Sermon Supplement from July 6

“Taking Responsibility” – Romans 9:30-10:13

• What are some signs that we live in a culture that avoids responsibility?
• How might that mindset affect a person’s willingness to take responsibility for their spiritual condition?

• How were the Jews pursuing the right thing in the wrong way?
• What are some misguided ways people pursue Jesus today?
• Are there religious pursuits in your life right now that don’t have Jesus at the center?

• In what ways have you seen misdirected religious zeal in our culture? How about in the church?
• Why do people tend to make up their own rules rather than submit to God’s way?
• Where do you see self-righteous zeal in your own life?

• What’s the difference between a righteousness we create and a righteousness we accept?
• Where do you see yourself trying to create your own righteousness?
• Where do you struggle to accept righteousness from Jesus?

• How would you use these verses—along with Romans 3:23, 6:23, and 5:8—to answer someone who asked, “How do I become a Christian?”

• What is one way this passage challenges or changes how you think, feel, or act?
• If you are not a Christian, will you accept Jesus today?
• If you are a Christian, how is God calling you to evaluate your pursuits, zeal, and standards?
• Write down a verse or phrase from this passage that you want to reflect on and meditate on this week.

• Read – Read the text several times looking for key ideas. 
• Reflect – What truths stand out? What challenges, convicts, or encourages you?
• Respond – What is your response to what you just read?