DAY 38: ROMANS 12:9-21

DAY 38

ROMANS 12:9-21

Read the passage through twice. Which particular commands stand out for you or challenge you?

Are there things you need to repent of in this area? How do you need to change?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His love that calls us to genuine love, humility, and peace, and thank Him for empowering us to overcome evil with good, reflecting His character in all we do.

2. Pray that in our Growth Groups we would be intentional about encouraging fellow group members in their walk with Christ.

3. Pray for Linda McKerrell's ongoing mission mobilization work, for discernment in guiding potential missionaries.

DAY 37: ROMANS 12:3-8

DAY 37

ROMANS 12:3-8

In what ways are you tempted to think of yourself more highly than you ought?

The alternative is that we see ourselves as members of the body, belonging to others, and contributing according to opportunity and ability. How are you going with being part of Ann Street Presbyterian Church?

Where are you serving? How could you be serving?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the grace he's shown us - that in Christ we belong to one another and have been given different gifts for the good of one another. Pray that we'd show humility and use the gifts we've been given for one another's good.

2. Pray that our love for one another in the use of our gifts would be a powerful witness to Christ.

3. Pray for unity and mutual support among QUT Christians' staff team during times of stress and change.

DAY 36: ROMANS 12:1-2

DAY 36

ROMANS 12:1-2

This is a short reading but really important - the verses look back to God's mercies (chapters 1-11) and forward to what it means to be living sacrifices (chapters 12-16). What are some of God's mercies that have particularly struck you while reading Romans again?

What do you think being a living sacrifice means?

In what areas are you in danger of being conformed to the world?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His mercy that calls us to offer our lives as living sacrifices, and thank Him for transforming us by the renewing of our minds, so we may discern His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

2. Pray that we would love and welcome newcomers to Ann Street investigating Christianity.

3. Jared & Verena Bradley: Pray for the ERK denomination in Germany to successfully plant more churches throughout the country.

DAY 35: ROMANS 11:25-36

DAY 35

ROMANS 11:25-36

At this point Paul finally sums up the big argument of Romans 9-11. What are his big points in the summary of verses 25-32?

The phrase 'All Israel' in verse 26 has been a point of debate. It could mean 'all elect, both ethnic Jews and Gentiles' or 'all elect Israel' or 'a pretty large number of Israelites'. What do you think?

Doxology literally means 'glory words'. Why is verses 33-36 a great way to finish this section? What's your emotional response?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Use Paul's doxology in vv.33-36 to adore and praise God. Pray that ethnic Jews might recognise their saviour in Jesus. Pray for Christian Jews all over the world to persevere and to continue to witness to Jesus among their family and friends.

2. Pray for joy for those serving in behind-the-scenes roles.

3. Pray for J&R's work in five regions where preaching clubs meet and conduct training seminars. Pray for God to use them to raise up effective preachers in these regions.

DAY 34: ROMANS 11:11-24

DAY 34

ROMANS 11:11-24

Paul has spoken in 9:1-3 and 10:1 about his desire for more Israelites to be saved. How does he hope this might work in 11 :11-15?

Verse 16 connects 13-15 to the vine/tree image of 17-24. The point is about the holiness shared by the part and the whole. The parts (whether Jew or Gentile) derive their holiness from being part of something bigger, and being part of a longer history and tradition of God's people.

How does the olive vine/tree image work? How are we supposed to respond practically?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His amazing grace that extends beyond Israel to the Gentiles, and thank Him for grafting us into His family, making us partakers of His promises through faith in Christ!

2. Pray for a deeper appreciation of the good things we enjoy as gather around Jesus and worship Him each Sunday.

3. Pray for Griffith Christian Students staff transitions, that changes would demonstrate God's sovereignty and grace.

DAY 33: ROMANS 11:1-10

DAY 33

ROMANS 11:1-10

Given everything we've read so far, did God reject the Israelites entirely? How does verses 1-6 answer that?

Verses 7-10 pick up the themes of election and hardening from 9:11 and 18, as well as Israel's failure to obtain righteousness from 9:31-10:3 and 10:21. How should we fit together God and Israel's part in their failure to obtain righteousness?

The grace and mercy of God has also been a big theme of Romans 9 and 10 (9:15, 16, 18, 23, 11:6). What have we learned about it?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His faithfulness to His people, even when they falter, and thank Him for preserving a remnant according to His grace, ensuring that His promises endure!

2. Pray that our Growth Groups would be marked by genuine Christian fellowship and care for one another.

3. Mark & Anne Osbourne: Pray for the Kon churches using newly distributed Scripture portions, that leaders would effectively incorporate them.

DAY 32: ROMANS 10:14-21

DAY 32

ROMANS 10:14-21

The word ‘call’ links verses 14 to verse 13. What is the sequence of steps in verses 14-15?

In verses 16-21, how has Israel responded to the message of the gospel compared to the Gentiles?

How does this passage fit with the overall argument that began in Romans 9?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the beautiful truth that faith comes through hearing the gospel, and thank Him for the privilege of being part of His mission to share His word with all who will listen!

2. Pray for deeper relationships between members across different services.

3. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: Pray for the wider church presbytery to have wisdom in supporting the Djamaludins' ministry.

DAY 31: ROMANS 9:30-10:13

DAY 31

ROMANS 9:30-10:13

What are the two different ‘paths to righteousness’ in this passage? Which one actually works?

Verses 6-8 are a bit tricky. Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:12-14 to show that righteousness by faith is not about strenuous effort to find Christ and obey him. Rather, by grace, the word/Christ is near us - even given to our mouth and heart. Mouth and heart then are the key to righteousness by faith in verses 9-10.

From verses 9-13 what do we need to do to be saved/ justified?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the righteousness that comes by faith, and thank Him that all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved, regardless of background or works!

2. Pray for those who will be learning about what church membership means and why it matters at OnBoard today. Ask God’s help as they consider God’s word, raise questions and get to know church leaders and other members.

3. Pray for UQ Evangelical Students' ongoing follow-up with students reached through last year's Meet Jesus mission.

DAY 30: ROMANS 9:19-29

DAY 30

ROMANS 9:19-29

What is the objection in verse 19 to God’s choosing or election?

How does the potter and clay analogy work?

What does this passage teach us about God’s mercy and glory?

Chapter 9 is very challenging to our natural belief in 'free will'! A good short book to read about this is 'Predestination' by Scott Perry in the 'Little Black Book' series from Matthias Media.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His patience and mercy, showing grace and mercy while withholding judgment, and thank Him for calling us into His family, not by our deserving but by His sovereign choice!

2. Pray for wisdom for our Evangelism team in planning and executing outreach events.

3. Rev. Thang Bwee: Pray for April's Evangelical Reformed Church Youth conference in Chin state, Myanmar, despite unstable conditions.

DAY 29: ROMANS 9:1-18

DAY 29

ROMANS 9:1-18

Paul is very sad that so few ethnic Jews believed in Jesus. Why could that theoretically mean that ‘God’s word had failed’ (v 6)?

How does he answer this in verses 6-13? Look up the passages if you have time.

Why is God not unjust according to verses 14-18?

This is a tough passage at one level to accept. If you want to give it some more thought:

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for His sovereign mercy, choosing whom He will, and thank Him that His grace is not based on our works but on His will and purpose!

2. Pray for our serving pastor Mark Nugent as he helps encouraging our church family to use our time and talents in serving Jesus.

3. Pray for new relational opportunities that having a new baby might bring for Bethany Fraser to share Jesus with other mothers on maternity leave.

DAY 28: ROMANS 8:31-39

DAY 28

ROMANS 8:31-39

This is a hugely comforting passage! What potential threats and dangers are mentioned?

Why can we be confident in the face of all these?

What will/should this mean for our emotions and feelings?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus, and thank Him for His unwavering faithfulness and the victory we have through Him!

2. Pray that we'd see our daily work and activities as acts of worship.

3. Linda McKerrell: Pray for ongoing impact from the QTC/OMF short term mission exposure trip last December.

DAY 27: ROMANS 8:18-30

DAY 27

ROMANS 8:18-30

The word ‘sufferings’ in verses 17 and 18 links the two parts of the chapter. What does ‘creation’ have to do with suffering?

What is our hope?

How does the Spirit help us?

What do you love about verses 28-30?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the hope we have in Christ, knowing that our suffering is temporary and that we are heirs with Him, and thank Him for the Holy Spirit who helps us in our weakness as we await the glory to come.

2. Pray for wisdom for those leading New City Kids and Youth as they share God's Word with young people, that children and youth in our church would come to know and believe the rich truths this passage teaches.

3. Pray for QUT Christians' staff team as they adapt to new roles and responsibilities in 2025.

DAY 26: ROMANS 8:1-17

DAY 26

ROMANS 8:1-17

8:1 picks up some great truths from Romans so far: 'there is no condemnation' reminds us of our justification from 3:21-5:21, and 'in Christ' reminds us of our union with Christ from 6 :1-23.

What does the Spirit do for us in this chapter? (hint: there's a lot!)

What does this mean for how we live?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that in Christ Jesus there is no condemnation, and that through His Spirit we are adopted as children of God. Give thanks that the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead lives in us, leading us in truth and giving us the privilege to cry "Abba, Father."

2. Pray that members of our church would remember their membership promises and act on them faithfully.

3. Pray for Jared Bradley to find a suitable language helper or course for learning German.

DAY 25: ROMANS 7:14-25

DAY 25

ROMANS 7:14-25

What seems to be the argument here?

The question of "who is the 'I' of these passages?" is a tricky one and Bible interpreters have put forward a number of options. It could be Paul personally or a hypothetical 'I'. It could be talking about past experience or present realities. It could be talking about the position of an earnest Jew or a misguided 'Law loving' Christian or a genuine struggling Christian. The 'I' could also change at some point from being non-Christian to Christian (e.g. at verse 21). Most commentaries will have a good discussion about the issue. Regardless of who you decide the 'I' is, a big point that comes through is this: the Law (and morality) is hopeless for justifying us or even transforming us. Sin is too deep rooted in us. We need rescue by God through Jesus Christ!

Who do you (tentatively) think the 'I' is?

What practical applications arise for you?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for wisdom in understanding hard passages of Scripture like this one.

2. Pray for open doors for gospel conversations in our daily interactions.

3. Pray for J & R's children to find comfort in following Jesus even though following him is costly.

DAY 24: ROMANS 7:7-13

DAY 24

ROMANS 7:7-13

How is the Law good?

How does sin use it for evil?

What does this show us about sin?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks that even when the law exposes our sinfulness it demonstrates God's perfect righteousness and serves his purposes in leading people to Christ.

2. Pray that we would use our talents and time for God's glory in church service.

3. Pray for Griffith Christian Student's ongoing prayer initiative (2 for 2 - consistently praying for two non-Christian friends for two minutes a day) to bear fruit and cultivate a growing culture of prayerfulness.

DAY 23: ROMANS 7:1-6

DAY 23

ROMANS 7:1-6

The question of the Law has hovered in the background of Romans for a while (e.g. 2:12-29, 3:21, 4:13-15, 5:20, 6:14-15). 'The Law' is the law of Moses as contained in the first 5 books of the Bible. Chapter 7 begins to explain it a bit more.

What is our past and present relationship to the law (probably this is especially for Jews)? How does the analogy work?

What does bearing fruit for God (4) or serving in the new way of the Spirit (6) look like for you now? Are there ways you can grow in this?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that we have been released from the law through Christ, and thank Him that we now serve in the new way of the Spirit!

2. Pray for unity of voice and heart as we praise God together in our gatherings tomorrow.

3. Pray for Anne Osborne's continued recovery and health following time in hospital last November.

DAY 22: ROMANS 6:15-23

DAY 22

ROMANS 6:15-23

Verse 15 is a pretty similar objection to verse 1. How do they compare?

Paul's answer is about relationships. What was our relationship with sin in the past?

How have things changed?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that in Christ we have been set free from sin’s slavery, and thank Him for the gift of eternal life through Jesus our Lord!

2. Pray that God's Spirit would work in our hearts to apply Scripture to our lives, not just hear it.

3. Pray for the Djamaludin's to clearly preach the gospel in Thai, that many would be reconciled to Christ.

DAY 21: ROMANS 6:8-14

DAY 21

ROMANS 6:8-14

The argument from 6:1-7 continues.

What do these verses add as to why we shouldn’t continue to sin?

Verses 11-13 are the first imperatives (or commands) in Romans.

What is God telling us to do here?

What might that mean for you personally?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that we are alive with Christ and no longer ruled by sin, and thank Him for His grace that empowers us to live for righteousness!

2. Pray that we would be united as one body, caring for each member as family.

3. Pray for UQ Evangelical Students' reduced staff team, for strength and wisdom in their ministry.

DAY 20: ROMANS 6:1-7

DAY 20

ROMANS 6:1-7

What’s the theoretical objection to grace that Paul raises in verse 1?

His answer is clearly ‘No!’ but why? What has happened to us, especially regarding our connection with Christ?

Why would that mean that we wouldn’t want to sun more?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, and thank Him that we are no longer slaves to sin but alive in Him!

2. Pray that in our services at church and in our evangelistic ministries, we would clearly articulate the good news of Jesus to others.

3. Pray for Reformed Bible Institute in Myanmar to receive more students despite dangerous travel conditions.

DAY 19: ROMANS 5:12-21

DAY 19

ROMANS 5:12-21

This is a tricky passage! Paul sort of starts a ‘just as' sentence in verse 12 but doesn't really complete it till verse 18 and 19.

What are the similarities between Adam's sin and Jesus' obedience (probably referring particularly to his death)?

What are the differences between Adam and Jesus?

What are the blessings for us now?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that His grace in Christ overcomes the power of sin and death, and thank Him that through Jesus, we receive the gift of righteousness and eternal life.

2. Pray that God would raise up new ministry team leaders for each area of church life.

3. Pray for the Frasers as they prepare for the birth of their baby and all the adjustments to life this brings.