1.         SERMON RECAP

(Visit  pmc.org.sg  to listen to the sermon and download a copy of the Powerpoint slides)

Reasons for the Unbelief of Israel:

Faith and Works

• The Jews are stumbling over Jesus because they are trying to achieve a righteousness of their own through works of the law (v2-3).

• The only way to righteousness is by faith in Jesus Christ (v4).

• Perfect obedience to the law is fulfilled in Christ (justification) and it is possible in Christ (sanctification) (v6-8, see Deut 30:11-14).

Stubborn Hearts

• Israel’s unbelief is not due to the absence of hearing and understanding (v14-20).

• “Israel is simply stubborn.” (John Stott)

• Do not miss out on the goodness of God who holds out His hands even to those who are disobedient and stubborn that they may turn to Christ and embrace His gift of righteousness (v21).

2.         LIVE IT OUT

a.       We learn from Romans 10 that the Jews refused to accept the Gospel because of their stubbornness.  But being stubborn can also mean the following:

- Refusing to accept other viewpoints or being unwilling to change our ways of dealing with things.  Often, we politely term it as "agreeing to disagree".  In the context of this sermon, the end-result may be a difference between heaven and hell!

> Reflect if there is stubbornness in your life that affects your relationship with God and others.  If yes, what do you intend to do about it?

b.      “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news” (Rom 10.15).   Do you think this refers to pastors and preachers only, or is it for all Christians? 

> What are some ways you can be the “beautiful feet” to a loved one or close friend who is still a pre-believer?  

Brainstorm as a group and list creative ways to do so.  Let every group member commit to act upon at least one of these approaches.

c.       Paul tells us that Israel has and continues to remain stubborn in acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah.

> How does this challenge our commitment to current efforts in reaching Israel for Christ?  

> As a group, take some time to pray for Israel.

3.         PRAY

Please refer to the PMC Mobile App, “MyPMC”, for our weekly prayer guide.  [Click on “PRAY”, then “Let’s Pray”]

a.       Most if not all Christians struggle to obey the Word of God perfectly. 

> How do you respond to your struggles to keep God’s Word? 

> Do you think that it is impossible for you to overcome certain sinful habits?  Share with your group, and pray for each other.