Can you imagine saying to God, “I’ll give up Heaven for the sake of my brothers who have rejected me, beat, me, and would ultimately be complicit in my death?!” That’s exactly what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 9:1-5. Romans 9 is all about God’s sovereignty in election and in it Paul says some difficult things. But before he did, he wanted the readers to know that he had a deep, sincere love for his fellow Israelites. We, too, ought to love our enemies and those who persecute us in hopes that one day they will see Jesus as their glorious Savior!

Romans 9:1-5

#connect4QC #Foundation #Romans #SovereignGod #Election #Zeal #Nations #Gospel

Shownotes:

Introduction:

• Opening quote: “I’ll give up Heaven for the sake of my brothers” - Understanding Paul's sacrificial love (Romans 9:1-5).
• Setting the stage with Isaiah 46:8-10 - God's sovereignty and purpose.

God's Sovereignty in Election (Romans 9-11):

• Recap of previous chapters: Romans 1-3 (sin), 4-5 (grace), 6-8 (Holy Spirit's work).
• Embracing God's sovereignty as the foundation for confidence (Romans 8:37-39).
• Highlighting Romans 9-11 as a defense of God's sovereignty in election.
• Encouraging repeated reading of Romans 9-11 as a journey through God's wisdom.

Romans 9:1-5 - Paul's Sincere Love:

• Paul's declaration of truth in Christ with the Holy Spirit as a witness (Romans 9:1-2).
• Expressing deep sorrow and anguish for Israel's rejection of the Messiah (Romans 9:2-3).
• The intense desire for Israel's salvation, even to the point of being accursed (Romans 9:3).

The Holy Spirit as Paul's Witness:

• Importance of a clear conscience before speaking hard truths (Romans 9:1).
• Paul's genuine concern for the salvation of his fellow Israelites.
• Parallel with Moses' plea for the forgiveness of Israel (Exodus 32:32-33).

Privileges Squandered by Israel:

• Listing Israel's privileges as the chosen people of God.
• Paul's acknowledgment of the tragic irony in Israel's rejection of Christ.
• The heartfelt desire for Israel to embrace Christ despite their rejection.

Christ Came for All Mankind:

• Emphasizing that Christ, though born an Israelite, came for all who believe.
• High Christology: Jesus as the Christ and God over all (Colossians 1:15-20).
• Affirmation of Jesus' divinity and preeminence.

Genuine Love and Sympathy for the Lost:

• Paul's deep love for the Jews and his desire for their salvation (Romans 10:1).
• Encouraging empathy for those who reject or oppose the Gospel.
• Jesus' command to love enemies and Paul's example of sacrificial love.

Doxological Conclusion:

• Understanding the meaning of "amen" as an affirmation of truth.
• Affirming Jesus Christ as God over all, blessed forever (Colossians 1:15-20).
• Urging listeners to take the Gospel to all nations with sincere love for the lost.

Closing Thoughts:

• Reiterating the joy and duty to share the Gospel globally.
• Filling hearts with zeal for God's glory to cover the earth.
• Acknowledging the Lord's sovereignty in salvation and His invitation to all.

Outro:

• Closing with a call to action: Every Member a Missionary - spreading the Gospel across the street and around the world.
• Inviting listeners to respond with a resounding "Amen" to the truth of Christ's lordship over all.

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