Small Group Discussion
Romans 11
- . In this passage, Paul views jealousy as a good thing (see Romans 11:11, 14).
- Why is jealousy a good thing in this passage? How is this different than bad jealousy
- How do Exodus 20:4-5 and 34:11-16 help explain what “good jealousy” is?
- How does this “good jealousy” apply today? How should you be more jealous but are not?
- In 11:22, Paul urges the Gentiles to take note of God’s kindness and severity.
- In what ways does this passage highlight God’s kindness? How so is his severity?
- What are the dangers of forgetting God’s kindness? His severity?
- This passage points out the fact that Gentiles do not naturally belong among God’s people.
- How do Ephesians 2:11-15 and Galatians 3:7-9 explain how Gentiles are brought into God’s people?
- What role does Jesus play in these passages, so we see it is only because of him?
- How might this way of viewing our salvation affect the way you follow Jesus this week?
Applying This Passage to Our Lives
- Arrogance – Romans 11:18
- In what ways do you have an arrogant attitude towards people who are not saved?
- Why do you think that is? How does this affect your ability to love your neighbor?
- How can you repent of this attitude?
- How might this repentance change how you relate to an unbeliever you regularly interact with?
- In what ways do you have an arrogant attitude towards people who are not saved?
- Israel is not out of God’s reach – Romans 11:11, 15, 23-24
- Are there any individuals you have treated as out of God’s reach?
- Are there any people groups that you have regarded in this way?
- What about their beliefs or behavior has caused that?
- If you were to imagine what their “full inclusion” in God’s people might mean, what would that be like?
- How would that magnify God’s glory?
- How can you cultivate a more “full inclusion” mindset rather than an “out-of-reach” mindset?