Chapter Summary

Covenants of Israel not set aside by Gospel. The seven-fold privilege of Israel. The blinding of Israel and God's mercy to the Gentiles.

Discussion Questions for Romans, Chapter 9

1. This chapter deals with the controversial subject of "election" and predestination. What are ways that you can approach this subject towards others with grace, truth, and understanding?
2. Why does God "hate" (HCSB) Esau? Does that change your view of God's character? What does this teach you about God's sovereignty in choosing what He desires to choose?
3. Why is it important that we are not called children of God merely by "descent" (HCSB)? How does that contribute to our understanding of salvation? What do we contribute to our salvation?
4. What does it mean that God "hardens those He wants to harden" (HCSB)? Does this mean that God purposely makes people reject Him? How would you answer that question?
5. Where does Paul say that righteousness comes from? What role does faith play not only in our salvation, but also in our everyday life?
6. What is the basis of God's mercy? Who ultimately deserves God's mercy? In what ways has God shown mercy to you in your life?
7. What was the purpose in God hardening Pharaoh's heart? How does it make you feel that God did this? How does this contribute to your understanding of God's actions throughout history?
8. Paul asking "Who are you... to talk back to God?" (HCSB) reminds us of the conversations God has with Job. What does this teach you about our tendency to question God? How can we know for sure that everything God says and does is just and right?
9. This chapter seems to imply that we receive grace and righteousness even when we don't "pursue" (HCSB) it. How does that correlate with God's command for us to pursue righteousness in other parts of Scripture?
10. What is humanity's responsibility to respond to God? Can we respond to God? If so, how do we ultimately do that?

Key Words/Phrase

Election, v. 11.

Characters

God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Moses, Pharaoh, Paul, Rebecca, Isaiah.

Strong Verse(s)

20, 21, 33.