A PROMISE LOST
Romans 9:1-13
Difficult theological issues perplex great minds! –We all struggle with some hard questions!
Romans 9 is that kind of chapter—it has caused problems for many.
And yet, as is frequently the case, 2 facts are true about this problem:
1) The basic issue–in the passage itself–is quite clear.
2) WE struggle with same issue original listeners struggled with!
9:14: Key question: “What then shall we say? Is God unjust? “
9:19: Response of doubters: “One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who resists HIS will?”“
Theological argument is intended to make us think about the implications of the main point—to make it clearer. But don’t miss the MAIN idea:
ISRAEL LOST IT BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THEY HAD IT MADE!
Hearing Paul's presentation of the gospel, anyone who knows O.T. is sure to ask: "What about God's chosen people?"
How does this gospel affect Israel?
What happened to the promise God made to Israel? Has it been canceled?
Doctrinal argument concludes with relationship of ISRAEL to gospel 9-11
Story warns of danger of trying to earn our way to acceptance by God
When we try to earn our way–to make it on our own–we miss out on way GOD has made!
The only way to approach God is by faith in Christ.
Relationship of Israel to God's plan IN THE PAST 9
Relationship of Israel to God's plan IN THE PRESENT 10
Relationship of Israel to God's plan IN THE FUTURE 11
RELATIONSHIP OF ISRAEL TO GOD'S PLAN IN THE PAST 9
Jews forgot their inability to live a holy life–everytime they tried, they failed!
They tried to earn their way into God's presence by keeping law.
Result: in spite of their privileged position they no longer enjoyed blessings God promised them, and were left under God's judgment.
PAUL'S SORROW BECAUSE OF ISRAEL’S REJECTION 9:1-5
Paul grieves because his brethren are cursed and cut off from their Messiah in spite of privileged position.
ISRAEL IS CURSED AND CUT OFF FROM THEIR MESSIAH 1-3
Paul expresses pain, as he observes what happened to God's people.
He is one of them => he longs for God to bless them.
He couldn't feel satisfaction with successful ministry to Gentiles, knowing Israel was left out!
Paul’s sadness is similar to God's sadness.
God loved them enough to sacrifice His Son for them–but they wouldn’t trust Him.
PAUL WISHES HE COULD TRADE PLACES WITH THEM 3
Paul was willing to give up his blessing if Israel would return to God.
Lit., Paul suggests that he would do this in their place, as their substitute.
He’s more interested in Israel's condition than personal benefit!
He can't be content with his privileged position as long as he knows Israel is separated from God and headed for divine judgment.
He would rather sacrifice himself, if that could cause their restoration.
But he knows this rebellious people will never accept the offer.
Christ made a similar offer and they killed Him!.
ISRAEL'S PRIVILEGED POSITION HASN’T PRODUCED FAITH 4-5
Israel's rebellion continues in spite of privileges God gave them.
GOD HAS GIVEN THEM EVERYTHING!
He adopted them as His own children (Ex. 4:22-23; Deut. 14:2; Isa. 63:16).
His glory was present in their midst (Ex. 16:10; 24:17; 40:34-38).
God made covenant with them—entered into relationship with them
He gave them His law—made them responsible to keep it and care for it.
He entrusted worship of the living God to them.
He gave them promises for the future—His plan revolves around them.
They could boast of being descendants of the patriarchs–godly men known for intimate communion with God.
It was through them Jesus, the Messiah, Savior and God of universe, came to earth.
They had everything. It’s hard to believe people so loved by God could reject his plan, and insist on trusting themselves.
Paul shows deep concern for his people.
He knows they are God's people–He’s given them great privileges which they haven’t taken advantage of.
How does Paul show his concern for Israel in his own activities and conduct?
How do we show concern for OUR countrymen?
God’s people are QUICK TO CONDEMN pagan attitudes and lifestyles,
but SLOW TO REACH OUT with good news.
How do we explain Israel’s rejection? What went wrong? What happened to God’s promise?
ISRAEL'S REJECTION AND GOD'S PROMISE 9:6-13
GOD'S PROMISE HASN'T FAILED 9:6a
Blessings God poured out on Israel demonstrate God hasn’t failed.
Problem wasn't God, nor His Word—He fulfilled all He promised.
Problem was unbelief and rebellion of the people.
God warned them from beginning of danger of trusting themselves
Israel still keeps thinking they can satisfy God's demands their way.
They’ll never experience God’s blessing while thinking that way.
GOD'S PROMISE DOESN'T INCLUDE EVERYONE 9:6b-13
It isn't for ALL physical descendants 9:6b-9
Physical descent doesn’t produce children of God 6b-8a
Blessings God promised weren't for all Abraham’s descendants
God demonstrated heirs of promise would be those He chose
God’s promise produces God’s children 8b-13 8b
2 examples make his case: Sarah & Rebekah
God’s promise regarding Sarah results in the promised son 9
God chose one of Abraham’s children (Gen. 21:12-13; 25:1-6)
Principle true throughout history: heirs are not those born physically as Abraham’s children, but those who trust God's promises.
God’s promise to Rebekah results in God’s chosen son 10-13
God’s choice isn't based on works 10-11a
It’s not those who struggle to get them that receive them.
God’s choice is based on God’s purpose 11b-13
God decides to whom He wishes to give the promises.
Principle demonstrated by election of Jacob rather than Esau.
God declared His plan before they were born.
Choice based on God's plan; not their works
“Love/hate” = heb. idiom for choosing one over the other (=> Jesus’ ref. to hating father and mother–against teaching about honoring parents!)
Student told Griffith Thomas he was having trouble with this: He couldn’t understand why God hated Esau. Thomas responded he has a problem too: He couldn’t understand why God loved Jacob.
Israel's fall was not result of failure of God's Word.
He accomplished His work in accordance with His plan.
Promise wasn’t for all who considered selves part of Israel.
God’s promises given to true Israel–to those who trust HIM!
OUR SALVATION:
DOESN’T DEPEND ON OUR HERITAGE
Relying on “inheritance”-parents, church, previous achievements–as basis for eternal life?
DOESN’T DEPEND ON OUR EFFORTS
Have we been deceived into thinking we can earn eternal life by our efforts?–Israel’s mistake
DEPENDS ON GOD'S GRACE! He’s the One who calls!
ISRAEL LOST IT BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THEY HAD IT MADE!
If we try to make it on our own–to make it by our efforts–we too will lose it!
As long as we THINK we have it made, we’ll never turn to Jesus to do it for us!
GOD’S PROMISES ARE FOR THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE IT MADE!–people who could never make it on their own!
Church is filled with people who don’t have it made–people who’ve made a mess of their life!
People with nowhere left to turn! People living with pain of consequences of bad choices.
BUT GOD CHANGED THEIR LIFE! That’s GOOD NEWS!
God’s promise of eternal life is for those who TRUST HIM!