Romans 9:30-33
30 What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. 31 But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. 32 Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path. 33 God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said,“I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall.
But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
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.