“Speaking the Word”

Romans 8:1-8 (NIRV) 

14 How can they call on him unless they believe in him? How can they believe in him unless they hear about him? How can they hear about him unless someone preaches to them? 15 And how can anyone preach without being sent? It is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Isaiah 52:7)

16 But not all the people of Israel accepted the good news. Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” (Isaiah 53:1) 17 So faith comes from hearing the message. And the message that is heard is the message about Christ. 18 But I ask, “Didn’t the people of Israel hear?” Of course they did. It is written,

“Their voice has gone out into the whole earth.

    Their words have gone out from one end of the world to the other.” (Psalm 19:4)

19 Again I ask, “Didn’t Israel understand?” First, Moses says,

“I will use people who are not a nation to make you jealous.

    I will use a nation that has no understanding to make you angry.” (Deuteronomy 32:21)

20 Then Isaiah boldly speaks about what God says. God said,

“I was found by those who were not trying to find me.

    I made myself known to those who were not asking for me.” (Isaiah 65:1)

21 But Isaiah also speaks about what God says concerning Israel. God said,

“All day long I have held out my hands.

    I have held them out to a stubborn people who do not obey me.” (Isaiah 65:2)

 

Discussion:

1. What does v14-15 mean? Were people being sent to preach the gospel to the Israelites? Who were they?

 

2. Paul asked 3 questions in v16-19. What are the answers to the questions?
“Lord, who has believed our message?” (Isaiah 53:1)__________________

“Didn’t the people of Israel hear?” ____________________________

“Didn’t Israel understand?” _____________________________________

 

3. What was wrong with the Israelites that they did not believe in Jesus? What should they do instead?

 

4. After the rejection of the gospel by Israel, What did God do?

 

5. Why did God intend to make Israel jealous? When will this occur? Isn’t jealousy a bad thing? Why or why not?

 

6. What does this passage teach us about the heart of God?

 

Reflection:

7. How might this passage be calling us to participate in the Great Commission?  What are some ways that you can be faithful in evangelism (and disciplining others) in your life despite the gospel being rejected?