Burden for the Lost
Up to this point in Romans, Paul has taught us the fundamental doctrine of salvation (ch.1-8). We've learned about justification and sanctification. Now as we move into this next section (ch.9-11), Paul teaches us about vindication. Here Paul will explain the unbelief of Israel and vindicate the faithfulness of God in His dealings with Israel.
Here, Paul anticipates this question: "Paul, you say that we are saved by the grace of God, justified freely by His grace, and that there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, and that nothing can separate us from the love of God....then how come the Jews, who were sovereignly chosen by God, have rejected this message and have been (seemingly) rejected by God? If God was not faithful to the Jews, how do we know He will be faithful to the church? Are they separated from His love? Are they lost? And if so, what hope do WE have?"
Very good questions. The very character of God was at stake. So before Paul moves on to the application of our salvation (ch.12-16), he must deal with the vindication of God's faithfulness (ch.9-11). Now these three chapters break down as follows:
Ch.9: Israel's Past: Their Election by God--God's past dealings with Israel shows His sovereignty.
Ch.10: Israel's Present: Their Rejection of God--God's present dealings with Israel shows His equity. Truly God is an equal opportunity Savior, because He still gives Gentiles an invitation to salvation, while giving the Jews the same opportunity.
Ch.11: Israel's Future: Their Restoration by God--God's future dealings with Israel shows His integrity.
In closing out for today, I call your attention back to 9:1-3. Note that Paul had a heavy burden for his people. His heart's desire and prayer was for Israel to be saved (see also 10:1). Do you have a heavy burden for the lost? Is your heart's desire for your family, friends, co-workers, classmates to be saved? Let's pray.
Prayer: "Lord Jesus, I pray that You will give me a burden for the salvation of my lost family and friends like Paul had for his Jewish family and friends. Lord I pray that what breaks Your heart will break my heart. So Lord, I pray that You will begin to work in the heart and lives of my lost family and friends, and then use me as an instrument in Your hand to witness and share with them of Your great saving love. Father embolden me to proclaim Your gospel. Fill me with Your Spirit. Jesus, in Your name I pray, Amen."
Here, Paul anticipates this question: "Paul, you say that we are saved by the grace of God, justified freely by His grace, and that there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, and that nothing can separate us from the love of God....then how come the Jews, who were sovereignly chosen by God, have rejected this message and have been (seemingly) rejected by God? If God was not faithful to the Jews, how do we know He will be faithful to the church? Are they separated from His love? Are they lost? And if so, what hope do WE have?"
Very good questions. The very character of God was at stake. So before Paul moves on to the application of our salvation (ch.12-16), he must deal with the vindication of God's faithfulness (ch.9-11). Now these three chapters break down as follows:
Ch.9: Israel's Past: Their Election by God--God's past dealings with Israel shows His sovereignty.
Ch.10: Israel's Present: Their Rejection of God--God's present dealings with Israel shows His equity. Truly God is an equal opportunity Savior, because He still gives Gentiles an invitation to salvation, while giving the Jews the same opportunity.
Ch.11: Israel's Future: Their Restoration by God--God's future dealings with Israel shows His integrity.
In closing out for today, I call your attention back to 9:1-3. Note that Paul had a heavy burden for his people. His heart's desire and prayer was for Israel to be saved (see also 10:1). Do you have a heavy burden for the lost? Is your heart's desire for your family, friends, co-workers, classmates to be saved? Let's pray.
Prayer: "Lord Jesus, I pray that You will give me a burden for the salvation of my lost family and friends like Paul had for his Jewish family and friends. Lord I pray that what breaks Your heart will break my heart. So Lord, I pray that You will begin to work in the heart and lives of my lost family and friends, and then use me as an instrument in Your hand to witness and share with them of Your great saving love. Father embolden me to proclaim Your gospel. Fill me with Your Spirit. Jesus, in Your name I pray, Amen."
posted by Royce Hendry at
5:22 AM
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