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. ...

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 ...

Read Romans 9:14-18 Qestions How does Paul respond to the objection in verse 14: “Is there injustice on God’s part?” Why might people feel this doctrine makes God seem unfair? In verse 16, Paul says salvation depends “not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. ” What does this teach about the nature of saving grace? What is Paul teaching in verse 17 by quoting God’s words to Pharaoh? Why would God raise someone up only to demonstrate His power? ...

Read Psalm 115 Questions Where are you tempted go when you start feeling overwhelmed? What are some specific ‘gods of the world’ 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 God’s 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 you’re tempted to trust in “powerless gods” - whether that’s your own ability to control outcomes, your financial security, other people’s 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. ...

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. ...

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 ‘lean on your own understanding’ in everyday life? Why is sin never truly private? How did Achan’s 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 God’s wisdom when they conflict? What do we learn about God’s character from His response to Achan’s sin and Israel’s repentance? How do we see the gospel in Joshua 7 Next Steps Identify one area where you’ve been relying on your own understanding, and write out a prayer of surrender to God in that area. ...

Icebreaker Question What’s 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 God’s presence in Gideon’s fear-filled context shape your understanding of how God calls and equips His people? Why do you think Gideon questioned God’s past faithfulness (v.13), and how does God’s response in verses 14–16 shape how we should respond in seasons of doubt or discouragement? What does the Lord’s promise in verse 23 reveal about the connection between divine assurance and our capacity to serve? How have God’s promises strengthened you personally in a time of fear or uncertainty? Why is it significant that Gideon’s first response after this encounter is to build an altar and name it “The LORD is Peace” (v.24)? What does that reveal about worship as a response to God’s 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 God’s provision. ...

Icebreaker Question What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever held onto ‘just in case’ —but never used again? Read Romans 8:35-39 Questions What kinds of suffering or hardship might cause someone to question God’s love—and how does Paul confront that fear in this passage? How does Paul’s use of the word “who” (not “what”) in verse 35 change the way we think about separation from Christ’s love? Paul says we are “more than conquerors” through Christ’s love. What do you think that means? How is this different from just surviving hardship? What lies are exposed by the truth that nothing—life or death, angels or rulers, things present or future—can separate you from the love of God in Christ? Next Steps Identify personal fears or lies about God’s love, and write gospel truths from this passage beside each one. ...

Read Romans 8:31-34 Icebreaker What’s 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, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” How does this truth change the way we see hardship or opposition? How does Paul’s argument in verse 32 deepen our assurance? What does the cross teach us about God’s commitment to us? What does it mean that Jesus is “at the right hand of God…interceding for us”? 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 you’ve accepted as truth—whether from shame, fear, the enemy, or yourself. Confess them openly and specifically. Then pray Romans 8:33–34 to remind you of your security in Christ. ...

Read: Romans 8:26-27 Questions When you consider the Spirit’s role in helping us in our weakness, how does that reshape your view of what qualifies as a “strong” or “effective” prayer life? Have you ever experienced a time when you didn’t 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 “according to the will of God”? How does that truth give you peace when your prayers feel uncertain or incomplete? How might a deeper trust in the Spirit’s help change the way you engage in prayer—both privately and with others? Next Steps Memorize Romans 8:26–27 to remind yourself daily that you are never alone in prayer. ...