Introduction: Why This Matters for Teens
Teens often wrestle with big questions: Why do things happen the way they do? Why does God choose certain paths for our lives? Is God really in control? Romans 9 shows us that God is sovereign—He rules over everything with wisdom, justice, and love. This chapter helps teenagers learn to trust God’s plan even when life doesn’t make sense and reminds them that God always keeps His promises.
Bible Reading 1: Romans 9:1-5 (Paul’s Heart for His People)
“I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying… I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed… for the sake of my people… Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Paul deeply cared: He had genuine heartbreak for people who didn’t know Jesus.
- Love sacrifices: Paul was willing to give up anything for others to know God.
- We should care too: Teens are called to pray for and love those far from God.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why was Paul heartbroken for his people?
- Do you feel burdened for anyone who doesn’t know Jesus?
- How can you show Christ-like love to unbelievers?
Bible Reading 2: Romans 9:6-13 (God’s Choice and Promise)
“It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel… It is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring… Before the twins were born… it was said, ‘The older will serve the younger.’”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- God’s promises never fail: Even when circumstances look confusing, His word stands firm.
- God chooses according to His purpose: Jacob and Esau show that God’s plans don’t depend on human effort.
- God’s ways are higher: His decisions come from perfect wisdom and love.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why does Paul say God’s word has not failed?
- What does it mean to be a “child of the promise”?
- How does this passage show God’s sovereignty?
Bible Reading 3: Romans 9:14-24 (God’s Mercy and Justice)
“What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!… ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy’… It does not depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy… Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- God is perfectly just: Everything He does is right, even if we don’t understand it.
- Mercy is God’s gift: We don’t earn mercy—it flows from God’s compassion.
- God is the potter: He shapes our lives with purpose and intention.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why do people sometimes question God’s fairness?
- How does this passage explain that mercy comes from God alone?
- What does it mean that God is the potter and we are the clay?
Bible Reading 4: Romans 9:25-29 (God Calls People from Every Nation)
“As he says in Hosea: ‘I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people’… Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.’”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- God’s family is global: God calls people from all nations, backgrounds, and cultures.
- God preserves a remnant: Even when people turn from Him, God keeps a faithful group.
- God’s mercy reaches outsiders: Those once far away are now welcomed into His family.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why is it encouraging that God calls people from every background?
- What does a “remnant” teach us about God’s faithfulness?
- How does God show mercy to those who were far from Him?
Bible Reading 5: Romans 9:30-33 (Faith, Not Works)
“The Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it—a righteousness that is by faith… but the people of Israel… stumbled over the stumbling stone… ‘The one who believes in him will never be put to shame.’”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Salvation comes by faith: Not by rules, rituals, or good behavior.
- Jesus is the foundation: He is the “stone” some stumble over, but believers stand firm on Him.
- You won’t be put to shame: Trusting Jesus leads to security, confidence, and eternal hope.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why did Israel stumble over Jesus?
- How does faith make us right with God?
- What does it mean that believers “will never be put to shame”?
Youth Group Activity: “The Potter and the Clay”
Objective: Help teens visualize God’s sovereignty and creative purpose in their lives.
Materials: Playdough or modeling clay.
Instructions:
- Give each student a small amount of clay.
- Ask them to shape something that represents themselves (a symbol, object, or simple figure).
- Have them reshape the clay into something new, representing how God molds their lives.
- Discuss how God is the potter who lovingly shapes our hearts, paths, and purpose.
- Pray over their “clay creations,” asking God to form them according to His will.
Key Takeaways for Teens:
- God is sovereign and always keeps His promises.
- His mercy and justice are perfect.
- God calls people from every background into His family.
- Salvation is received through faith in Jesus alone.
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for being sovereign, wise, and full of mercy. Help us trust Your plans even when we don’t understand them. Shape our lives like a potter shapes clay, and help us walk by faith and not by sight. Thank You for calling us into Your family. In Jesus’ name, amen.”