Sermon: “Among Us”
Scripture: Romans 9: 30-32
Speaker: Beth Overman

Scripture for Study and Reflection:

Read Romans 9

 Paul expresses deep sorrow and anguish for his people (Romans 9: 1-3). How do you
personally connect with or express compassion for people in your life who are spiritually lost
or far from God?

 Paul was willing to be cut off from Christ for the sake of his Jewish kin (Romans 9: 3). What
does this example teach us about the depth of sacrificial love, and what might sacrificial love
look like in our church or communities today?

 Israel had many spiritual privileges. What spiritual blessings or heritage (from your family,
church, or personal journey) have significantly shaped your own faith, and how do you feel
called to share those blessings with others?

 Beth talked about "imposter syndrome" and suggested Romans 9 addresses this feeling of
"who belongs?" Have you ever experienced a similar feeling of not quite measuring up or not
truly belonging in your faith, or in other areas of life?

 Saul was zealous in persecution before his conversion. How does Saul's initial approach to
God (trying to earn favor through strict adherence to the law) compare to ways people might
approach God or religion today?

 A Jewish approach to God was trying to "pile up a credit balance" with God, making God "in
their debt." How does this concept resonate with you? Do you ever find yourself
unconsciously trying to "earn" God's favor or approval through your actions?

 The illustration about sending cards to friends highlighted the challenge of simply accepting
love without feeling indebted. Can you think of a time when it was hard for you to simply
receive a gift or help without feeling a need to "repay" it? How does this relate to accepting
God's grace?

 Paul states, "Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel" (Romans 9: 6), redefining true
belonging. What does this mean for our understanding of "God's people" today, and how
does it challenge any exclusive ideas of who belongs in the Church?

 Read Romans 9: 15-16. Why do you think it is sometimes difficult for us to fully accept God's
mercy for ourselves, or to extend mercy to others whom we might feel don't "deserve" it?
Read Romans 9: 30-32. What makes it so tempting or "easier" for us to rely on religious
performance, moral effort, or outward conformity (works) rather than simply trusting in God's
grace? What are the dangers of this approach?

 Jesus is called a "stumbling stone" for those who rely on works. What are some "modern
stumbling blocks" that you see preventing people today from embracing the gospel and
trusting in Jesus?

 God's grace liberates us from the exhausting treadmill of trying to earn God's love. What
does this "liberation" look and feel like in your daily life? How might this freedom empower
you to "live out our mission" with a renewed sense of belonging?

Prayer for the Week:
Merciful God, Thank You for loving us not because of what we do, but because of who You are.
Free us from trying to earn Your favor, and help us rest in Your grace. Teach us to love others with
the same compassion You’ve shown us. Use us, even in unexpected ways, to share Your mercy
and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.