Still Jesus: Adam/Jesus Small Group Study Guide

Based on a sermon preached by Greg Ballog, 4/12/26

Small Group Study Guide

Opening Prayer
Lord God, thank You for bringing us together today. Help us see clearly the difference between Adam’s brokenness and Jesus’ saving grace. Open our hearts to Your Word, convict us where we need repentance, and encourage us with the hope of the gospel. Teach us to live as people who belong to Jesus, and let what we learn today shape our choices, our homes, and our witness.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture Readings
Romans 5:12-21
Romans 3:23
John 3:16
1 Corinthians 15:16-17

Discussion Guide

Welcome and introduction
Read the theme: “Adam failed at a tree. Jesus conquered on a tree.” Then briefly explain that today’s discussion will focus on how sin entered through Adam and how grace and eternal life come through Jesus. Emphasize the contrast between condemnation and justification, death and life, failure and redemption.

Read Romans 5:12-21
Read the passage aloud slowly, or divide it among several people. Ask the group to listen for repeated contrasts: one man versus one man, trespass versus gift, condemnation versus justification, death versus life, and sin reigning versus grace reigning. Point out that the passage teaches both the seriousness of sin and the greater power of grace in Christ.

Discussion topic: Adam and the problem of sin
What does this passage teach about how sin and death entered the world?

How do Romans 5:12-14 and Romans 3:23 help us understand the human condition?

What are some ways people today minimize sin, and why is that dangerous?

Invite the group to think about how sin affects not just the individual, but families, relationships, and communities.

Discussion topic: Jesus and the gift of grace
What stands out to you about the repeated phrase “how much more” in Romans 5?

What does it mean that Jesus is the “better Adam”?

How do verses 15-19 show the difference between Adam’s trespass and Christ’s righteous act?

Use John 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:16-17 to discuss why the resurrection matters and why faith in Jesus is not just inspiring, but essential.

Discussion topic: Daily choices and lifestyle
“Easter tells the story; our daily choices create a lifestyle where the resurrection is revealed.”

What does that mean in everyday life?

How do our habits show whether we are living more like Adam or more like Jesus?

What choices in your life right now reflect trust in Christ, and what choices may be keeping you from living in grace?

Discussion topic: Family, leadership, and influence
“Your sin never effects just you” and “We equip men with the Gospel to equip their family.”

How does this challenge the way we think about leadership, responsibility, and influence in the home or church?

How can grace in Christ transform the way we lead, forgive, and serve others?

Follow Up Exercise
This week, each person should do three things:
Read Romans 5:12-21 once a day.
Write down one “Adam-like” habit, attitude, or choice they need to confess and surrender to Jesus.
Write down one practical “Jesus-like” action they will take this week, such as prayer, forgiveness, serving someone, or sharing encouragement.

At the next meeting, have everyone share one thing they learned and one change they tried to make. The goal is not perfection, but visible growth in the grace of Jesus.

Closing Prayer
Father, thank You that where sin increased, grace increased even more. Thank You that through Adam came death, but through Jesus comes righteousness, hope, and eternal life. Help us leave this time changed by Your Word and confident in the resurrection of Christ. Strengthen us to choose Jesus every day and to live in a way that points others to Him.
In Jesus’ name, amen.