Discussion question: Do we love the unsaved in the same way that Paul loves his unsaved Jewish brethern?
Discussion question: What are the typical responses Christians have towards the unsaved?
Discussion question: Does the fact that the Jews had the oracles of God grieve Paul more that they don’t know Christ?
Discussion question:What is it that keeps the Jews from salvation?
Leader: for your review:
Hos 5
Deut 17:6
Eph 4:21
Rom 8:16
Phil 3:8
Deut 14:1-2
Ex 4:22
Hos 11:1
Discussion question: Why does Paul make the statement that “it is not as though the word of God has failed?”
He just said the he wishes his brethren could know Christ, but Jews believe they are the promised people (Ex 19:5-6) but Paul has said that it is not heritage that saves a person so the next natural question would be that if some Jews aren’t saved, then God’s promises aren’t secure, we can’t trust them. If His promises aren’t secure, how sovereign is He? Does He re-act or act? Is there a plan B with God? Is there a difference between how Jews were saved and how Christians are saved? Paul will answer this in a long, complete response that will touch on everything from His plan, sovereignty, and plan of salvation.
Discussion question: What would happen if we could not trust in God’s promises and the Word of God had failed? (Read/listen to John Piper’s sermon that answers this question, one of his best)
Discussion question: Does Paul mean that God set aside one covenant for another? In other words, can we be saved if we adhere to the Law? Are there two ways to God today – through the Law or through Christ?
Gal 3:24
Leader: for your review:
Jer 31-new covenant
Heb 7-9
Paul’s discussion of the patriarchs – shows that the covenant has always been in effect
To answer this, Paul must first show that there is not a new plan, but rather the plan has come into full light.
Deut 27:26 “Cursed is everyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.” But certainly, the people were not keeping the law, so they were not trusting in their doing of the law for salvation.
Psalm 130:3-4 “If you, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That you may be feared” Certainly there were some who understood their iniquities would keep them from God, but that God can forgive.
v6. Is 55:11 – God’s word will not return to Him void
Num 23:29 – God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
“For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel”
Romans 2:28,29
