Hebrews 11-13

What is faith? What happens by faith? What are some examples of biblical faith? What did the people of faith see and greet from a distance?

Faith is being sure of what we hope for but cannot see. If we can see it and if we have it, then it is not faith. By faith we understand that God formed the universe. Examples of Biblical faith include but is not limted to, Abel who offered a better sacrifice than Cain. Enoch by faith did not see death. By faith Noah built an Ark even though it had never rained.

The people saw by faith at a distance that which they were promised.

For whose good might God discipline us? For what reason? What fruit does discipline yield?

God’s discipline is for out own good so that we amy share in God’s holiness. The harvest of discipline is righteousness and peace.

What can happen by showing hospitality to strangers? Who is the same through all time?

Some showing hospitality to strangers have entertained angels.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Hebrews 8-10

What is the nature of the new covenant mediated through Jesus?

In the new covenant the Lord will put his laws in their minds, write them on their hearts. The people will belong to God. God will no longer remember their sins.
In the new covenant those that are called will receive eternal inheritance and set free from their sins committed under the 1st covenant.

What did Christ appear at the end of the age to remove? How?

Jesus appeared at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.

We are to consider how to provoke one another to do what? What are we not to neglect that has become the habit of some?

We are provoke one another toward love and good deeds. And not neglect meeting together as some are in the habit of doing.

Hebrews 5-7

How did Christ learn obedience? What did he then become? For whom?

Jesus learned obedience from his sufferings. He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey.

What are the two unchangeable things of God that set hope before us?

He two unchangeable things of God that set before us is that God has taken an oath and God does not lie. This hope that we have, more of an assurance, is the anchor for our soul, firm and secure.

Who is Melchizedek? Why doesn't our high priest need to make continued sacrifice?

Melchizedek was the king of Salem and priest of he most high God. A very mysterious chap to say the least. He appears and disappears.

Our high priest does not need to continually offer up sacrifices because he is without personal sin and he has offered himself up as a sacrifice for our sins.

Hebrews 3-4

How does Jesus compare to Moses? Why? Who is the house of God?

Jesus is superior to Moses. Jesus was faithful to the one who appointed him just as Moses. Moses was faithful as a servant but Jesus was faithful as a son over God’s house. And, we are the house of God.

Why can believers approach the throne of grace with boldness?

Because Jesus is our high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses.

Hebrews 1-2

In what ways is the Son of God superior to the angels?

The son of God is superior to the angels in that He is heir of all things, He made the universe, He is the radiant glory and the exact representation of God who sustains all things, and he now sits at theright hand of the Majesty in heaven.

What does it mean for us that Jesus himself was tested by suffering?

It mens that just as Jesus suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help us as we are tempted.

Luke 22-24

How did the disciples know where to prepare the Passover?

They knew where to prepare the Passover meal because Jesus instructed them where to go and what to do. Evidently Jesus had mad plans before hand.

As Jesus prayed on the Mount of Olives what did his sweat become like?

As Jesus prayed he sweat drops of blood, illustrating the intensity of his prayer.

What charges were brought against Jesus? Was he found to be guilty?

Jesus was accused by the Jews of being a subversive. He was also accused of telling the people not to pay their taxes. When no basis was found for the charges they then accused Jesus of stirring up the people by his teaching. Neither Pilate nor Herod found any grounds for the charges.

What was the name of the place where Jesus was crucified?

Jesus was crucified at the place called the Skull.

According to Luke what 3 statements did Jesus make from the cross?

1. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."



2. "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."



3. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

What things did Jesus do after his resurrection so that his disciples were able to recognize him?

Jesus ate with them. He invited them to touch his hands and feet.

Luke 17-21

What made one of the ten lepers different?

He was a Samaritan. He was an outcast hardly worth healing. Oh and one more thing that made him different.... He came back to say, "thank you!"

Who was it that went home from the temple justified? Why?

The tax collector went home justified because he humbled himself before the Lord. Now he was still a tax collector and I am assuming still cheating people in order to make money for himself. Yet his humility and recognition of his sinfulness is what justified him before God.

What did Zacchaeus offer to do when Jesus came to his house? How did Jesus respond?

Zacchaeus offered to give half of his possessions to the poor and to return four times as much as he took wrongly from others. Jesus promptly announced that salvation had come to Zacchaeus.

Even if Jesus ordered his disciple to stop praising him what would cry out in praise?

Jesus said if his disciples were forced to be quiet the stones would cry out in praise.

To what event does the parable of the vineyard point?

The parable of the Vineyard points to the coming rejection, arrest, crucifixion of Jesus at the hands of the Jews who rejected him.

What do the Sadducees not believe?

The Sadducees do not believe in the Resurrection. That is why they are "Sad u See"

Jesus told the parable of the fig tree as a way of knowing what was near?

Jesus told the parable of the fig tree as a way of knowing whne the Kingdom of God would be near.

Luke 13-16

What does the parable of the fig tree suggest about repentance?

This is such a great parable, but I don’t think it is focused so much on repentance. It is a parable of the care and concern and desire God has for people to repent. Fig trees, as I understand them have no need for much care. Either they bear fruit or don’t. Through this parable we see the extent God will go in seeing people redeemed and bearing fruit. AND, we must also see that at some point, as great as God’s desire is, there is a limit to what God can do to bring about repentance.

Who is invited into the kingdom?

Everyone is invited. We must accept the invitation.

How does God act toward those who are lost?

The parable of the lost sheep, coin, and sons reveals the extent to which God will go in seeking that which is lost. It also reveals God’s limitations. He can search for the prodigal son. He can give an explanation to the older son, but they have to come home!

Another aspect of this parable is that God desires that we (who know God through Jesus Christ) should have the same desire for the lost world as the father does for his lost sons.

What was Jesus wanting to teach when he told the story about Lazarus and the rich man?

Be aware, eternity is not like this earthly life. What we do and how we treat those who are in need have eternal implications. God has already provided what we need to follow him. The sensational and spectacular are not any more influential in a person decision to follow Jesus than the normal day to day acts of God in our world.

Luke 9-12

Who will the Son of Man be ashamed of when he comes in his glory?

The Son of man will be ashamed of the one who is ashamed of Jesus and his words.

Who is the greatest?

The greatest is the one who is the least

Who are we to love as ourselves?

We are to love our neighbor as our self. Who is my neighbor? More importantly, who is your neighbor?

What was the better part that Mary chose?

Mary chose to stop and listen to the teaching of Jesus.

What did Jesus say to be like when praying?

Like a persistent neighbor. Do you have other insights?

What does one's life not consist of?

Life is more than the food we eat and the clothes we wear.

What can we add to our span of life by worrying about our life?

Worry cannot add a thing to the length of our life. Perhaps all it can do is shorten it.

What treasures are you storing up for the future? Where is your heart?

Isn’t that the "BIG" question. It seems as if we are all tempted to store up treasures in this life. where IS your heart?

Luke 5-8

What professions did some of the disciples hold before following Jesus?

Before following Jesus some of the disciples were fishermen (most of them) at least one was a tax collector. And one was a Zealot. He was a member of a political party that actively sought the overthrow of the Roman Empire in Palestine. He was Zealous for the independence of Palestine.

What did Jesus ask us to do to our enemies? To others we meet in life?

Jesus asks us to love our enemies. To do good to everyone we meet in this life. This includes turning the other cheek, giving without expectation of getting back. In short, do to others what you would like them to do to you.

What did Jesus have to say about judging, condemning, and forgiving?

Simple....Don’t judge or condemn. Do forgive.

What might have prompted John the Baptist to ask if Jesus was the Messiah?

John was in prison. He was reviewing his life and wondering whether his life was making any difference. He was following God and here he was in prison. Maybe he made a mistake along the way.

Who is likely to love the most?

The one who is likely to love the most is the one who has been forgiven most.

Where do you fit in the parable of the sower?

You tell me!

Luke 1-4

What angel brought news of upcoming births to Zechariah and Mary?

Angel of the Lord, Gabriel was the angel who brought the news of the birth of John and Jesus.

What was the reason Zechariah couldn't speak?

Zechariah could not speak because he didn’t believe what the angel said. He wanted an assurance, a sign, proof .

When would he be able to speak again?

Zechariah would be able to speak when the fulfillment of the promise came to be; that is, when John was born.

Who was the child born to Zechariah and Elizabeth?

John

What things did Mary treasure and ponder in her heart?

The things that the Shepherds told as they left the presence of Jesus. The Shepherds went and told. Mary treasured them up in her heart. She would need the memories of these events to see her through many of the events of Jesus life. Also Mary treasured the things Jesus said when he made his statement of purpose before his parents that he must be about his father’s business.

Who are the two people who were awaiting the birth of the Messiah?

One person awaiting the birth of the Messiah was Simeon. The other was Anna. From what is God able to raise up children to Abraham? God is able to raise up children from Stones

What are the 3 temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness? How does he respond to them?

Jesus faced the temptation of turning the stone to brad; the 2nd temptation was to bow down and worship satan in exchange for the glory, authority and splendor of the worldly kingdoms. The 3rd temptation was to prove who he was by some glorious act - throwing himself off the top of the Temple. Jesus responds to each temptation by reciting scripture.

From what scroll did Jesus read to his hometown folk? What got them so upset that they wanted to hurl him off a cliff?

When Jesus was asked to read in his hometown synagogue he read from Isaiah 61. They were amazed at his gracious words. Then Jesus began to speak. When he spoke of gentiles as being part of God’s plan for redemption the people were furious.

Galatians 5-6

What is the only thing that counts?

The only thing that counts is faith...which is expressed through love. (Galatians 5:6). So, even Paul suggests that our faith must have an outward expression. The evidence of our faith is the acts of love we do. That is a measure of faith.

How is the law summed up?

Galatians 5:14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.The wisdom of that statement is self evident!

Name the 9 parts of the fruit of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22 love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Please notice that these are not fruits (Plural) of the spirit. There is just one fruit. It is made up of several components. To bear the fruit of the spirit is to bear ALL of these components.

How is a transgressor to be restored?

A transgressor is to be restored, gently.

Sowing to the flesh reaps what? To the Spirit? What is our society reaping?

One who sows seeds of the flesh reaps destruction one who sows the seeds of the spirit reaps eternal life.

Galatians 3-4

All who rely on the law are under a _______. How are we clothed with Christ?

Curse. Following the law for righteousness or salivation requires that we continue to do everything the law requires. God luck to those of you who are depending on your obedience to the law as your evidence of salvation.

As for me, the just shall live by faith. My faith is in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for my sins.

We are clothed with Christ through our baptism.
Baptism is not our salvation. However baptism is the outward clothing, covering, that we put over our salvation.

The Galatians are not children of the flesh but children of the?

The Galatians as believers are children of the Promise. The promise is the promise that God gave Abraham. Abraham wasn’t sure of the specifics of the promise except that God had called him and promised him a great nation.
We have the specifics of the promise. It is Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1-2

How can there be 'another gospel'? From where did Paul get the gospel?

There can’t be another gospel. Paul received the gospel by revelation from Jesus Christ (1:11)

If justification comes through works of the law what did Christ die for? What is nullified if justification comes through works of the law?

If justification could come through works of the law then Jesus died for nothing, and the grace of God is nullified.

Philemon

What is the relationship of Onesimus to Philemon? What might it be?

Onesimus is the runaway slave of Philemon. The relationship could be that of a "dear brother." (V. 16)

Colossians 3-4

Living a new life in Christ what are we to get rid of? With what are we to clothe ourselves? What is to rule in our hearts? Dwell in us?

Living our new life in Christ Paul tells us to get rid of whatever belongs to our earthly nature. Instead we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We are bear with one another, forgive our grievances against one another. Forgive as God has forgiven us. AND on top of all this put on LOVE, which holds everything together.

What are the Christian duties of wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, bosses?

Our duty to one another is to submit to one another. To respect one another. To be sensitive to one another. To defer to one another. The peace of Jesus is to rule in our hearts and life. The peace that surpasses all understanding. That kind of peace requires us to be thankful people. Without the attitude of gratitude we cannot know God’s peace. We are to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly.

Colossians 1-2

How is Christ described in 1 Colossians? Of whom is he the image?

In Colossians 1 Jesus is described as the one through whom we have redemption, that is, the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus is the image of the invisible God. If God is invisible how can we see an image? The wind is also invisible. Do we ever see an image of the wind?

Paul continues on to describe Jesus as the firstborn of all creation. The one who created all things. Jesus was before all things (not created), and through whom all things hold together. All things were created for him as well. Jesus is the head of the body, the church. Jesus is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead. Jesus is supreme. Through Jesus all things are reconciled to God and are at peace with God because of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross.

When we were dead in our trespasses how did God make us alive

2:13 We were made alive with Jesus. God forgave us all our sins, canceling the written code (the law?) that opposed us and stood against us. He took it away and nailed it to the cross.

Acts 25-28

Before what King does Paul appear? Who is with the King?

Paul appears before King Agrippa. His wife is with him.

What does the King think Paul is trying to do?

He thinks Paul is trying to persuade him to become a Christian

In his 'I told you so' address aboard the boat to Italy, what did Paul urge them to do?

Paul urged them to keep their courage.

What would be the outcome? How did Paul know?

The ship would be lost but they would not lose their life. An angel of God appeared to Paul and revealed all of his to him.

How many people were on board the ship? What plan did the soldiers have for the prisoners? Upon what island did they safely arrive?

There were 276 people on board. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so they would not get away. They found themselves shipwrecked on eh island of Malta.

What caused the island natives to think Paul was a god?

When Paul got bit by a snake and did not die they though he was a god. Notice that at first they thought he was some murderer since he got bit. They assumed he as getting what he deserved after being spared from death on the ship. People sure are fickle aren’t they. Their thoughts are quite unstable!

Where is Paul located at the end of Acts? How long was he there? What did he do there?

The book of Acts ends with Paul in Rome. He stays there two years and "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ."

Acts 21-24

Who stirred up the crowd against Paul? What were their charges against Paul? Were they true?

Some Jews from the province of Asia who were in Jerusalem stirred up the crowd. They charged Paul with teaching against people following the law and that Paul had brought Greeks (Gentiles) into the Temple. From the previous discussion with James and the Elders it appears that Paul had instructed those who were Jews and lived among the gentiles that they did not have to live under or follow the law.

Paul did not bring a gentile into the temple and Paul did not teach that people should not follow the law. I think he taught them that it was up to them. What was necessary was that, "...they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality."

How does Paul get out of being flogged?

Paul claims his Roman citizenship and is not flogged.

How did Paul arouse a clamor among the chief priests and council?

He pitted them against each other. The Sadducees (who did not believe in the resurrection) versus the Pharisees (who did believe in the resurrection). Paul claimed he was being arrested because of his belief in the resurrection

How were the Jewish leaders going to do away with Paul?

They were going to assassinate him while he was being transported to be questioned further.

What did Felix do with Paul'?

Felix kept Paul in jail waiting for Paul to offer a bribe. No bribe so Paul remained in prison for 2 years until Felix as no longer in control.

Acts 17-20

When Paul entered a city where did he go first? For what purpose?

Paul would first go to the Synagogue to reason with them from the scriptures. Again this points to the importance of having a foundation from which to speak. The folks in the synagogue had a "history." They knew about Jehovah God, and God’s plan and purpose for the world. Any converts from the Synagogue would serve as a core group for Paul’s work with the gentiles, who had no such background.

In what city had the citizens set up an altar to 'an unknown god'? How did Paul make use of the 'unknown god'?

Athens. He basically commended them for their insight in recognizing an unknown god. Paul then proceeds to inform them of who this unknown God is.

What couple explained the Way of God more accurately to Apollos?

Priscilla & Aquila

What/Who stirred up a riot in Ephesus? How was it stilled? By whom?

Demetrius stirred up the riot over the economic impact following Jesus would have on his ability to make a living. (Making silver shrines of Artemis).

You can write this on a rock. While we may have many reasons for our actions, the number one motivator in how we respond to the call of God in our life is financial (economics).
We determine what we will do for God based on the effect it has on us economically.

After taking the financial options into consideration some follow God’s call others ignore or explain away God’s call.

The bottom line is that where our treasure is.... our heart follows.

The controversy quieted down when the city clerk appealed to their right to sue in the courts!

What happened to Eutychus? What did Paul do?

As Paul talked on and on... Eutychius fell asleep and fell out of the window and died. Paul raised him back to life...and continued preaching.

What did Paul say he did with his own hands? For what reason?

With his own hands, he raised his own support to supply the needs of himself and his companions. He did this in order to be able to give (money) to those in need. Or, at least have the resources available to help those in need whom Paul describes as weaker. For it truly is "more blessed to give than receive."

Is it? How are we practicing giving more than we receive?

Acts 13-16

What happened to Elymas the magician for opposing Saul and Barnabas?

Elymas was blinded. It appears to be similar to what happened to Paul before he became a believer. Interesting note here is that as a result of Elymas’ blinding the proconsul believed. And we are left to surmise that Elymas’ blindness was
only temporary.

After healing a lame man in Lystra whom did the locals think Paul was?

Gods - Silas was Zeus. Zeus, in Greek mythology had supreme authority on earth and Mt. Olympus.

Paul was Hermes. In Greek mythology Hermes was the son of Zeus and was considered the messenger of the gods.

In reality Jehovah God is the authority on earth and heaven. And, in reality, Paul was the messenger of Jehovah God.

EXTRA CREDIT: Why were elders appointed and not elected by the congregation? Since this was the practice then, should this be the practice now?

Acts 14:23 23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

What did some of the Jerusalem Christians say was needed to be saved?

Circumcision. That is, that one had to become a Jew in order to be saved.

Paul and Silas' chains were loosed. Why didn't they leave the prison?

They were concerned for the well being of their jailer. As a result of their trust in God for their safety and security they were able to connect with the Jailer.

When we are able to trust God with our present and future as God wants us to trust Him, we become less concerned about our well-being and our own interests because we know that God has "our back." This frees us to take advantage of opportunities that God presents.

If Paul and Silas were concerned about saving themselves the jailer would never have accepted Jesus.

Acts 9-12

Saul was after those who belonged to a group called by what name?

The Way

What happened to Saul on the way to Damascus?

He was struck down blind by God. God got his attention.

Peter raised a woman from death in Joppa. What names did she have?

Tabbitha and Dorcas

What was the purpose of Peter's vision of the sheet full of food?

10:34 34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.

Where is the name 'Christian' first used?

Antioch (11:26)

How did Peter get out of prison?

He walked out. The Church had been praying for him and God acted miraculously.

Acts 5-8

What happened to Ananias and Sapphira? Why?

Ananias and Sapphira were killed dead by God for selling a piece of property, keeping part of the proceeds, but reporting that they had donated the total price to the care of the saints in Jerusalem.

It wasn’t that they kept part of the money but that they were not truthful in telling what they did. It was like they wanted the glory without paying the price. This sort of thing happens today I am sure. When we are not quite honest about what we give, or take credit for giving more than we do. While the result may not be as dranmatic, struck down dead, God views it the same way.

I think the reason why there was such a dramatic response by God is that this was to serve as an example and foundation of the right way to do things, as Christianity begins.

What happens to an undertaking of human origin? What if it is of God?

Undertakings of human origin do not last. If it is of God it cannot be stopped. I think that is true today as Walnut Street Baptist Church undertakes relocating.

For what task were the seven men 'of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, chosen?

They were chosen to wait on the tables of the widows. Their task was to serve so that the apostles could continue to study, pray, and preach the gospel. This group to some extent serves as the first deacons. The word “serve” is a form of the word from which we get the word “deacon.” (GR: Diakonos).

The biblical role of the deacons in the church today follows this example. They are to partner with the pastor in ministry to the congregation, such as, in visiting shut ins and caring for church families.

Ken Hemphill, the Southern Baptist Convention's National Strategist for Empowering Kingdom Growth, expands and expounds on this view of the deacons biblical role in today's church.

"The Ministry of Deacons." Click here to read the article.

What connection was there between Stephen and Saul?

As Stephen was being stoned, Saul was holding their coats. I think they call that aiding and abetting. The inclusion of this tidbit of information gives us a picture of what Saul (Pail) was like before his conversion. His past did not keep him from serving God in the fullest sense.

What did the Ethiopian eunuch ask Philip to do?

The Ethiopian Eunuch invited Philip into his chariot to explain the scriptures to him. Then he wanted to know what should keep him from being baptized.

The scene here is of Philip being ready, in the right place, and willing to share the gospel. However, he waits upon the invitation of the one who is lost (The Ethiopian).

This is a great model for us to follow as we seek to reach those who neeed to know Jesus in a personal way. We must be prepared and ready and wait for the opportunity to present itself.

Too often we are very prepared. In fact, we are spending much time in preparation. In fact, we are actually over prepared, but we are not ready. We are not seeking out those opportunities.

As we wait for Spring to approach, and the beginning of baseball season, allow me to offer this illustration. It is like we are in perpetual Spring training, getting ready for the major league season to begin, working on our fundamentals, game plan, and going over all possible scenarios, but we never move north to begin the season. We are never ready…. we are alwasy in Spring training...

Acts 1-4

The beginning of Acts refers to a first book. It has the same name as the author of Acts. What book is it?

The book of Luke

Who is to know the time when the Kingdom will be restored?

Only the father

Who replaced Judas and how was he chosen? By whom was he chosen?

Matthias ; by lot (throwing dice - casting lots) He was chosen by the remaining Apostles.

• Whatever happened to Matthias?


• Who are the apostles today?


• Has their been a succession of Apostles through the years with each genereation appointing the next generation of Apostles?


• We hear nothing more of Matthias. His addition to the group seems to be unimportant.
  

What happened on Pentecost?

The Holy Spirit descends on the group. The presence of the Holy Spirit finds the focus not on the Holy Spirit but on the Jesus. The gospel is preached. The Holy Spirit always points away from Self and towards Jesus.

What did those who heard the disciples speaking think about them?

They thought they were drunk when they heard their utterances which was not
unintelliogible tongues but differnt languiages.

What happened to the lame man at the Beautiful Gate?

He was healed Peter took him by the hand and ... 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Who is the stone whom the builders rejected? What has he become?

Jesus is the stone the Jews rejected. and Jesus has become the chief stone, the capstone.

Jude

According to Jude who are the ones causing divisions among the faithful? How are the faithful to respond?

Godless men who change the grace into a license for immorality and deny Jesus
Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Respond: V. 20 build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear——hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Romans 14-16

Whether we live or whether we die whose are we?

We are the Lord’s. Regardless of what happens in our life, we have the assurance that we belong to the Lord!

Living in harmony how are Christians to glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Romans 15:6 With one heart and mouth, in a spirit of unity, accepting one another in the same way that Jesus accepted us.

How are the Romans to greet one another?

With a holy Kiss

Romans 12-13

How can you be a living sacrifice?

To be a living sacrifice includes the renewing of your mind. It includes not conforming to the norms of this world. It involves being transformed . In includes a radical change in our thinking and outlook. It includes a new world view.

Our understanding of presenting our selves as a sacrifice conjures up images of being burnt at the stake or some physical act that takes our life from us. This kind of sacrifice can only be done once. So in a sense it is an easy sacrifice (only one time). A more difficult sacrifice,(Which Paul is talking about) involves us continually, daily, moment by moment giving ourselves (desires, goals, actions) in a pleasing way to God. It does not mean that we cannot fulfill any of our own desires, goals, actions. It means we first offer ourselves to the Lord.

In the Old Testament sacrificial system. Most of the sacrifices were like this: One would bring their sacrifice to the priest in the temple who would kill it, dress it, take a portion of the meat (the fat) and offer it up on the burning altar to God. Take a portion for himself. The priests in those days were so obese. Many of them suffered from Gout. After that was done, the rest of the meat was taken and eaten by those who brought it.

What fulfills the law?

(13:10) Loving your fellow man... one another! How radical. However it does sum up Jesus’ command.

Romans 9-11

Who are counted as the descendants who are the children of God?

Not all who have descended from Israel are Israel. (Romans 9:6ff)
Clearly Paul writes that it is not the naturally born children who are God’s Children
(the Jews) but the children of promise. The children of promise are those who have faith in God through Jesus Christ. Definitely it is not by works but by God’s choice. And God has chosen that those who trust Jesus are God’s children. Paul also writes in 10:12 that there is no difference between Jew & Gentile. How is it then that some talk about a different plan of salvation for the Jew over the gentile. Specifically that the Jews will have another chance to accept the Messiah (Jesus). How can this be? The message of the gospel (10:13) is that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Chapter 10 definitely portrays the Jews as being obstinate and refusing to believe in Jesus.

From where does faith come?

Faith comes by hearing the message through the word of Christ.

Who has received God's mercy because of Israel's disobedience?

The Gentiles. Paul reckons that the gentiles salvation ought to motivate the Jews to accept what the Gentiles have accepted.

Romans 5-8

What is God's free gift?

Eternal life

How do we get it?

Through Jesus Christ

What are the wages of sin?

Death

When Paul wants to do good what lies close at hand?

Sin.

Who rescues him?

Jesus Christ our Lord!

Who / what will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ?

NOTHING!