Free group study handout
Romans 9: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Romans 9 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Paul expresses great sorrow for Israel's unbelief and pain in his heart (vv. 1-2). He wishes he could be accursed for the sake of his fellow Israelites, who are God's chosen people and recipients of his promises (vv.
Key verse
“So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.”
Romans 9:16 (WEB)
Outline
- Romans 9:1–5 Paul's Sorrow for Israel
- Romans 9:6–13 God's True Israel Defined
- Romans 9:14–18 God's Sovereignty and Mercy
- Romans 9:19–24 God's Authority Over Creation
- Romans 9:25–29 Inclusion of Gentiles and Remnant of Israel
- Romans 9:30–33 Righteousness Through Faith
Discussion questions
- In v2, what does Paul express as being present in his heart?
- What promises does Paul mention in v4 that belong to the Israelites?
- Paul's statement in v6, 'they are not all Israel, that are of Israel': what tension does this create regarding identity?
- What does Paul mean by saying in v16, 'it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs'?
- When have you felt a deep concern for someone’s faith like Paul’s sorrow in v2?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Romans 9: Romans 8, Isaiah 45, Romans 10.
Before next time: read Romans 10.