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 Paulâs audience would have reacted to the truth he revealed in verses 30â31? What does that say about our preoccupation with fairness? What does Paulâs 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 Godâs righteousness, and what does refusal look like in your life? How do Paulâs theology (Godâs sovereignty in election) and his practice (praying for Israel) work together in these verses? Next Steps Practice submitting to Godâs 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, âWho are you, O man, to answer back to God?â (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 hardâor freeingâto accept? What do verses 22â24 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 Godâs people are not defined by lineage, tradition, or effortâbut 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 Godâs 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 characterâeven when His ways are beyond your understanding ...
Romans 9
Read Romans 9:14-18 Qestions How does Paul respond to the objection in verse 14: âIs there injustice on Godâs part?â Why might people feel this doctrine makes God seem unfair? In verse 16, Paul says salvation depends ânot on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. â What does this teach about the nature of saving grace? What is Paul teaching in verse 17 by quoting Godâs words to Pharaoh? Why would God raise someone up only to demonstrate His power? ...
Trust the Lord: For His Glory
Read Psalm 115 Questions Where are you tempted go when you start feeling overwhelmed? What are some specific âgods of the worldâ we might be tempted to trust in, and how can we practically encourage each other to turn to God instead? When was a time in your life when you trusted God and he showed up? God takes his glory very seriously. How do we practically ensure that when God works in our lives, our response is worship rather than self-exaltation? What does it look like to actively redirect glory back to God? How does understanding Godâs love as both sovereign AND steadfast change the way we approach Him during difficult seasons? How might this affect our prayers or expectations? Prayer Focus This week, pray specifically for God to reveal areas where youâre tempted to trust in âpowerless godsâ - whether thatâs your own ability to control outcomes, your financial security, other peopleâs opinions, or technology for peace. Ask Him to help you recognize when anxiety or overwhelm first starts to rise, and to make your first instinct turning to Him rather than these other sources of help. ...
Trust the Lord: Reason to Trust
Icebreaker If you could witness one scene from the Old Testament, what would it be? Why? When Abraham walks toward Mount Moriah, he trusts God would not break His promises about Isaac. What promises do we have from God? God had given Abraham sufficient reason to trust Him. For example, he worked a miracle to bring Isaac into existence. What reasons has God given us to trust Him? Read Gen 22:12. Abraham did not withhold his only son from God. What things or people are we tempted to withhold from God? Next Steps Repent of any Lack of trust in God. Ask God to identify idols in your life and to enable you to remove them. Meditate in the promises God has given to all believers. ...
Trust the Lord: More Than Myself
Icebreaker Share a time when you thought you knew what you were doing, only to find out later it was a mistake. What does it practically look like to âlean on your own understandingâ in everyday life? Why is sin never truly private? How did Achanâs actions affect others in his family and community What role does community play in helping us trust the Lord and avoid sin? How do we discern the difference between human wisdom and Godâs wisdom when they conflict? What do we learn about Godâs character from His response to Achanâs sin and Israelâs repentance? How do we see the gospel in Joshua 7 Next Steps Identify one area where youâve been relying on your own understanding, and write out a prayer of surrender to God in that area. ...
God meets us in our weakness
Icebreaker Question Whatâs a time when you were asked to do something outside your comfort zone? How did you respond, and what did you learn from it? Read Judges 6:11-24 Questions How does Godâs presence in Gideonâs fear-filled context shape your understanding of how God calls and equips His people? Why do you think Gideon questioned Godâs past faithfulness (v.13), and how does Godâs response in verses 14â16 shape how we should respond in seasons of doubt or discouragement? What does the Lordâs promise in verse 23 reveal about the connection between divine assurance and our capacity to serve? How have Godâs promises strengthened you personally in a time of fear or uncertainty? Why is it significant that Gideonâs first response after this encounter is to build an altar and name it âThe LORD is Peaceâ (v.24)? What does that reveal about worship as a response to Godâs provision? Next Steps Write out a biblical promise related to peace, presence, or courage. Keep it visible (mirror, dashboard, phone lock screen) to remind you of Godâs provision. ...
Forever secure in Christâs love
Icebreaker Question Whatâs the most ridiculous thing youâve ever held onto âjust in caseâ âbut never used again? Read Romans 8:35-39 Questions What kinds of suffering or hardship might cause someone to question Godâs loveâand how does Paul confront that fear in this passage? How does Paulâs use of the word âwhoâ (not âwhatâ) in verse 35 change the way we think about separation from Christâs love? Paul says we are âmore than conquerorsâ through Christâs love. What do you think that means? How is this different from just surviving hardship? What lies are exposed by the truth that nothingâlife or death, angels or rulers, things present or futureâcan separate you from the love of God in Christ? Next Steps Identify personal fears or lies about Godâs love, and write gospel truths from this passage beside each one. ...
Assurance
Read Romans 8:31-34 Icebreaker Whatâs something small that gives you a sense of security- like a favorite spot, item, or phrase? Why do you think that brings comfort? Quesions What does Paul mean when he asks, âIf God is for us, who can be against us?â How does this truth change the way we see hardship or opposition? How does Paulâs argument in verse 32 deepen our assurance? What does the cross teach us about Godâs commitment to us? What does it mean that Jesus is âat the right hand of GodâŠinterceding for usâ? How does this image provide comfort when we feel guilt or spiritual failure? Why is it difficult to rest in the assurance that God is for us, and what habits help you return to that truth? Prayer Focus Ask the Spirit to reveal any voices of accusation or condemnation youâve accepted as truthâwhether from shame, fear, the enemy, or yourself. Confess them openly and specifically. Then pray Romans 8:33â34 to remind you of your security in Christ. ...
A faithful helper
Read: Romans 8:26-27 Questions When you consider the Spiritâs role in helping us in our weakness, how does that reshape your view of what qualifies as a âstrongâ or âeffectiveâ prayer life? Have you ever experienced a time when you didnât know how to pray or what to pray for? How might this passage help reframe those moments? What do you think it means that the Spirit intercedes âaccording to the will of Godâ? How does that truth give you peace when your prayers feel uncertain or incomplete? How might a deeper trust in the Spiritâs help change the way you engage in prayerâboth privately and with others? Next Steps Memorize Romans 8:26â27 to remind yourself daily that you are never alone in prayer. ...