Romans 11

Pastor Marshall Ochs | MARCH 15, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 11. In this chapter, Paul explains that God has not rejected Israel. A faithful remnant of believing Jews still exists, just as it has throughout history. Paul teaches that Israel’s unbelief opened the door for Gentiles to receive the Gospel, and God will ultimately use Gentile faith to stir many Jews to believe in Christ as part of His larger redemptive plan. The chapter concludes by emphasizing God’s sovereign control over history and calling believers to respond to His wisdom and mercy with humble worship.

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1. Paul explains that God has always preserved a faithful remnant of Israel. How does this idea encourage you when it feels like faithfulness to God is rare or declining?

2. In Romans 11, Paul reminds Gentile believers not to become arrogant toward Israel. What are some ways believers today might unintentionally become prideful about their faith or spiritual position?

3. The olive tree illustration shows that believers are sustained by deep spiritual roots. What does it mean for your faith to be connected to God’s larger story throughout history?

4. Paul teaches that God used Israel’s rejection of the gospel to open the door for Gentiles. What does this teach you about how God can work through difficult or unexpected circumstances?

5. Romans 11 suggests that observing transformed lives can lead others to faith. In what ways might your life show Jesus to others?

6. Paul ultimately responds to God’s wisdom and plan with worship. Why do you think understanding God more deeply should lead to worship rather than just knowledge?

7. The conclusion emphasizes living with the mindset that everything is “from Him, through Him, and to Him.” How might your daily decisions change if you consistently lived with this perspective?

8. Great joy and contentment come from focusing less on ourselves and more on God’s purposes. What practical habits could help you cultivate this mindset?

9. After studying Romans 9–11 and God’s plan throughout history, what aspect of God’s character stands out to you the most, and why?

Romans 9

Pastor Marshall Ochs | MARCH 1, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 9. In this chapter, Paul starts by expressing deep sorrow over Israel’s unbelief and clarifies that God’s promises have not failed, because “true Israel” has always been defined by faith rather than ethnicity. Paul explains that God chooses nations, individuals, and roles for His purposes in history, but people are responsible for how they respond in faith. Ultimately, salvation is not about heritage but belief—anyone, Jew or Gentile, who trusts in Jesus is part of God’s true people and will not be put to shame.

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Paul expresses concern for his Jewish brothers and sisters who do not know Jesus. His great love for them and his desire to see them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus is of utmost importance to him.

• Have you made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?

• If you have accepted Jesus, do you have a burden for others to know Him?

• How open are you about your faith to others?

Israel was God’s chosen people, from which He would bring the Messiah. However, they were not all followers of the one true God and accepting of Jesus as the Messiah. Those who chose to come by faith to Christ were considered the true Israel – Jew and Gentile alike. This was hard for the Jewish people to accept. They felt that heritage and good deeds were the way to God.

• Have you found yourself trying to earn your salvation through good works or because you were born into a Christian family?

The question that has been debated for centuries is: If God is all powerful and all knowing, does He pick some people to come to faith in Jesus and go to Heaven, and others to reject Him and go to hell? Paul shows us in God’s word that He does not. We all have the choice to embrace Jesus or reject Him. God certainly chooses how and through whom He will accomplish His will (see Pastor Marshall’s notes for more details).  However, we are ultimately responsible choosing to place our faith in Jesus.

Paul uses scripture to make his point to the people (see notes for references). If we are believers in Christ, we must know the Word of God! It is our greatest weapon against the enemy and our greatest resource for knowing our Savior and living according to His will.

• How much time are you investing in reading God’s word?

• Why or why not is it part of your daily routine?  If it isn’t, it’s never too late to start today! 

Romans 8

Pastor Marshall Ochs | FEBRUARY 22, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 8. In this chapter, Paul contrasts the frustration of life under the law in Romans 7 with the freedom and new life found in Christ through the Holy Spirit, who dwells in believers and enables them to walk in obedience. Paul explains that believers are no longer slaves to sin but adopted children of God, called to live by the Spirit, persevere through suffering, and trust that present pain cannot compare to future glory. The chapter culminates in the assurance that God is working all things for His purposes and that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ.

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REFLECT

1. What does being guided by the Holy Spirit look like in your daily life?

2. What steps can you take to foster a Spirit mindset instead of a fleshly mindset?

3. How will you prioritize time for reflection and prayer to align your mindset with the Spirit?

4. What practical changes can you make to ensure you are spiritually nourished rather than influenced by worldly inputs?

5. In moments of temptation, what specific truths about your identity in Christ can you hold onto?

6. How does the promise of future glory impact your perspective on current suffering?

7. How can you support one another in persevering through suffering as a community?