Meeting Times: 10 am - 11 am and 7 pm - 8 pm. You can attend either or both if you want more perspectives. We will be covering the same material.

We are studying the book of Romans, which is Paul’s clearest explanation of the Gospel. Over the next several weeks, we’re going to discover what this letter means for us.

You’ll notice that our study isn’t divided by chapters. Instead Pastor Jamie has organized it by THOUGHT SECTIONS. Remember, Paul wasn’t writing a book with chapter numbers and headings - he was writing a letter. Sometimes one idea continues in the next chapter, so rather than stopping where a chapter ends, we’ll follow Paul’s complete train of thought. Pastor Jamie’s hope is that this helps us understand no only what Paul says, but why he says it.

Episode 6 Study questions

Read Romans 9-11

1) Romans 9 begins with Paul expressing deep grief over his fellow Israelites. Why do you think Paul begins this difficult section with his love and sorrow rather than with a theological argument?

2) Paul repeatedly emphasizes that God’s purposes are not dependent upon human effort or achievement. What do you think Paul is trying to communicate about God’s freedom and sovereignty?

3) Paul uses the image of a potter and clay in Romans 9:20-21. What do you think Paul is trying to communicate through this image? What questions does the image leave with you?

4) Romans 10:9-10 connects faith, the heart and confession. What do you think it means to believe something “in your heart”? How is that different from simply agreeing that something is true?

5) Romans 10:14-15 describes people needing to hear the Good News in order to believe. What do you think this says about the role each of us plays in sharing our faith?

6) Romans 11 uses image of an olive tree, with Gentiles being grafted into something that already existed. What do you think Paul wants Gentile Christians to understand about their relationship to Israel?

7) Paul warns the Gentile believers not to become arrogant or boastful. Why do you think spiritual pride is such a danger when we begin to feel like we “belong” to God?

8) After reading Romans 9-11 as a whole, what do you think Paul most wants his readers to understand about God’s character?

9) Paul doesn’t finish these three difficult chapters with a neat explanation. He finishes by worshipping God. What does that teach us about what to do when we encounter things about God that we don’t fully understand?