Reflection Questions:

1. The Bloodline Isn’t the Bottom Line
Romans 9:6–9

Reflection Questions:
• What are some ways you’ve relied on your background, upbringing, or religious activity to feel secure before God?
• Have you ever felt like an “impossible” candidate for God’s grace? How does the story of Isaac speak to that?
• How does it change your identity to know you’re here because of God’s promise, not your performance?

Additional Scripture:
• John 1:12–13 – “…born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh… but of God.”
• Galatians 4:28 – “Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.”
• Genesis 18:10 – The original promise to Sarah.

2. Election Breaks the Rules of Fairness
Romans 9:10–13

Reflection Questions:
• When you think about God choosing Jacob over Esau, what emotions or questions rise up in you?
• How does knowing God’s love is unearned help free you from comparing yourself to others?
• Has God’s mercy ever interrupted your expectations, or shown up where it “shouldn’t” have?

Additional Scripture:
• Ephesians 1:4–5 – “He chose us in him… according to the purpose of his will.”
• Deuteronomy 7:6–8 – God chose Israel not because they were great, but because He loved them.
• Luke 15:11–32 – The prodigal son and the scandal of grace.

3. God Is Not Unjust—He’s Merciful
Romans 9:14–16

Reflection Questions:
• Where in your life are you tempted to ask, “God, that’s not fair”? How does this passage reframe your perspective?
• Have you received mercy that you didn’t ask for? What did that teach you about God?
• What does it practically look like to “rest in mercy” instead of striving to earn God’s favor?

Additional Scripture:
• Titus 3:5 – “He saved us… not because of works… but according to his own mercy.”
• Matthew 20:1–16 – The parable of the workers in the vineyard: mercy not merit.
• Psalm 103:10–12 – “He does not deal with us according to our sins…”

4. The Sovereign Power of God in a Hard World
Romans 9:17–18

Reflection Questions:
• What are some areas of life where it’s hard for you to trust God’s sovereignty?
• How does it comfort you to know that God can work even through opposition or rebellion?
• Who in your life feels too far from mercy? How does this text stir hope as you pray for them?

Additional Scripture:
• Exodus 9:13–17 – God’s words to Pharaoh, echoed in Romans 9.
• Jeremiah 18:1–6 – The potter and the clay.
• Acts 9:1–6 – Saul the persecutor, chosen by mercy.

Prayer & Application Challeng
Personal Questions:
• Who is someone in your life you’ve given up praying for? What would it look like to pray with renewed trust in God’s sovereign mercy?
• Write a one-sentence prayer of surrender that acknowledges God’s mercy over your own efforts.
• What would change in your week if you lived every day as someone chosen by mercy?