Romans 9:1-29

Starter Question In Australia, we pride ourselves on giving everyone a “fair go.” Discuss which of these definitions best describes what it means to be “fair.”

a) Everyone is treated the same.

b) Everyone gets what they deserve.

Read Romans 9:1-29

1. Describe why Paul is feeling “great sorrow” in verses 1-5. Why do you think Paul talks about the plight of unbelieving Israel after chapter 8?

2. Why might it appear that God’s word has failed (verse 6)? How does Paul show that it hasn’t failed (verses 6-13)?

3. Why might it appear that God is unjust (verse 14)? Summarise Paul’s answer to this question in verses 14-21.

5. In verses 22-24, two categories of people exist. Describe how God treats each.

4. Why do you think people might find God’s ‘election’ of some and not others hard to accept? Based on what you have learnt in Romans, what would happen if God treated us all the same and gave us all what we deserved?

6. How do the quotations in verses 25-29 show that God’s word has not failed and that He is just? How do these verses support Paul’s assertion in Romans 8:39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God?

Application

7. How does the knowledge that God has chosen you affect your relationship with Him?

8. After studying the passage, do you feel more encouraged, or less encouraged, to tell people the gospel? Discuss.

9. Share with the group the person you think is the least likely to become a Christian. Is that person outside the sovereignty and mercy of God?

Spend some time praying for your non-Christian family and friends?