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”? ...

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? ...

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? ...

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? ...

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. ...