An Eruption of Praise

Romans 11:33-36

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

An Eruption of Praise — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:33-36
Sermon Series: Romans (70th Sermon)
September 19, 2021

1.   Why is the placement of this passage an illustration of the relationship between theology and worship? How do we avoid having an “undevotional theology” or an “untheological devotion”?
2.   Why do you think the preceding context prompted Paul to erupt in praise?
3.   What does v. 33 teach us about God? How do these exclamations help us to make peace with perplexity?
4.   Why should we read v. 34 in light of 1 Corinthians 2:6-16? How does this motivate Bible reading?
5.   How does v. 35 help us fight grumbling?
6.   Discuss how Paul’s concluding words leave us in a state of awe. What does it look like to live for the purpose of making God’s glory known? 

References: Romans 10:12; Ephesians 2:7; Psalm 92:5; 139:6; Job 5:9; Isaiah 40:28; 55:8-9; 40:13; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Colossians 2:3; Job 41:11; Hebrews 1:3; Romans 16:27; Ephesians 3:21.

God's Plan for Israel

Romans 11:25-32

25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,
“The Deliverer will come from Zion,
he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;
27 “and this will be my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”
28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

God’s Plan for Israel — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:25-32
Sermon Series: Romans (69th Sermon)
September 12, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Notes
1.   How does Romans 9-11 increase our awe of God?  What have you learned from these chapters?
2.   What does it look like to be wise in your own eyes?  Why does Paul take this so seriously?
3.   What are the three parts of the “mystery” mentioned in vv. 25-26?  How does the context help us to interpret what Paul means when he says “all Israel” will be saved?
4.   How does the language used to describe Israel’s future salvation serve as a reminder of what God has already done for us?
5.   How does God view Israel today?  What does v. 29 tell us about God’s nature and character?
6.   How does v. 32 clarify God’s objective in saving human beings?  What’s the implication for the Christian life?

References: Proverbs 3:7; Romans 16:25-26; 2:9; 11:12, 15, 24; Isaiah 59:20-21; 27:9; Psalm 14:7; Jeremiah 31:1, 31-34; Romans 2:8; Numbers 23:19; Romans 9:25; 5:5; Ephesians 2:7.

Gentiles Not Boasting

Romans 11:17-24

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.

Gentiles Not Boasting — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:17-24
Sermon Series: Romans (68th sermon)
September 5, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Sheet
1.   In what ways does pride show up in the church, even subtly?  How does a verse like 1 Corinthians 10:12 caution us against it?
2.   How does Paul want his Gentile readers to view their place in redemptive history?  Why should this foster a sense of humble gratitude and wonder?
3.   What is the logic of Paul’s warning? Does it imply that a Christian can lose his or her salvation?
4.   How does this stage of redemptive history reveal God’s kindness as well as his severity?  How does Paul’s warning spur us on towards reverence, vigilance, and diligence?
5.   How do the hopeful words of vv. 23-24 undermine Gentile boasting?  How do they serve as a preview?
6.   As we near the end of Romans 11, how has this section impacted the way you view the Jewish people?

References: Jeremiah 11:16; Romans 11:16, 28; Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 2; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 8:31-39; Acts 13:43; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 4:11; 1 John 2:19; Romans 1:16; 11:25-27.

Israel Not Ruined

Romans 11:11-16

11 Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. 12 Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it.
13 I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, 14 for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. 15 For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! 16 And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.

Israel Not Ruined — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:11-16
Sermon Series: Romans (67th sermon)
August 22, 2021

DEEP SHEET Study Questions
1.   How is Romans 9-11 meant to strengthen our trust in God?
2.   What is “redemptive history,” and where does Paul situate the Gentiles in this larger story?
3.   Why does Gentile salvation provoke Israel to jealousy? How does God’s purpose to use our salvation to provoke the Jews humble us?
4.   What’s the contrast between Israel’s present and future situation? How does this inform our basic eschatology?
5.   How do vv. 12 and 15 present Israel as a catalyst for worldwide blessing? What does he mean by “life from the dead” in v. 15?

References: Romans 9:4-5; Genesis 12:3; Ephesians 2:11-13; Matthew 21:43; Acts 28:28; Romans 11:25-26; Acts 13:44-45; Numbers 15:17-21; Romans 11:28.

Summing Up Israel's Situation

Romans 11:1-10

1 I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said, 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
4 And do you remember God’s reply? He said, “No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!”
5 t is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. 6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.
7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened. 8 As the Scriptures say, “God has put them into a deep sleep.
To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear.”
9 Likewise, David said,
“Let their bountiful table become a snare, a trap that makes them think all is well.
Let their blessings cause them to stumble, and let them get what they deserve.
10 Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and let their backs be bent forever.”

Summing Up Israel’s Situation — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:1-10
Sermon Series: Romans (66th sermon)
August 8, 2021

DEEP SHEET Stuidy Questions
1.   How has Romans 9-11 helped you to see that God’s sovereignty doesn’t undermine prayer, evangelism, and human responsibility for sin?
2.   What is the “remnant” and how does it demonstrate that God has not rejected Israel?
3.   How does Paul use the passage about Elijah in 1 Kings 19 as an illustration?
4.   What does it mean to say that the remnant was “chosen by grace” and “chosen with hope”?
5.   How does this passage help us to understand what it means to be “hardened”? How does v. 25 shed light on the nature of this hardening?
6.   How does the truth that God has not rejected Israel encourage us towards humility, trust, and assurance?

References: 1 Timothy 1:11; Deuteronomy 32:9; 7:6-8; Amos 3:2; Romans 9:27; Acts 21:20; 1 Kings 19:10, 14, 18; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 4:4; Psalm 94:14; Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10; Psalm 69:22-23; Romans 11:25.

Hearing Without Believing (Romans 10:14-21)

Romans 10:14-21

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”
19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”
20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

Hearing Without Believing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 10:14-21
Sermon Series: Romans (65th sermon)
August 1, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does it look like in practice for the gospel to be the great theme of a person’s life?
2.   How is this passage foundational for missionary zeal?  How does it challenge us to be more active in sharing Christ?
3.   How are we encouraged to be grateful for people in our past and in church history?
4.   Based on Paul’s logic, what is the place of gospel preaching in the life of a church?
5.   Why is Christ’s lordship so central to saving faith?  What does this imply about evangelism and the Christian life?
6.   How does Paul clearly hold Israel responsible for its rejection of the gospel?  How does this also fall under God’s sovereign purposes?

References: Romans 1:1-3, 16-17; Isaiah 52:7; 53:1; Psalm 19:4; Colossians 1:23; Romans 1:5; 6:17; 10:9; Deuteronomy 32:21; Isaiah 65:1-2; John 12:37-40.

The Saving Message (Romans 10:5-13)

Romans 10:5-23

5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The Saving Message — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 10:5-13
Sermon Series: Romans (64th sermon)
July 25, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What is the problem with legal righteousness? Why is it unattainable for us?
2.  How does Satan use morality to deceive sinners? How have you seen this practically play out?
3.  How does Paul present the accessibility of “the righteousness based on faith”?
4.  What does it mean to say that Christianity is exclusive? Why is this so offensive to the world?
5.  How would you explain v. 9? How are Christ’s lordship and resurrection connected?
6.  How does this passage encourage Christians towards assurance and evangelism?

References: Leviticus 18:5; Genesis 15:6; Romans 3:20; 7:8-10; Galatians 3:10; Deuteronomy 30:12-13; Romans 1:16; Matthew 10:32.

A Religious Rejection

Romans 10:1-4

1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

A Religious Rejection — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 10:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (63rd sermon)
July 18, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Based on the three topics discussed at the beginning of the sermon, how would you summarize Paul’s teaching so far in chapters 9-11?
2.  How does this passage illustrate the compatibility of God’s election and our evangelistic prayers? How can our GC actively encourage one another to continue praying for our lost friends and family members?
3.  What was wrong with Israel’s zeal? How does this serve as a warning for us to rightly direct our own passion and discipline?
4.  How does Paul’s language remove any excuse for Israel’s ignorance? In what ways are we tempted to plead ignorance while sinning?
5.  How does v. 4 highlight Christ’s sufficiency? Is there someone in your life who is obviously relying on human works to be right with God? How could you use Romans 9:30-10:4 to share Christ with them this week?

References: Romans 9:6, 18, 27, 1-3; 11:26; Acts 22:3-4; 26:4-5; Philippians 3:5-6; Galatians 1:14; Mark 7:8; Romans 10:21; Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4; John 5:44; Romans 3:10; John 19:30; Isaiah 64:6

The Human Responsibility Under the Divine Sovereignty

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.

The Potter's Vessels of Mercy

Romans 9:24-29

24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” 26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” 29 And as Isaiah predicted,
“If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.”

The Potter’s Vessels of Mercy — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:24-29
Sermon Series: Romans (61st sermon)
July 4, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.    How do the considerations presented at the beginning of the sermon help you to process Paul’s teaching on election?
2.     How is Paul using Hosea to make a point about the Gentiles? In light of this and other passages like Ephesians 2:12 and 1 Peter 2:10, what should be our response?
3.     What does the language used by Hosea and Paul tell us about Christian identity? Why do we constantly need these reminders?
4.     How would you summarize Paul’s teaching on the remnant of Israel? How is it both a negative and a positive term?
5.     How does Isaiah’s reference to Sodom and Gomorrah highlight the extent of God’s mercy towards Israel?

References: Romans 9:4, 5; 1:2; 3:21-26; Hosea 2:23; 1:10; Ephesians 2:12; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Isaiah 10:22-23; 1:9; Genesis 19:1-29; Jude 7; Romans 11:1-10, 25-27.

The Sovereign Potter

Romans 9:19-23

19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—

The Sovereign Potter — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:19-23
Sermon Series: Romans (60th sermon)
June 20, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How has your understanding of election grown from Romans 8 and 9?
2.   What objection is Paul responding to in this section? What similar objections have you heard from people today?
3.   Do you find Paul’s response surprising? How does it humble us?
4.   What are some clues in the passage and its context that the lump of clay should be understood as fallen humanity?
5.   How do the “vessels of wrath” described in v. 22 serve to make known God’s glory for the “vessels of mercy”?
6.   What does this passage tell us about God’s ultimate purpose? What impact does that have on the Christian life?

References: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 29:16; 45:9; 64:8; Proverbs 16:4; Ephesians 2:3; 1:5-6.

God's Righteousness Stands

Romans 9:14-18

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

God’s Righteousness Stands — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:14-18
Sermon Series: Romans (59th sermon)
June 13, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why would Paul’s teaching in vv. 6-13 have raised questions about God’s righteousness in some people’s minds?
2.   What are some arguments against election that you have heard based on God’s “fairness”? How does this passage help you to respond?
3.   Why does Paul move the discussion from justice to mercy? How does this provide us with a better foundation for thinking about election?
4.   How does v. 16 make clear that election is unconditional?
5.   How does Pharaoh serve as an illustration? What is the role of God’s glory in Paul’s argument?
6.   What does it mean that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart?

References: Romans 9:3; 11:5, 7; 9:22, 23; Genesis 18:25; Psalm 71:19; Romans 3:5; Exodus 33:19; 9:16; 15:14-16; Joshua 2:9-10.

God's Word Stands

Romans 9:6-13

6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

The Apostle’s Anguish — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:6-13
Sermon Series: Romans (58th sermon)
June 6, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does it mean that God is faithful? What practical effect does this have on our lives?
2.   What is the problem/difficulty that Paul addresses as he enters chapter 9? Why does it seem to call God’s faithfulness into question?
3.   Where else in the New Testament do we find the idea that “not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring”? How does this passage give us the concept of “true Israel”?
4.   What was the false fortress of comfort that many Jews in Paul’s day had constructed? Where do we see a similar mindset today?
5.   How does Paul describe God’s choice of Jacob over Esau as unconditional? How does election serve Paul’s larger point that God’s Word has not failed?

References: 2 Corinthians 1:18-20; Deuteronomy 4:7-8; 7:6; Matthew 3:9-10; John 8:39-40, 44; Romans 2:17, 28-29; 4:12; 1:17; Genesis 17:21; 18:10, 14; 25:23; Malachi 1:2, 3; Ephesians 1:11.

The Apostle's Anguish

Romans 9:1-5

1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

The Apostle’s Anguish — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:1-5
Sermon Series: Romans (57th sermon)
May 30, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What questions do you have as we begin this section? What reasons were given for the significance and relevance of chapters 9-11?
2.   What is the logical connection between the end of chapter 8 and the beginning of chapter 9?
3.   Why does Israel’s unbelief bring Paul so much sorrow? In general, how does the depth of his concern for the lost convict us in the area of evangelism?
4.   How does Paul describe Israel? What pictures / stories from the Old Testament come to your mind as you read vv. 4-5?
5.   How does the end of v. 5 function as a climax to Paul’s description of Israel? How does it inform our view of Christ?

References: Romans 11:32-36; 1:9-10; Exodus 32:32; Philippians 3:5; Genesis 32:28; Deuteronomy 7:6; Exodus 4:22; Leviticus 16:2; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Genesis 12:1-3; Romans 11:28-29; Titus 2:13; Luke 1:54-55, 68-69.

Safe In God's Hands, Part 2

Romans 8:31-39

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written,
For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Safe In God’s Hands, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:31-39
Sermon Series: Romans (56th sermon)
May 23, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Romans 8 produce confident Christians? How has your confidence grown as we’ve studied this chapter?
2.   How would you characterize the “love of Christ”? How does our culture replace this definition of love with superficial substitutes?
3.    Compare the different forms of suffering listed in v. 35 with Paul’s description of his own sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. Have you considered suffering to be the norm for the Christian?
4.   What does it mean to be “more than conquerors”? How does this refer back to v. 28?
5.   What does it look like to confess / repent of / put to death doubting God’s love? How have you fought this sin in your life?
6.   How are vv. 38-39 comprehensive in scope? Why should this climax produce a fearless life?

References: John 15:13; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 2:9; 2 Timothy 3:12; Psalm 44:22; Romans 13:4; 8:28; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Ephesians 3:18-19; John 17:22-23; Romans 14:8; Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 1:21; Galatians 5:16.

Safe In God's Hands, Part 1

Romans 8:31-39

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written,
For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Safe In God’s Hands, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:31-39
Sermon Series: Romans (55th sermon)
May 16, 2021

1.   How has Romans 8 strengthened your confidence in the Lord?
2.   What is Paul’s logic in v. 32, and how does it assure the believer?
3.   How would you describe the magnitude of God’s gift? How do Genesis 22 and Isaiah 53 provide a backdrop?
4.   Who or what accuses the Christian? Why do all charges and condemnation fail to stick?
5.   Why does Paul not stop at his mention of Christ’s death in v. 34? What does it mean that Christ intercedes for us?

References: John 10:27-29; Romans 5:1-11; Genesis 22:1-19; Isaiah 53:10; Galatians 3:13; Romans 3:25; 8:17; Matthew 5:5; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; 16:9; Revelation 12:10; Romans 8:3, 13; 1 John 1:9; 2:1; Hebrews 7:25.

Our Unfailing Hope, Part 2

Romans 8:26-30

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Our Unfailing Hope, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:26-30
Sermon Series: Romans (54th sermon)
May 9, 2021

DEEP SHEET Study Questions
1.   Where do you see worldliness in your life? How does the future hope that Paul describes in Romans 8 pluck you out of that mindset?
2.   What does it mean to be “conformed to the image” of God’s Son so that he will be the “firstborn among many brothers”? What does this say about the ultimate purpose of our salvation?
3.   What is foreknowledge, and why has it been debated among Christians? How is it related to predestination?
4.   How have you struggled with the doctrine of predestination/election? How does unconditional election foster humility rather than pride?
5.   How does Paul’s language show that this “golden chain” of salvation is unbroken from beginning to end? What practical impact does this knowledge have on the Christian life?

References: 1 Corinthians 15:49; John 17:24; 1 John 3:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 11:2; Jeremiah 1:5; Genesis 18:19; Amos 3:2; Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:7; Genesis 12:3; John 6:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:14.

Our Unfailing Hope , Part 1

Romans 8:26-30

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Our Unfailing Hope, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:26-30
Sermon Series: Romans (53rd sermon)
May 2, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does biblical “hope” differ from the way that word is used today? What were the two aspects of hope discussed in the sermon?
2.   Looking at the big picture, how does this whole portion of Romans 8 provide fuel for suffering, fighting, and holiness?
3.   What is Paul describing in vv. 26-27? How does this deepen our understanding of the Trinity?
4.   How does the intercessory work of the Spirit encourage us not to lose heart in the face of our weakness and failure?
5.   Why is v. 28 so precious to Christians? How has God used this verse in your life?
6.   How does the context of v. 28 bring clarity and precision to its meaning and application?

References: Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1; Romans 8:34; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Corinthians 12:30; 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:21.

Awaiting Glory

Romans 8:18-25

[18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. [19] For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. [20] For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. [23] And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? [25] But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (ESV)

Awaiting Glory — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:18-25
Sermon Series: Romans (52nd sermon)
April 25, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does this passage build on what Paul has written so far in chapter 8?
2.   Why should v. 18 bring us immense comfort in times of suffering?  How does God use his peoples’ suffering as a witness?
3.   What is wrong with the natural world, and what does Paul say is going to happen to it at Christ’s return?
4.   Why is the future state of the created world tied to our glorification?
5.   What does it mean that we have the “firstfruits of the Spirit”?  How is this meant to increase our hope and endurance?
6.   What exactly are we groaning and eagerly waiting for?  What will it be like?

References: James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6; Romans 8:35; Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 4:13; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Genesis 3:17-19, 15; Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:52-55; Philippians 3:20-21; Hebrews 6:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:8.

Led by the Spirit

Romans 8:12-17

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

NOTE:  Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Led by the Spirit — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:12-17
Sermon Series: Romans (51st sermon)
April 18, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Romans 8 help us to talk with non-Christians who claim to be “spiritual”?
2.   Why should this concept of killing sin dramatically increase our seriousness and intentionality in living the Christian life? How do Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:29-30 relate?
3.   How does v. 13 guard us from the two pitfalls of passivity and self-reliance?
4.   How should we respond to someone who says that all people are God’s children? What does it mean to say that Christ is our “Brother”?
5.   In what ways do the five aspects of sonship discussed in the sermon (obedience, adoption, intimacy, assurance, and inheritance) clarify your relationship to God as a Christian?

References: Romans 5:5; Colossians 3:5, 2, 16; Matthew 5:29-30; John 1:12; Ephesians 2:2-3; Hebrews 2:11; Galatians 4:6; Psalm 73:25-26; John 17:24; 1 John 3:2.

---