9 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

— Romans 9:1-5

• What might we infer about our own consciences from what Paul says about His?
• Have you ever heard a greater “love your neighbor” statement than what Paul says in v.3?
• What did Israel have?
• What did they know?
• What were they missing?
• What can we extrapolate to the church from Paul’s words about Israel?