ROMANS 9

Prodigal Son Analogy

• Jewish people are like the older brother
• Gentiles are like the younger brother
• The Father welcomes both and is overjoyed when the younger returns to Him

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Context

• Paul is a former Jew and he addresses Jews & Gentiles alike
• He has anguish for his fellow bretheren as we do for our non-believing friends/family

Who is Paul's audience? How do verses 1-5 influence his audience?

In V.6-13, how does Paul redefine Israel? Why use Jacob & Esau?

In V.14-29 why does Paul discuss salvation of Gentiles vs Jews? Is this divisive or helpful?

In V.30-33 what is the stumbling stone that Paul mentions? Why does it stumble the Jews?

Application Questions

1. Paul says he has "great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart" because the Jews don't believe Jesus. Do you feel this way about anyone around you who doesn't know Christ?

2. How can the gospel of Jesus be a stumbling block for people in your community today? How can you pray for those who are challenged by the gospel? Perhaps you yourself are challenged?

CG Application: Share one person who doesn't know Jesus as Lord and Savior. As a CG, we can record and commit to pray for these people until God moves. We do this so that we can have Paul's heart, and more importantly, God's heart for his lost loved ones because we ourselves were lost, or maybe we still are. If so, know that God is seeking us out.

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