Wednesday Night Bible Study Romans 9:14-29
Romans: “The just shall live by faith”
Who Are You, O Man?
Read: Romans 9:14-29
Scripture and Key References:
“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?”
~ Romans 9:20-21
Duet. 29:29; 30: Job 38:1-40:2 Isaiah 29:16; 45:9 Hebrews 8:12; Titus 3:5
Daniel 4:34-37 1 Timothy 1:15-17
Introduction:
Paul knows that his presentation of the doctrine of election in Romans 9:13 will raise some questions. That is why he immediately says in verse 14 – “What shall we say? Is God unjust?” The “isn’t God being unfair?” question is the typical human reaction to this doctrine. And Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit gives a biblical answer to this question. But not just to this question. He also answers several other questions people ask about this doctrine, such as “Doesn’t election violate our free will?” and “What does the Old Testament teach about election?” Note as you read Romans 9, the essence of Paul’s answer is always the same – “God is God and we are not!”.
Discussion and Review Questions:
1. Can you remember a time before you were a believer in Jesus Christ? Did you desire to live for Him then? Did you actively try to please Him? What made the difference?
2. Do you still have questions about the doctrine of election that you need to wrestle with? How has this chapter helped you? How would you use Romans 9 to answer questions about the “fairness” of God?
3. Take a moment and meditate on Romans 9:20-21 posted above. Do you realize that you are simply a creature in the hands of your Creator? Are you aware of your need for God and your obligation to make much of Him?
4. How does the doctrine of “election” encourage us to share our faith with other? How does this doctrine help us evaluate Christendom’s place in American culture?
5. Did you realize “election” is throughout the Bible? If election is throughout Scripture why do we still have such a hard time embracing it?
Wednesday Night Bible Study Romans 9:1-13
Romans: “The just shall live by faith
God’s Purpose of Election
Read: Romans 9:1-13
Scripture and Key References:
“…in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls…” ~ Romans 9:11b
Exodus 32:32 Jeremiah 7:4 Jeremiah 23:3 Isaiah 50:10 1 Kings 19:18 Isaiah 45:4-7
Introduction:
Romans 8 ended in an amazing crescendo of confidence. There Paul rejoiced that God guarantees our final salvation. According to Romans 8:28-39 God will most certainly carry us on to glory! But now Paul anticipates an objection to this glorious gospel. It is almost as if he imagines someone saying: “Paul you say that this Gospel takes us all the way home. But what about the Jews? Were they not ‘God’s chosen people’? But, Paul, most Jews have rejected Jesus at this present time. Doesn’t this cast a shadow on our assurance? Does this mean God’s promise, power, and purpose is failing?” The question of Jewish unbelief is very important and exploring this question will take us deep into who God is and His purpose in history.
Discussion and Review Questions:
1. Why might the question of Jewish unbelief be something important for Paul to address in the Roman church? Why does it matter whether or not God’s promises have failed?
2. How does the emotional nature of Paul’s language challenge you? Do you anguish over the lostness of others in your family, workplace and school?
3. In verses 4 & 5 Paul lists the advantages of the Old Covenant people of God. What advantages do you enjoy in the church of Christ? How does this passage teach us to use these advantages?
4. Paul focuses on the doctrine of ‘election’ in this passage. Does this doctrine trouble you? How does the doctrine of election change your perception of who gets credit for your salvation?
5. How does the doctrine of ‘election’ provide a foundation for the believer’s security? How does this doctrine increase your gratitude?
Wednesday Night Bible Study Romans 8:31-39
More than Conquerors
Read: Romans 8:31-39
Scripture and Key References:
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” ~ Romans 8:38-39
Psalm 37:4 John 10:28 2 Timothy 2:18-19 Zechariah 3:1-5 1 John 5:4 Hebrews 7:25
Introduction:
In Romans 8 Paul has been outlining for us the benefits of the Gospel. If we need power to walk with God in confident assurance, we need look no further than Romans 8. In verse 28 Paul reminded the Roman congregation that “all things” work together for our good and His glory! What an incredible statement of the Christian’s conquering place in the plan and purposes of God. Today Paul wants to make sure that we understand the proper response to the truth of the Gospel.
Discussion and Review Questions:
1. How much does anxiety plague your day to day life? How much do you think anxiety drives the day to day life of your neighbors and coworkers?
2. Paul lists several causes of anxiety and worry in verses 31-35. Think through each of the five questions asked in these verses and write down the cause for fear Paul is dealing with in the space provided below. Which cause for anxiety in verses 31-35 most resonates with you?
3. In verses 35 & 36 Paul gives a list of hardships that the Roman Christian could have endured in the 1st century A.D. According to our passage what should you as a Christian do if called to endure one of the hard circumstances Paul lists?
4. Would you say with Paul that you are confident that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus? If you fear being separated from Christ’s love, go back and re-read Romans 8, and ask for the Spirit’s guidance and comfort.