REBC Adult Bible Study - Romans 9
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Good evening Church...
Please turn your Bibles to Romans chapter 9
Today we will be covering one of the most controversial chapters in all of Scripture
As we saw at the end of chapter 8, predestination, election, foreknowledge where all covered
Chapter 9 goes even more deeper, with one shocking truth after another
This chapter has cha
This is a chapter that the natural man, our flesh, struggles to ubderstand
We have to remember, we can’t lean on our own understandings...
Our theology has to be based on the clear teachings as made in the Word of God
Opening Prayer
Opening Prayer
Before we dive into the text...Please join me one more time in prayer before we start
Text Reading:
Text Reading:
Verse 1: I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying
This is an indication that Paul is about to speak a really hard truth
Verse 1: xxxxxxx
This is similar to when Jesus said, “Truly, Truly...”
So, we really need to pay attention
Verse 1: My conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Paul is indicating that the Holy Spirit is leading him in this truth he is about to speak
Verse 2: I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Paul is filled with a great burden...
A great sorrow and great grief
His heart is greatly troubled by the reality he is about to proclaim
Verse 3: I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Paul is morning his fellow Jewish brethren that have rejected Jesus
Verse 4: xxxxxxx
He is even willing to trade his place with those Jews if it would bring them to right standing with God
This in a lot of ways is similar to Moses’s prayer in
30 On the next day Moses said to the people, “You yourselves have committed a great sin; and now I am going up to the Lord, perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.”
31 Then Moses returned to the Lord, and said, “Alas, this people has committed a great sin, and they have made a god of gold for themselves.
32 “But now, if You will, forgive their sin—and if not, please blot me out from Your book which You have written!”
To be hypothetically willing, if it were possible....
To suffer God’s curse for others is a strong statement of love...
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1995.
Neither Moses nor Paul could in fact endure divine judgment on others’ behalf...
Because they themselves were sinners...
Only Jesus could rescue others from The Father’s wrath by enduring that curse on the “tree”
What causes you great sorrow and grief on your life?
Does the separation of other from Christ have any effect on us?
Do we morn for those that are not in Chirst like Paul?
Does the rejection of Christ by the people we know or associate with...
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Drive us to the point of wanting to trade places with them?
If this is not our current feelings, then why not?
Verse 5: xxxxxxx
Could it be we are too focused on ourselves and not on others?
Is it a question of a lack of assurance in our salvation or...
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Have we simply never been regenerated?
Questions or Comments?
Text Reading:
Text Reading:
Verse 6: But it is not as though the word of God has failed
Do not assume that just because some are separated for Christ...
That the the promises of God have failed in any way
The God’s promises never return void
Even though many Jews have failed to believe...
God’s promise to them has not failed...
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2173.
For there was never a promise that every Jewish person would be saved
God chose who would inherit it His promises
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
Verse 6: For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Not all the physical descendants of Abraham are true heirs of the promise
We see this in earlier in the letter in
John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), .
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.
29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.
Verse 7: Nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants
It was never the case that all the physical children of Abraham were truly part of the people of God
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2173.
Verse 7: but “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
teaches that the line of promise is traced through Isaac, not Ishmael
12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named.
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2173.
Verse 8: It is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Paul is thinking of salvation like he explained earlier in , and hence he is not thinking merely of physical blessings given to Israel
16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2173.
“Children of the flesh” is in reference to Abraham’s other children by Hagar and Keturah...
Who were not chosen to receive the national promises made to him
So likewise not all of those who are true children of Abraham through Isaac...
Are the true spiritual people of God and enjoy the promises made to Abraham’s spiritual children
In other words...
John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), .
The biblical narrative of Abraham shows that not all biological descendants of the patriarch...
Are chosen by God for His covenant favor
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
Verses 9-10: For this is the word of promise: “AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON.” And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
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Verse 10: And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
The promise that was made to Sarah in , was not given to Hagar...
Even the birth of Esau and Jacob is further evidence...
That God did not promise that every person of Jewish descent would be saved...
For they had the same father and mother and were even twins, and yet God chose Jacob and not Esau
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2173.
Verse 11: For though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad
Not that before any of the twins ever did anything...
That is anything that would be counted against them as good or bad...
Before they are ever born...
God made His choice
God called the one of the twins that He chose
Not by looking into the future to see what Jacob or Esau would do...
For the text is clear...
Before they had done anything good or bad
Why?
Verse 11: So that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand
So that God’s purpose would be accomplished...
What is God’s purpose?
What is the point for all He created?
It is all for His Name sake...
It is all for the Glory of God’s Name
This is according to God’s choice...
So that God’s choice would stand...
What God does is never dictated by our choices
He is Sovergin
He is in complete control
This fits with the whole narrative of the letter leading up to this point
made it clear we are totally depraved and on our own do no purse God
He has to pursue us first
Simply put...
Election is not based on foreseen actions, deeds, or faith...
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
Rather, it is based on God’s sovereign predestinating grace
Verse 11: Not because of works but because of Him who calls
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Again...
This can’t be made more clear...
Not by our works...
Not by Jacobs works...
But by Him who calls...
By God’s will alone
Verse 12: It was said to her, “THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER.”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
God’s will was o go against the cultural norm...
The older will serve the younger...
Why?
Because it is not up to the cultural traditions of man...
God would make it clear it is His will that will be done...
Not by works...
Not by tradition...
But by God’s will
And one of the most controversial verses in all of Scripture:
Verse 13: Just as it is written, “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
This is shocking when read
But could this instance of “hated” actually mean “love less” like it does in ?
Consider these verses and you be the judge:
5 The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, And the one who loves violence His soul hates.
16 There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.
5 The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity.
For the choir director. A Psalm of David.
1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
5 You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,”
12 Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.
13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
19 O that You would slay the wicked, O God; Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed.
20 For they speak against You wickedly, And Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with the utmost hatred; They have become my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
But could this instance of “hated” actually mean “love less” like it does in ?
“Hated” here cannot be simply reduced to “loved less” due to the Old Testament context that is being quoted...
This makes clear. It must carry the sense of rejection and antipathy
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
3 but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness.”
4 Though Edom says, “We have been beaten down, but we will return and build up the ruins”; thus says the Lord of hosts, “They may build, but I will tear down; and men will call them the wicked territory, and the people toward whom the Lord is indignant forever.”
This makes clear that it must carry the sense of complete rejection
So, we could read the verse alternatively as saying...
“I chose Jacob and rejected Esau”
Leon Morris, The Epistle to the Romans, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press, 1988), 357.
So why does God hate or reject Esau?
Considering what Paul mention about our depraved condition...
Our sinfulness and evil to God’s goodness and holiness...
We should expect this to read the God hated or rejected both Jacob and Esau...
Why?
Remember Jacob was a liar and manipulator
No, the shocking part is not that God said “Esau I hated”
The real shocking part is that God said “Jacob I loved”
Questions or Comments?
Text Reading:
Text Reading:
Verse 14: What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there?
Does the accepting or loving of Jacob over his brother make God unjust?
Can injustice ever even be found in God?
Could the distinguishing sovereign purpose of God...
Throw into jeopardy His attribute of perfect righteousness?
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
Verse 14: May it never be!
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
A thousand times No!!
The idea is clearly unthinkable
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
Verse 15: For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
This is a quotation of which reads...
19 And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.”
‘For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion”’
Note that the pronoun ‘whom’ is singular...
This is contrary to the claim that election is about nations being elected by God but people have the choice to be part of those selected natons
Indicating that the OT does in fact speak of the election of individuals
The election of individuals...
Which is criticized as an arbitrary choice on God’s part...
Is in fact no more arbitrary than the election of communities
On the corporate view election is the choice of the individual to belong to the elect community...
and therefore the real initiative lies with the individual, not with God—God’s choice of a group saves no one
Individual election is actually found in the New Testament as found in
44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.
‘No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day’);
While corporate election is prominent in the OT, individuals are also elected as seen with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans, ed. D. A. Carson, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Cambridge, U.K.; Nottingham, England; Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2012), 392.
Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans, ed. D. A. Carson, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Cambridge, U.K.; Nottingham, England; Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2012), 392.
Paul’s explanation of why some of his fellow Israelites and not others are saved requires that it apply to individuals not nations or a group
Key words as found previously in verses 9–12 such as ‘children of God’, ‘descendants’, ‘counted’, ‘children of promise’, ‘name’ or ‘call’, and ‘not of works’....
Are used regularly by Paul elsewhere in his writings in relation to the salvation of individuals
Individuals are involved when Paul says that God...
Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans, ed. D. A. Carson, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Cambridge, U.K.; Nottingham, England; Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2012), 391–392.
Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans, ed. D. A. Carson, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Cambridge, U.K.; Nottingham, England; Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2012), 391–392.
Has called people from among both Jews and Gentiles to be his people.
Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans, ed. D. A. Carson, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Cambridge, U.K.; Nottingham, England; Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2012), 392.
Additionally...
We see that when God shows mercy...
It is not a person receiving a reward earned by one’s own efforts...
But God’s sovereign free grace extended to undeserving persons...
Who are morally incapable of any acceptable effort...
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
As seen in first 3 chapters of Romans on our total depravity
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
Verse 16: So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
God’s sovereign choice in who is elected has nothing to do with...
Man’s will...
Nothing to do with any merited effort by man...
It completely depends on God’s mercy
God owes mercy to none...
So there is no injustice when mercy is not shown
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
Mercy rests on God’s good pleasure
God’s sovereign bestowal of mercy on undeserving sinners...
Chosen by grace, silences all human boasting
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
Verse 17: For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU
Just as God chooses whom He will have mercy on...
And who’s heart he will soften...
He at the same time chooses who He will not show mercy to...
And who’s heart He will harden...
And all of His choices have the same goal...
For the God’s purpose...
And in Pharaoh’s case it was to demonstrate God’s power
Verse 17: AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
And God didn;t just harden Pharaoh’s heart just to demonstrate His power...
But He did this that His Name may be proclaimed...
Proclaimed throughout the whole earth
Verse 18: So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Again, it couldn’t be more clear...
He hardens who He desires and has Mercy on who He desires
Please note that when God “hardens” Pharaoh’s heart...
He does not create fresh evil in it, but gives Pharaoh over to his already evil desires as an act of judgment
Paul talks about God’s act of giving over people to their evil desire at the start of the letter in
26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,
27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
Questions or Comments?
Text Reading:
Text Reading:
Verse 19: You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault?
Paul anticipates the natural man’s fighting to accept this truth...
Some will ask why is anyone guilty if God is in complete control?
If God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, is that fair?
Then Paul asks another question...
Verse 19: For who resists His will?”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
So, who can actually resist the will of God...
Clearly no one can reject God’s will...
This question is asking id it fair that no one can resist God’s will...
And still be found guilty?
Verse 20: On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God?
Paul’s answer may not satisfy the natural man but it is very much in spirit of God’s response to Job
Really, who are we to question what is fair?
Really who are we to define what is just?
God is the ultimate standard of good...
We are not
If you want to answer back to God...
I recommend you read the book of Job and see what that looks like
Verse 20: The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it?
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Paul continues on the audacity of us...
A created being who challenges the ways of our Creator
Look at our society today...
Filled with people who don’t like how God made them
Who complain about why God made then in a particular way
This is prideful arrogance and an insult to God
Verse 21: Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Paul is making it at clear as possible...
The Potter has the complete authority and right...
To do with a lump of clay whatever He pleases
Even if one is used for honorable use (like a vase or sculpture) and refers to His elect or sheep or followers of Christ...
Or if one is used for common use (that was a vessel for collecting waste) and refers to the wicked, goats, followers of Satan
All people belong to “the same lump” of fallen humanity in Adam...
All actively sin even before God judicially hardens them in their commitment to ungodliness and unrighteousness...
That God should show mercy to any from the Adamic lump...
And create vessels of honor from it is the kindness of His grace...
That others should become vessels for lesser use is a matter of His sovereign prerogative...
And, we must remember, is itself a display of perfect justice toward them
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1996.
Questions or Comments?
Text Reading:
Text Reading:
Verse 22: What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
God could easily stick down the goats...
But he allows them to live...
Knowing they will never accept Him...
One of which is to make His power known...
Created for destruction but not immediately destroyed...
Why?
As was done with Pharaoh
Verse 23: And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
He endures vessels of wrath for His followers benefit...
He is patient with the eternally wicked so the riches of His glory...
Is so clearly obvious to His elect
Like a diamond shining on top of a piece of black cloth...
Without the start contrast of the black cloth, a diamond is just not as mesmerizing...
The radical contrast makes the diamond shine so much brighter
Also, think of the difference between a lit candle in a lit up room...
In comparison to a pitch dark room...
In what setting will the candles appear to shine brighter
So, contrary to goats...
The sheep where made for glory before the foundations of the earth where even laid down
Verse 24: Whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
God called both Jews and Gentiles...
He brought Gentiles into His fold...
And they have always been a part of His fold
Together they make up God’s sheep as we see in the Gospel of John
16 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.
Verse 25: As He says also in Hosea
Notice the tense of “says”
We are blessing to be holding in our hands the living Word of God
Verse 25: “I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, ‘MY PEOPLE
“I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, ‘MY PEOPLE,’
Verse 25: “I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, ‘MY PEOPLE,’
The Gentile, who where not His people...
Will now be called His people
AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, ‘BELOVED.’ ”
Verse 25: AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, ‘BELOVED.’ ”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
The reality is we where not His beloved...
But now we are considered His beloved
This is an amazing act of mercy
Verse 26: AND IT SHALL BE THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, ‘YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE
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THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.”
Verse 26: THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
How amazing that because of the work of Jesus...
We are now viewed as God’s children
Verse 27: Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL BE LIKE THE SAND OF THE SEA, IT IS THE REMNANT THAT WILL BE SAVED
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
A remnant, or a few from Isreal...
Will be saved
The election of a remnant does involve the choice of some individuals and not others...
The election of a remnant does involve the choice of some individuals and not others...
Which is another indicator that this is not talking about corporate election
Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans, ed. D. A. Carson, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Cambridge, U.K.; Nottingham, England; Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2012), 392.
Verse 28: FOR THE LORD WILL EXECUTE HIS WORD ON THE EARTH, THOROUGHLY AND QUICKLY
So, not only are many biological descendants of Abraham excluded from the elect...
But the elect includes Gentiles who believe, who once were not God’s people
Despite Israel’s widespread unbelief...
God is preserving a remnant for salvation among ethnic Israel
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1997.
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Verse 29: And just as Isaiah foretold, “UNLESS THE LORD OF SABAOTH HAD LEFT TO US A POSTERITY, WE WOULD HAVE BECOME LIKE SODOM, AND WOULD HAVE RESEMBLED GOMORRAH
“UNLESS THE LORD OF SABAOTH HAD LEFT TO US A POSTERITY,
The reason for a remnant
WE WOULD HAVE BECOME LIKE SODOM, AND WOULD HAVE RESEMBLED GOMORRAH.
Verse 29: WE WOULD HAVE BECOME LIKE SODOM, AND WOULD HAVE RESEMBLED GOMORRAH
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
The reason for a remnant or as says, “a few survivors” to be in place by God’s mercy...
We would all have been like Sodom and Gomorrah
Also note the Name of God used hear...
Lord of Sabaoth is the Old Testament title of God that means...
Lord of Hosts and refers to His all-encompassing sovereignty
Questions or Comments?
Text Reading:
Text Reading:
Verse 30: What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
This is again the natural man’s response...
Especially how an Israelite may be shocked that a Gentile would achieve righteousness...
However, Paul makes this clear that this is done by faith
Verse 31: But Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
However in contrast...
Isreal, with God’s law of righteousness...
Did not achieve righteousness
Why?
Verse 32: Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith
Despite having direct access to God’s law of righteousness...
Faith is required
Verse 32: But as though it were by works
They pursed God by works...
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
Verse 32: They stumbled over the stumbling stone
By using works to try to get to God only leads to stumbling
Verse 33: Just as it is written, “BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE
“BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE,
God requires faith and even places a stumbling stone...
AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”
In the way of those who pursue Him by works
Verse 33: AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), .
But the ones who genuinely believe in Him...
They are promised to never be disappointed
Questions or Comments?
Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer