Connect Think of three people in your life who don’t yet know Jesus. Pray each day this week for soft hearts, for opportunities for them to hear the gospel, and courage for yourself to share the gospel.
Warm-Up
- Who is the audience that Paul is writing to? How does that shape our understanding?
Read Romans 11:1-10
- What evidence does Paul give that God has not rejected his people Israel?
- Paul says that the remnant is chosen “by grace.” Why is Paul so careful to contrast grace with works?
- What is the significance of referencing Elijah and the seven thousand faithful followers in Kings 19? How does this point to God’s faithfulness, outweighing human rebellion?
- Who is included in the remnant? How does this give hope for the people of Israel?
- What were many of the people of Israel trying to obtain (that doesn’t lead to salvation)?
- How is the hardening of Israel related to their rejection of the Lord? Why or why not is this permanent?
- How does the Lord react to all people when they turn back to him? Have you met anyone who you think is too hardened for the Lord to work? Why can you still hold out hope for a change?
Read Romans 11:11-32
- What does Paul hope the salvation of the Gentiles will bring about?
- Who is the “wild olive shoot” and who is the “natural branches”?
- What is the root which supports all branches? Why then is there no cause for superiority over Jews?
- What have been some of the devastating outcomes in history when Gentile Christians have viewed themselves as superior? How have you seen this form of anti-semitism play out today in Australia?
- Why were branches broken off? How will they be grafted back in?
- What is God’s kindness and what is his sternness? Are we ever at risk of presuming God’s kindness?
- How does the olive tree example demonstrate God’s readiness to graft back in the people of Israel?
- In verse 26, who could “all Israel” be? When does Israel get saved?
- How does Israel get saved? (read Romans 1:16-17)
- What is God’s desire for all people - Jews and Gentiles? How is God’s desire reflected in our lives - through what we pray for and who we spend time with? How can we reflect God’s desire more?
Apply Tell someone else this week of how you came to believe and specifically about God’s kindness to you in getting an opportunity to hear and believe in Jesus Christ.
