Gospel Sorrow

Romans 9:1 CSB

I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience testifies to me through the Holy Spirit—

INTRO—

So...

Romans 8:37 CSB

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

From—Confidence, hope, gratitude, praise.

[…and in one sentence moves…]

To...

Romans 9:1–2 CSB

I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience testifies to me through the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.

Romans 9:3 CSB

For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the benefit of my brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood.

…Maybe we’ve had occasion to identify, sympathize with this feeling. While getting caught up in the joy of the amazing grace of the salvation Jesus has given to us…someone we know who hasn’t trusted Jesus to be his or her Savior comes to mind. This person may simply be apathetic…but may well be antagonistic…or could even be throughly deceived by secular philosophy or a false religion…Thus, we enter into a bit of angst, sorrow, or fear—desiring that they would truly come to understand the truth that they, too, need Jesus to be their Savior and Lord—SO, what do we do in this situation??

Well, that’s what Romans 9-11 is all about. It’s a wonderful and challenging journey on which God leads Paul…as he works through this challenging consideration.

—ROMANS 9-11—

One way to describe 9-11 is: “Israel. Heartache. Good News. Great God”

So, the conclusion he reaches is… (yes, we’re going to look at “the last chapter” before embarking on the journey with Paul…so we have an ultimate frame of references for the challenging truths we will encounter!)…the conclusion is...

Romans 11:33–36 CSB

Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.

As we work our way through Romans 9-11, keep in mind that the truths we read lead Paul…not to dissension and debate, but to a blessed assurance, a place of divinely established contentment and worship…and as far as I can tell, Paul’s ‘great sorrow and unceasing anguish’ is never removed.

The Reason for Anguish (Romans 9.1-3)

This we have already been discussing...

Persistent heartache over the lostness of his fellow Jews.

[By way of reminder…let Paul’s example encourage (& challenge) you.]

The Establishment of Hope (Romans 9.4-5)

In re-establishing the truth…not relinquishing it.

Romans 1:1–4 CSB

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures—concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead.

Romans 11:36 CSB

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.