Romans 9:1-13 (Bridge Bible Church 06.25.2023)
Notes
Transcript
A Passion for Possession
A Passion for Possession
As you have walked through the book of Romans together, you have gone through a lot. I want to congratulate you for making it this far!
You have completed the first section in Paul’s letter to the Romans (ch. 1-8)
Paul began his letter by defining the gospel in 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Paul announces God’s righteous judgement on human sin (1:18-3:20) as well as God’s righteous salvation of sinful humanity (3:21-4:25).
Paul shares that now those who believe can live at peace with God in a restored creation… (5:1-8:39).
and ends the first section in 8:38-39 with this heart warming affirmation of God’s love for his people.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
If a person were reading Romans for the first time, once they arrived at chapter 8 they might think.... I’m pretty much finished. Paul has covered everything....
This would be a wrong conclusion. My friends, Paul is just getting started.
In chapter 9, Paul shifts gears to help his readers begin to understand not only the gospel… but the relationship between the gospel (as Paul has described it so far) and the impact of the Gospels proclamation in the community.
The Roman community was populated by both Jews and Gentiles. So far in Paul’s letter, a lot of what has been written seems to be focused on the Jews.... but we need to realize that Paul is not taking sides… he is merely correcting Jewish misconceptions about the gospel.
knowledge of the law does not exempt a person from God’s judgment.
It is the internal, not the external that matters…
Jews are just as much under God’s wrath as the heathen (described in Romans 1:18-32).
Law keeping and circumcision do not replace faith as the basis of salvation.
Salvation has always been by faith!
By the time Paul wrote this letter, the gospel had its greatest success among the gentiles.... rather than the Jews. Actually, when a large portion of Jews heard the gospel they had actively and violently rejected it. (Acts 13:45, 50; 17:5-7, 13; 18:6, 12-13; 19:9; 1 Thess. 2:14-16)
If you get the sense that Paul is taking sides, that is only because he has been dismantling any possible Jewish argument that would lead them to consider the Jew better than the Gentile sinner. (Gal. 2:15)
Paul is challenging the Jews to reconsider that in which they have placed their trust (Law… works)
Paul’s message of the righteousness from God, revealed through Jesus’ death and resurrection would have likely shaken their beliefs to the very core.... leaving much of the Jewish community questioning what they had always believed.
What Paul wants to do in this letter is help both Jew and Gentile realize that they are all in the same situation when it comes to sin, wrath, and judgment. Paul also wants to explain that there is only one plan for reconciliation with God.... salvation through faith.
Today will be a milestone in your study as you take steps into a new section of the letter.
Romans 9-11...
In this next section, Paul acknowledges the tragedy of Israel’s rejection of the gospel (9:1-5) then explains why this response does not pose a threat to the claims made about the consistency of the gospel with Israel’s Scriptures (9:6-11:32).
God will prove himself faithful, in spite of Israel’s current rejection of Him. A big take away from this entire section (ch. 9-11) is that God is still faithful… His sovereign election is sure. Israel’s unbelief does not mean that God’s promises have failed!
Paul does this by highlighting Israel’s past, present and future.
Romans 9: Israel’s Past — God is faithful to His covenant promises…
Romans 10: Israel’s Present —
Romans 11: Israel’s Future —
Paul continues to express his passion for his people and for God’s word as he continues to answer objections that he knows are in the minds of his readers. In verses 1-5 he answers a big question he knows is on everyone’s mind regarding God’s faithfulness.
I. God is faithful to keep His promises (1-5)
First, I’d like to take a moment and point out Paul’s passion for the lost.
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 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.
Paul’s heart was broken for his Jewish brothers and sisters. His heart continually ached at the thought of Israel’s rejections of Christ. He is so broken and burdened for the salvation of their souls that he tries to express it in the most extreme way possible.
Friends… if I could give up my eternal salvation and go to hell in your place… so that you would believe in Christ.... I would do it! If I could somehow give up my reserved spot in God’s presence in heaven and suffer the eternal separation from God in Hell… I would gladly do that so that you could be saved!
Paul knew that this was not possible..... our salvation is non-transferrable. What is he doing? He is trying to express to his fellow Jews how important this is… and how deeply he longed for their salvation.
They are the people of God! They had experienced so much privilege over the years.... but they were not possessing the benefits of that privilege.
Those of us who have loved ones who have never placed their faith in Christ experience a similar feeling as Paul. We enjoy being around them.... we love them… but underneath all of that is a deep heaviness and sorrow because we know that they are lost… bound for hell.
So, as you study through this section.... I want you to never forget Paul’s heart.... he deeply loves those who will read his writing… and longs for them to have a true and life changing faith response in Jesus Christ!
Paul’s passion for the Jew’s who are lost has and will continue to provoke this objection.... “Paul, yes we have had all the privileges you mentioned… and they are so great. that if we are lost… then that means that God must have failed! If what you are saying is true, then God is the one who has not kept His Word!”
Anticipating this response.... Paul launches into chapter 9 in defense of God’s character..... —> Paul is defending the justness of God.
Paul will do this by tracing the history of God’s dealings with Israel and shows that He is righteous and just.
This is one of the least popular passages in Scripture because Paul bases his defense of God’s character on the doctrine of election, which teaches that before the world was created God chose who would receive salvation. ---
our natural way of thinking does not like this thought.... (sometimes when pastors are preaching through Romans… they have decided to skip this passage all together. I’m so grateful for your pastor, Dave.
For the sake of our own souls… and of the church, Dave has chosen to work through the hard portions of Scripture..... even those portions that can be beyond our understanding.
In verses 4-5, Paul helps us understand the main idea he will present throughout the rest of our text for today. He wants his readers to realize that Privilege does not equal (or guarantee) possession
Look at verses 4-5...
They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
Paul is continuing a list that he started back in chapter 3. The last time I was with you we studied through chapter 3 and saw that one of the biggest privileges that God had given to the nation of Israel was His Word. They were His people.. and had access to His divine instructions....
Word of God (3:1)
Now, Paul continues that list, identifying all of the privileges and opportunities that God had given the nation of Israel.
Adoption (9:4) - This is the only time Paul ever refers to the adoption of Israel. Actually, this is the only time in the entire NT that the Israelites are said to be the adopted sons of God. In the OT, there are many verses that refer to Israel as a nation being the child of God. Paul is re-stating the fact that one of the privileges Israel has experienced is that they are God’s chosen nation.
The Glory (9:4)- Paul is referring to the glory of God. Given the context, Paul is referring to the visible symbol of the presence of God. The cloud / pillar of fire that led them through the wilderness. The glory that descended on Mt. Sinai. The glory that later filled the temple. and the very glory that ended up departing (Ezekiel) and returned to heaven in response to the growing sin of the people and lack of faith in God’s plan of redemption. —What a privilege they had! When the nation was unable to walk by faith… God allowed them to walk by sight.
The Covenants (9:4) - This can be translated as “agreements”. This is what God would expect of His people and what God’s people could expect from Him. Through Moses was given the covenant of the Law, through David was given the covenant of an eternal kingdom and throne… and many more. You could word this privilege like this.... Israel had received the promises of God. --- Paul is implying that God has not abandoned his covenant with Israel. though now for a season, Israel as a nation, has been set aside as Christ fulfills a new covenant with His universal church… God intends to keep HIs promises that were specifically made to Israel (coming kingdom, coming throne, promise of a New Jerusalem and a restored throne of David).
The Law (9:4) - This points back to what Paul shared in chapter 3. Israel had been entrusted with the very oracles of God! They had God’s revelation to mankind. They were responsible for not only receiving the words of God but also for displaying the character of God to the nations! Israel failed to do this. Instead they hoarded the Law and God’s message and thought it was a treasure to be kept to themselves. They failed to be a blessing to the nations by missing the Savior… who was clearly identified in God’s Word. Even so… what a privilege to be chosen to be the recipients of God’s Word.
The Temple Services (9:4) - The nation of Israel was given the unique privilege of approaching God. They were given a unique system of worship through the temple, sacrifices, and ceremonies that no other nation enjoyed.
The Promises (9:4) - Israel had been given prophetic truths from God concerning the Messiah. Many of which, even after they came true, many Jews, even today, still refuse to see how these accurate prophecies connect with Jesus.
He would be born in Bethlehem (Mal. 5:2)
He would suffer (Gen. 3:15 and Isaiah 53)
His hands and feet would be pierced (Psalm 22:16)
He, the Savior, would be a Jew (Gen 12:1-3).
He, the Savior, would come form the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10).
He, the Messiah, would be directly descended from David (2 Sam. 7:1-17)
He, the Messiah, would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14)
When He was crucified, his executioners would cast lots for his clothing (Ps. 22:18)
and more…
The Patriarchs (9:5) - Israel had descended from a line of Godly faith responders. They have the blessing of heritage. Men of faith… Abraham, Moses, David… You are related to people who have demonstrated a great faith in God. Now it’s your turn.... to pass on that godly heritage. (maybe you are part of a godly heritage.... praise the Lord. If not, perhaps you are beginning a godly heritage with your family now! Wonderful! That is super exciting.... imagine how many generations you can impact for Christ by investing in your own family… so that they continue the process and pass down that godly heritage to their children. Such a privilege!
The Lineage of Christ (9:5) - The last privilege that Paul lists is that through the nation of Israel… the Christ… promised Messiah… had come. Literally, Paul is saying… the very Messiah you are all waiting for has come… and he came through your family tree! The very son of God.... the Christ… has Jewish blood running through his veins! Amazing!
As Paul finishes his list of privileges, it is as if he is saying to the Jews who have not yet believed…
You have grown up with privilege.... but that isn’t enough.... you need to possess their benefits. Stop thinking that you are better than the Gentile sinners.... You are not! The Jews with all the privileges that God has given you are just as much under God’s wrath as the heathens described in Romans 1. Law-keeping, and circumcision can never replace faith as the basis of salvation! Remember Abraham (Rom. 4).... he was a pagan who was saved by faith… not by by the works of the law.
My heart is breaking for you! Privilege does not equal possession! Stop trusting in your privilege! Start possessing faith in Christ! Now, let me talk about Jesus… because that is where it has to start.
In verse 5, Paul ends his list and then just camps out on Jesus for a minute.
To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
This verse delivers an irrefutable statement about Christ’s divinity. If anyone in Paul’s audience had any doubt that he believed that Jesus was 100 % man as well as 100% God, then this verse makes it all clear.
That being said, this verse is one of the most discussed verses in Scripture. It all has to do with the Greek manuscripts and how the original manuscripts did not have punctuation. Bible translators have had to add punctuation to sentences where it seemed to fit best. Some more liberal translators would place the punctuation so that the end of verse 5 is merely a doxology praising God forever. Not a bad thing.... but, based on the grammar structure, it was not what the author intended. — Consistently throughout the OT and NT, when a doxology is found, the word “blessed” is before the name of God. But, in this verse, Paul does something found no where else in Scripture. He places the word “blessed” after the name of God. He uses a reverse form.... to indicate a specific truth… that intentionally points the reader to understand that Christ is God.
Look at verse 5 and make a few marks in your bibles with me.
Circle the word “God”. Then draw a line with an arrow back to that words antecedent, which is “who is”. Now draw a line from “who is” back to its antecedent, which is “Christ”. Now circle the word Christ. Paul is clearly saying that:
Now lets read what we have circled. Christ who is God.
Christ who is God over all, be blessed forever, Amen! Amen!
It is possible for us to experience all of the privileges of God and yet not possess the person of God.
What privileges has God given you? (Church, family…)
But still, have you, like Israel, rejected the privileges, ignored the blessings of God, and refused the Savior?
Paul is saying… hey Israel! Wake up!!! Let me bring it to our context..... Hey church… wake up! I’m not asking you to just try Jesus.... I’m calling you to possess Jesus by faith!
t’s not a matter of adding Jesus to your traditions....
It is possessing a true faith in Jesus… who is God, blessed forever… Amen!
God is completely faithful to keep His Promises! To the nation of Israel.... and to each one of us here today.
Now, when the time we have left I’d like to direct your attention to two illustrations Paul uses to help us understand the reality that God is faithful, even in our rejection of Him.
II. God is faithful, even in our unbelief.
But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
In verse 6, Paul re emphasizes the truths he has shared in chapter 3 and so far in chapter 9. God has not failed. God’s Word has not failed. Even if there are Jews that reject the gospel… and are not saved.... God’s sovereign plan and election has not failed.
Why? Because in verse 8, Paul tells us that not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Not everyone who is part of the nation of Israel are God’s children. Only the children of “the promise” are considered to be the children of God. Basically, just having Jewish blood is not sufficient to grant you salvation. It’s not enough to have the privilege of being part of the nation of Israel. A Jew must possess the benefits of being part of spiritual Israel through faith in Christ. Just having the privilege of being a jew isn’t enough....
picture in slide to illustrate
God has sovereignly chosen those who will be his spiritual children.... and yes Jews....but the Gentiles are also included. .... the deciding factor is not ethnicity or nationality… but faith in Christ somehow guided by God’s sovereign election of those who would belong to Him.
Paul wants to illustrate the reality of God’s sovereign choice. He does so by pointing our attention to the famous example of Isaac and Ishmael. Even though Ishmael was also Abraham’s son, God chose Isaac. God arranged Isaac’s birth in such a way that no one could have said it was anything less than a miracle.
Now, like any good lawyer, Paul realizes that his audience has questions… and wants to poke holes in his argument. Paul knew that his audience would argue that God chose Isaac because he was the son of Abraham and his wife Sarah… whereas Ishmael was the son of Hagar.... there is some doubt… a bit of confusion.... so…
In order to clarify things… Paul gives us a second illustration of God’s sovereign choice and directs our attention to Jacob and Esau.
These two men had one mother and one father. No confusion here.
Before Jacob was even born… God chose him. Jacob became the heir of God’s sovereign choice/ election.
It wasn’t because of his moral goodness or good works. God’s choice of Jacob wasn’t just Jacob… but was a choice of the nation. The context of Malachi 1:2-3 tells us that “I have loved Jacob, but Esau I hated” refers to the descendants of Jacob (Jews) and of Esau (Edomites).
I know what you are thinking..... “It’s not fair”!
Whether we think it is fair or not… the selection of Jacob individually and the Israelites corporately as a nation was solely God’s sovereign choice.
As you think through this text, remember, Paul is addressing the objections many of the Jews had about the gospel and gentiles coming to faith. So, to help them understand he gives these illustrations. In the same way that God sovereignly chose Israel as a nation.... He also has sovereignly chosen people to be his spiritual children… and that includes all those who would respond in faith to the gospel of Jesus Christ.... who is God!
God did not hate the Edomites… and therefore chose to reject them. In HIs sovereignty, he chose to love Jacob/ Israel more.
The same dynamic is expressed in Luke 14:26, where Jesus says
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
Jesus doesn’t mean that his followers are to literally hate their relatives, but that they are to love him so much that the love they have for their family would appear as hatred when compared to their love of Christ.
While we might not understand God’s sovereign election...
While we might not like it.... we may think it is unfair....
Paul knows that..... and that is why he answers that response in verse 14 by saying
What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!
“.. you’re not suggesting that God isn’t fair, are you?”
… May it never be!
And this is the verse where I am going to pass the batton off to Pastor Dave so that he can continue leading you through this study when he gets back!
I want to acknowledge that this is one of the hardest things to wrestle with in Scripture. Chapter 9 primarily focuses on God’s sovereignty and election. I’m glad you came today… and no, all of our questions have not been answered.... actually, you probably have a thousand more questions....
When we talk about election.... not everyone will agree. Sometimes we read something and say… , “That’s not fair!”....
While we wont’ all agree… and while what we’ll talk about today will raise a thousand more questions in your mind… I want you to consider this thoughts.
“I would rather have God who is described in Scripture, who provokes a thousand questions, than the imaginary God of our generation, who barely provokes a yawn.” (Stephen Davey).
Let me share something with you that has been helpful for me as I have wrestled with the doctrine of election over the years. (personal understanding....out of all the possibler worlds that God could have made.... he made this one… and sin is part of it.... but election is also part of it… —> making God even greater and giving him more glory!!! Can’t be a bad thing… )
The point Paul is making is that God has not failed just because Israel has failed. True Israel (true believers) have always come to God through His sovereign choice. God could have chosen Esau and rejected Jacob… but he didn’t.
One of the amazing things to think about is not that God rejected Esau.... the amazing reality is that he chose Jacob… think of who Jacob was… a tricky.... swindling.... kind of shady guy.... But God chose him anyway....
The same is true for us. There is nothing good in us that would make God choose us. And yet he has… if you have responded in faith to the gospel.... you have been chosen… you are part of God’s sovereign election…
Application/ Conclusion:
Sometimes when people talk about election, they focus on what they feel like are negatives. But as Paul highlights the sovereignty of God in election.... it is meant to be overwhelmingly positive! God’s election is meant to be reassuring...
Paul is trying to reassure the nation of God’s providence and power.... and election was his proof of both.
Also, when we focus on all of the negative questions that come to mind when we discuss election, those negative questions often tend to cloud the amazing, positive implications of this doctrine. God’s election is amazingly positive…
For example:
You are here on this planet by God’s appointment
You were born into your family and into this generation by God’s timing
You were made with strengths and weaknesses to glorify God’s grace and sufficiency
You are even now, under God’s determined plan of training and pruning and conforming.
You are experiencing events and circumstances according to His perfect timing and wise purposes.
This is all true no matter what you are facing; no mater where you are; no matter who you are; no matter where you have been.
As you reflect on this passage, here are some thoughts to take home with you.
Privilege does not equal Possession
God has not failed — His sovereign plan/ election is sure.
The Word of God has not failed b/c of Israels unbelief...
How should we respond?
Intended Response:
Our response is to trust in God’s sovereignty and not take matters into our own hands
— Don’t doubt God’s sovereignty..
— Surrender to His sovereign will.
God is on the Throne! He is our sovereign King!
Jesus Christ… who is God.... be praised forever… Amen! and Amen!!!!