that God is still in control of your specific circumstances?
Close in Prayer: Thank God for the "Grace Upon Grace" that has moved you from being an enemy to a friend. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live "in triumph over sin and death" as you await your final "space flight" into His presence.

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Analogy for Understanding: Relying on our own feelings for spiritual security is like trying to anchor a ship to a floating piece of driftwood; as the waves of trial and doubt rise, our sense of safety drifts away. However, the security described in Romans 5 is like a massive cathedral supported by six immovable pillars—peace, position, hope, love, certainty, and joy—all of which are anchored deep into the unchanging character and finished work of Jesus

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