Romans 9:30-33
30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written,“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
The Human Responsibility Under the Divine Sovereignty — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:30-33
Sermon Series: Romans (62nd sermon)
July 11, 2021
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does it mean to say that human responsibility and divine sovereignty are compatible? What are some other biblical doctrines that present tension or apparent contradiction?
2. How are the Gentiles and Israel contrasted in this passage? Why is Paul the ideal person to explain what’s happening as the gospel goes out to both Jews and Gentiles?
3. What does it look like to trust in our works? Why must the Christian constantly return to the doctrine of justification by faith alone?
4. How does works-righteousness naturally lead one to reject Christ? How does v. 33 show God’s sovereignty at work in Israel’s stumbling?
5. How do the final words of the passage, “whoever believes in him will not be put to shame,” strengthen your Christian life?
References: Romans 9:15-16, 18, 21; 1:18-32; Philippians 3:5-6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:20, 27-28; Isaiah 28:16; 8:14; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1:22-23.