Romans 9 Romans Series #30 Grace Baptist Church 9/28/14 AM “A Passion for my People”

Romans Chapters 9-11 It seems that chapters 9-11 have been inserted with no thought, as sort of a detached parenthesis - a departure from the main thesis- a rabbit trail. One would think that the doctrines of chapters 1-8 would be followed by the practice of But there is a divine plan in including these 3 chapters.

Notice the Unity and Flow of the Book. Chapters 1-8Chapters 9-11Chapters Revelation Rejection Reaction (of the Mercies) (of the Mercies) (to the Mercies) Opening Opposition Opportunities (of the Gospel) (to the Gospel) (of the Gospel) Doctrinal DispensationalDuty FaithHopeLove SalvationSegregationService Israel’s PastIsrael’s PresentIsrael’s Future

With help from the Book of Acts… …we see God opening up the gospel to the Gentiles and closing the doors of opportunity to the Nation of Israel. Israel is seen to suffer the consequences of her rejection of Jesus the Messiah. Chapter 9 shares with us the Absolute Sovereignty of God- Election Chapter 10 spells out the moral Responsibility of Man- Rejection Chapter 11 speaks forth the Final Purpose of God- Reception The Big Question is- Why was Israel being rejected? The Answer is coming in the next few weeks. Notice today – Paul’s Passion for Souls…

Romans 9:1-5 NKJ ¶ I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

And then in Romans 10:1-4 NKJ ¶ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

A Passion for Souls My People 9:1-5 my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, 10:1-4 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. They have great traditions and history, but are lost in a works salvation, and are hindered by pride. My family, my neighbors, and my friends need the Lord today. Every one of them is a candidate to hear the good news.

My Pain 9:1-5 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 10:1-4 1Brethren, my heart's desire… Paul’s pain was deep AND unending pain – no let-up. His pain and sorrow for his people could cause him to wish that he could trade places with them and suffer judgment – though he knew this was impossible. What do you feel when you consider the lost?

My Prayer 9:1-5 3 For I could wish (be constantly in prayer) that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 10:1-4 ¶ Brethren, my heart's desire (choice, delight) and prayer (begging or entreaty) to God for Israel is that they may be saved. Take a moment and try to describe Paul’s prayer for Israel… Prayer for the unsaved – Add these verses. Ephesians 6:19 19 And (prayer) for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 1 Timothy 2:1-4 1 Timothy 2:1 ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. The prayers of the saints are not only for the sick and the depressed, but for lost souls – for the spiritually dead and blind.

My Power – effort Paul wrote, preached, prayed, traveled, was loved/hated. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Romans 15:20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, 2 Corinthians 11:23-26 in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. We are also to GO with the Gospel. Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; the “us” and “we” of II Cor. 5:18-20; Romans 10: Matt 5:13-16.

A Passion for Souls Like Paul Who are the PEOPLE for whom you are burdened? What PAIN do you feel for them in your heart? Are you serious about PRAYER? Pray faithfully for their salvation. Are you doing everything within your POWER to clearly share the message of the gospel of Christ? I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes…