Bible Study Snacks, Romans 9:1-13

Hi, everyone!

First, Thank you so much for joining me again as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans. I hope that all has been going well! This week, we will be studying Chapter 9 verses 1-13. As always, it's my most sincere hope that you find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening in your walk with God.

This week in summary...

With the conclusion of chapter eight Paul has completed his description of how God's righteousness was manifested in Christ, and the results of such justification. However, some of Paul's readers may have received the impression that God's plan of saving man in Christ apart from the Law (Romans 3:21-22) implies that God has rejected His people of Israel and the promises made to them. In chapters nine through eleven, Paul explains that God has not rejected His people.

Paul first expresses his own concern for his fellow Israelites. If it would do any good, Paul would gladly be condemned in order to save his brethren who had been the recipients of so many blessings.

But Paul quickly states that God's promises had not failed. He reminds them that true Israel is not simply the physical descendants of Israel, any more than the promises to Abraham were to be carried out through all of Abraham's descendants just because they are his physical descendants. Rather, it depends upon what God has chosen according to His Divine purpose. This is illustrated by contrasting what the Scriptures reveal about Isaac and Ishmael, and then about Jacob and Esau.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Carefully read through Romans 9:1-13. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there with you, sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. List the five phrases from Romans 9:1-2 that describe Paul’s sincerity and feelings.
2. What is it that Paul wishes it to happen (Romans 9:3)? Try to put it in your own words.
3. List all the ways Paul describes the special blessings that mark off the Israelites as the people of God (Romans 9:4-5)?
4. Has God’s word failed at all (Romans 9:6)?
5. What simple reasoning does Paul give for this conclusion (Romans 9:6)?
6. Paul shows biblical proof for this conclusion by quoting and commenting on several biblical passages. Write down these four Old Testament quotes and their references, then go back to each passage and see what each quote actually proves.
a. Romans 9:6-7
This proves
b. Romans 9:8-9
This proves
c. Romans 9:10-12
This proves
Romans 9:13
(This proves the same thing as the above one in Romans 10-12).
7. List at least two changes you desire to take place in your life because of these verses:
a.
b.
8. Take another look at Romans 9:1-3 and reflect upon your desire for your friends and family to be saved. How has it changed in the last 5 years? Can you really compassionately pray and serve if you don’t identify with the sufferings and predicament of the concerned group?
9. It is important that we do not doubt God’s promises under any condition. Is there anything you now doubt about God? Think again through the verses in Romans 8:31-39 and Romans 9:6. Confess your doubts to the Lord and ask for wisdom to understand His ways regarding this matter.

Finally, after answering the study questions, re-read Romans Romans 9:1-13. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through our studies together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri