Romans Chapter 9
Paul begins to discuss a problem in this chapter about why the Jews, his own people the Israelites are not in alignment with him. They have rejected their Messiah, and it breaks Paul’s heart. One would think that Paul would be bitter towards the Jews after they tried so many times to kill him, but he had a genuine Christ-like love for his brethren, and it broke his heart that they had rejected the gospel.
Israel was the people that God first brought His promises to. They possessed His Word and were given His covenant promises and His laws. The gospel was also first brought to them; it was their special heritage. It was from the Jewish people that the gospel was meant to be spread to the rest of the world. But a majority of the Jews sadly rejected the truth of the gospel. They let religious tradition get in the way.
Let's Reflect
1. What did Paul wish were possible for him to do so that the truth of the gospel would be understood by his brethren the Jews?
2. Paul understood that just because his brethren were Jewish it did not mean that they would be Sons of God. This is not the promise. To explain this, Paul used the example of the offspring of Abraham – it was through the promised son Isaac that God would fulfill His promises. What was significant about the sons of Isaac?
3. There is a profound statement regarding the choice of Jacob to receive the promises of God. It states that Jacob was loved, and his brother hated. Bible scholars have differing opinions on this phrase, but most feel it refers to the fact that one was chosen over the other to receive the promises of Abraham. What we do know is that the choice was made before they were even born. What does the Bible say did not come into the decision about the choice, since the twins were not even yet born?
4. Just because God does not do things the way we humans think that He should, it does not mean that God makes mistakes. Paul explains that God is God and He does what He wills. We call this the sovereignty of God. For some He will show mercy and for others He will not, their hearts are hardened. What Old Testament character is used to show the example of a man God used to accomplish His will, but his heart was hardened?
5. Can we find fault in what God has created in people? The rhetorical question is answered with a resounding “no”. God is a creator who molds people just as He wills for He is the creator. What we do find is the great patience and mercy of God who endures much wrath from people who shake their fist at God. But in all of that wrath - who and what is revealed all the more? See verse 23.
6. The Jews shook their fist at the Messiah and yet the gospel and God’s glory went forward, and the gospel spread to whom?
7. Paul quoted two Old Testament prophets that said this very thing would happen. He quoted Hosea and whom?
8. Paul describes the great mercy of God towards Israel. He said that if it weren’t for the mercy of God, Israel would have been totally destroyed just like what two cities?
9. What country on today’s globe could you fit into that same scenario, that if it weren’t for the great mercy of God, that country should have already been destroyed?
10. The Jews were tripped up by the law, they let it be a stumbling block to them. They were sure they must obtain salvation by doing good works. That stumbling block became a stumbling stone in the person of Jesus Christ. What was it they needed to obtain salvation?
Devotionals
