Read Romans 9:1-5

We are going to travel through these 3 chapters kind of slowly. Paul assumes that we know a fair amount of history about Israel, the Patriarchs, and His promises to them. So we will be popping back and forth doing a bit of reading in the Old Testament to enrich our history.

It’s challenging, so try to not get discouraged. We are learning together.

• How does Paul describe the way that he is feeling and why is he so distraught?

• How does Paul describe the Israelites? What was unique about them?

• Is there anyone that you know or are related to that does not walk with Jesus that you feel as strongly as Paul about? Who comes to mind for you to pray for?

THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL: ADOPTED AS SONS
**Each day we are going to read through some of the passages and verses Paul may be thinking of. As he lists these descriptors you will see them on the bottom of each day’s devotional.

Jeremiah 31:9 They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.

Hosea 11:1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

We will begin by checking out the great work at the Bible Project. This is the summary of chapters 5-16. Enjoy!

We watched this last month as well, but pay special attention to the section on chapters 9-11, which are the chapters that we will be focusing on the next few weeks. These three chapters are challenging to be sure and we will walk together through them!

As has become the normal rhythm, let’s take some time this morning to just rest in the presence of the Father. Sit quietly and just picture yourself there with the Lord. Picture His face smiling at you and His arms holding you.

Just sit and rest with Him.

Read Romans 8:38-39 aloud several times slowly. Ponder what this means for your daily life. Be thankful.

WEEK 4 MEMORY VERSE: 
ROMANS 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Reread all of Romans 8 and do the Know, Be, Do method through the chapter!

Get out a piece of paper and write the answers to these questions:

• KNOW – What does the text say about God?
• BE – What does the text say about us?
• DO – What is the text calling me to do?

Write out the whole verse that you want to stick with you throughout the day today.

WEEK 4 MEMORY VERSE: 
ROMANS 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Read Romans 8:28-39

• What is declared true of us in verses 28-30?

• What do you think it means that God is “for us?”

• How do you feel today? Are you more than a conqueror? Something else?

• When have you felt separated from God’s love?

• How can you use the truth here to speak to the feelings of being separated?

WEEK 4 MEMORY VERSE: 
ROMANS 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Read Romans 8:18-27

• What is your present suffering? What is hard for you right now?

• Why is creation in bondage and frustrated?

• What is the hope that verse 24 is referring to?

• Where do you struggle to hope?

I think it is beyond words to think of the Spirit going to the Father on my behalf when I’m not even sure of what to pray. What is in your heart today that you may not have words for, but want the Spirit to pray on your behalf for?

WEEK 4 MEMORY VERSE: 
ROMANS 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Read Romans 8:12-17

• Therefore… What is the therefore referring to in verse 12-14? Explain these verses in your own words.

• What are the benefits of being a child in God’s family?

-Keith spoke a few weeks back about John, in Revelation, being exiled because of his speaking the word of God and his testimony of faith.
-Paul speaks in this passage about us sharing in Christ’s suffering.
-1 Peter 2 commends those who suffer for doing good as people who are following the example of Christ.

• When have you suffered and considered your suffering to be sharing the suffering of Christ?

WEEK 4 MEMORY VERSE: 
ROMANS 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”