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Discussion questions

These questions can be used by your Faith Group to discuss "God, The Christian & Israel" preached April 21, 2024, concerning Romans 9. This is the 19th message in the series "Romans: The Power of the Gospel." In Romans we learn how the power of the Gospel sets us free from the consequences of our sin and teaches us how to live in a way pleasing to God.  Open your group with a prayer. Use these questions as a guide; select the points you want to discuss.

GETTING STARTED  

Hamas, the Islamic political and military movement located in the Gaza Strip of Israel, initiated an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel responded, leading to an escalation of the conflict, which has since spread. This confrontation has brought their deep-seated animosity into the spotlight, prompting people worldwide to take sides. It has caused divisions among countries, communities, governments, friends, and even within families. Considering the delicate nature of this issue, kindly engage in discussions within your group with care and sensitivity. Recognize not everyone may share your opinion. Take a moment to pray for a spirit of peace and understanding among your group asking the Lord for guidance in aligning opinions with God's perspective in Romans 9 - 11.

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  1. The sermon began with an anecdote recounting a purported conversation between King Louis XIV of France and the renowned philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal. The king inquired whether Pascal could demonstrate the existence of God. Pascal responded affirmatively, stating, "I can, your Majesty: Israel." How does Israel's existence and history affirm the reality of God and truthfulness of His Word? (Group Leader: you might come prepared to aid discussion using this resource.)

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DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Read Romans 9:1-5.

  2. What caused Paul to experience such profound sorrow and anguish in his heart?

  3. In discussing the people of Israel, Paul highlighted several privileges they currently possess. Can you enumerate these privileges? What significance does the use of the present tense in these verses carry?

  4.  What significance does Paul's assertion "Christ, who is God" (v.5) hold regarding the privileges of Israel? Consider also Philippians 2:6, 2:10-11, Titus 2:13, 2 Peter 1:2. How does knowing Jesus is God impact your response to Him?

  5. In Romans 9:6-13, Paul defended God's prerogative to choose through whom the line of promise would pass. Why was it necessary for God to make these choices? Do you perceive this as "unfair"?

  6. Reflecting on Romans 9:14-18, what is your perspective on God's dealings with Pharaoh? Do you accept the concept of God hardening Pharaoh's heart, or do you prefer to view Pharaoh as hardening his own heart? Why do you think God mentions both causes in Exodus?

  7. The sermon highlighted that a revelation may inspire faith in one person while turning another away. To illustrate this, discuss the saying, "the same heat that melts wax, hardens clay."

  8. According to Romans 9:19-29, Paul affirms that God possesses the absolute authority to shape individuals for any purpose He chooses, akin to a potter with clay, whether it be for noble or common use. Discuss how this concept may provide comfort or pose a challenge to readers. Is it reassuring, that through the Church, God chose to repurpose the common for a noble cause (i.e. bless the Gentiles)?​

  9. Though God creates some vessels for a "common purpose," Scripture says God bears patiently with them (see 2Pet 3:9). What attributes of God are depicted by this patience? How does this patience demonstrate God's glory? What does God's patience mean for the common vessel? How about the noble vessel?

  10. In the concluding verses of chapter 9, Paul proclaims that God's sovereignty extends over each individual's choice to believe in Christ. Citing Isaiah, Paul identifies Christ as a "stumbling stone." This raises the question: Why does Christ become a stone over which people stumble? Who is responsible for their stumbling? What could be the reason for God to make Christ—and by extension, the Gospel—a "stumbling block"? 

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 LIVING IT OUT

  1. Even though Paul's Jewish brethren had rejected Christ, Paul loved them and was even willing to make a significant sacrifice for them. How should this impact our view of Israel?

  2. Do you find God's absolute sovereignty a comfort or a difficulty? Why?

  3. How would you answer someone who read Romans 9 and asked, "How do I know if I'm one of God's elect or not?"

  4.  2 Peter 3:9b says, "The Lord is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 1 Timothy 2:4 says, "[God] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." How can you best correlate God's sovereign election with the truth of these two verses? 

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