Scripture Romans 11:33-36 Icebreaker Question Describe a moment when you encountered something so vast or magnificent that it left you speechless. What made it unforgettable? As you consider Romans 9–11, why do you think Paul ends with worship instead of further explanation? What does verse 33 show about how doctrine should shape devotion? How do Romans 9–10 help explain why Paul praises God’s wisdom in verses 33–34? What does this reveal about our limitations and God’s sovereignty? How does verse 35 expose the prideful assumption that God “owes” us something? How does this shape our understanding of salvation in Romans 11? How does Paul’s statement in verse 36— “from Him and through Him and to Him are all things”—summarize God’s purposes in Romans 9–11, and how should it shape our own lives? Next Steps Choose one section of Romans 9–11 this week and journal how it leads you to worship the God who is sovereign, merciful, and wise. ...
not without hope
Scripture Ruth 1:1-22 Icebreaker Question If you had to be the spokesperson for any product—serious or silly—what would you choose? Questions What stands out to you about the opening verses of Ruth (1:1–5), and how do they challenge our assumptions about the “normal” Christian life? Naomi’s bitterness is raw and honest (1:20–21). In what ways does bitterness still cloud our ability to see God’s grace today? What does Ruth’s commitment to Naomi (1:16–17) reveal about how God often works through ordinary, loyal, unseen obedience? How does the final verse (1:22) reframe the entire chapter, and where do you need to reclaim hope in the middle of your own difficulty? Next Steps Identify one area of life where circumstances have discouraged you. Commit this week to intentionally look for evidences of God’s grace in that area—write them down daily so you can begin to see what bitterness often hides. ...
Romans 11: God’s reliability
Scripture Romans 11:25-32 Icebreaker Question What’s a time in your life when things looked hopeless, but later you could see how God was working behind the scenes? Questions In verses 25–27, Paul describes a “mystery” about the future salvation of Israel. Why does it matter that God has not rejected Israel? Paul says Israel is simultaneously “beloved” and “enemies” in verses 28–29. How can both of these be true? Verse 32 says that “God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all.” What does this reveal about human need and divine grace? How should believers respond when they don’t understand how God’s plan is unfolding—in the world or in their personal lives? Next Steps Identify one area of life where you’ve doubted God’s faithfulness. Find a specific promise in Scripture that speaks to that doubt. Pray for the Spirit’s help to trust His Word, even when His ways remain hidden. ...
Trust the Lord: A Response to Fear
Scripture Exodus 14:10-14 Icebreaker Question What is something that caused you anxiety in childhood that seems less important today? Questions Read Exodus 14:10–14 together. What is the contrast between Moses’s response and that of the people? What are specific moments when God has provided for or protected you? How can remembering those moments help build your trust today? Moses said, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Why do you think he told the people to be silent? ...
Romans 11: Filled with humility and awe
Scripture Romans 11:17-24 Icebreaker Question When was a time you were reminded that something you take for granted is actually a gift of grace? Read verses 17–18: Why does Paul use the image of an olive tree to describe God’s people, and what warning does this picture give to Gentile believers? Read verse 20: How does pride threaten a believer’s relationship with God, and what does it mean to “stand fast through faith”? ...
Acts: Be Bold
Scripture Acts 1-4 Icebreaker Question If you were suddenly given the boldness of a superhero, what “power” would you use to share the gospel? Questions What from the message stood out to you, raised a questions, or you found impactful? Read John 15:18-25 - Give some examples of this truth in the world, our nation, and even in your own circles? Those afraid of truth try their best to control what is “truth” - How do we see this played out today? In light of this, why does proclamation of the gospel truth bring hostility to the one proclaiming it? ...
Romans 11: The Gospel is for Everyone.
Icebreaker Question What’s one thing you’ve recommended to others recently—a restaurant, movie, podcast, or product—that you were excited about? Read Romans 11:13-16 Questions In verses 13–14 Paul says he “magnifies” his ministry to the Gentiles. Why does Paul use this language, and what does it teach us about gospel responsibility today? Paul says his goal is to “provoke” his fellow Jews to jealousy so that “some might be saved” (v.14). How should this shape our view of evangelism? ...
Romans 11: God’s Purposes Never Fail.
Read Romans 11:7-12 Icebreaker Question What’s the biggest “plot twist” you’ve ever experienced — in a movie, a book, or even in real life? Questions What insight, principle, or observation from this week’s sermon was the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain. In verses 7–8, Paul says Israel did not obtain what it was seeking, but “the elect obtained it, and the rest were hardened.” What does this teach us about God’s sovereignty and human responsibility? ...
Romans 9: Faith succeeds where self-righteousness fails.
Read Romans 9:30+ Icebreaker If you could receive a lifetime supply of any non-essential item (like coffee, gum, pens, etc.), what would it be and why? Questions How do you believe Paul’s audience would have reacted to the truth he revealed in verses 30–31? What does that say about our preoccupation with fairness? What does Paul’s use of Isaiah 28:16 in verse 33 teach us about how people view Christ, and what does it expose about the default position of the heart? Why is zeal without knowledge dangerous? Can you think of modern parallels? What does it mean to submit to God’s righteousness, and what does refusal look like in your life? How do Paul’s theology (God’s sovereignty in election) and his practice (praying for Israel) work together in these verses? Next Steps Practice submitting to God’s righteousness by beginning each day this week with a prayer of dependence. ...
Romans 9: Soverign Will
Icebreaker If you could swap places with any historical figure for a day, who would it be and why? Qestions When Paul says, “Who are you, O man, to answer back to God?” (v. 20), how does that challenge the way we often approach difficult doctrines? What does it reveal about how we view ourselves in relation to God? How do you respond emotionally and spiritually to the idea that God shapes people for different purposes? What makes this truth hard—or freeing—to accept? What do verses 22–24 suggest about why God displays both His wrath and His mercy? How does this reshape your view of His glory and justice? How does it change your understanding of grace to realize that God’s people are not defined by lineage, tradition, or effort—but by His sovereign calling? Paul closes this section with a reminder that only a remnant of Israel is saved. What does that teach us about God’s faithfulness, even when many reject Him? Next Steps Reflect on one truth from this passage that stretched your thinking or stirred your heart. Write it down and revisit it daily this week. Ask God to deepen your trust in His character—even when His ways are beyond your understanding ...