Romans 9:1-33
1) Paul has great heaviness and sorrow in his heart on behalf of the nation of Israel. We should have anguish over lost souls.
a) Israel birthed the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were given the covenants, the law and the promises of God.
b) Israel’s rejection of the Gospel message did not come about by divine decree or determination by God but rather due to unbelief and disobedience.
c) God used Israel’s rejection of its Messiah as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel message to the world.
2) God loved Jacob but hated Esau.
a) This does not mean Esau’s descendants are not capable of receiving salvation. It means the promises given to Abraham would be fulfilled through Jacob.
b) Esau sold an eternal birthright to his brother for a momentarily pleasure (a bowl of stew). Even though he sought to reverse the decision in tears, the consequences of his choice were not reversible.
c) Jesus wept over the nation of Israel because they rejected God’s plan of salvation and prophesied about its destruction in 70 A.D. (Luke 19: 41-44) (Matthew 23:37).
3) God is not finished with the descendants of Jacob. Scripture promises Israel’s eventual restoration and its acceptance of the Messiah Jesus Christ (Isaiah 11: 10-16) (Jeremiah 31: 31-40) (Ezekiel 37: 11-28).
a) Faith is not only believing in Jesus with our minds but it also involves responding with our heart.
b) The struggle for the modern day American Christian is making Jesus Lord over every area of our life and the focus of our attention to include relationships, finances, career choices, education, intellect, and entertainment choices.
c) Israel’s stumbling block has become the cornerstone of our faith and salvation. We will constantly trip over Jesus when we purpose to pursue our own way separated from His Lordship.
Discussion question: How does God use certain people and/or nations to display His glory, whether it be through salvation or destruction?
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