Romans 9 -11 / August 23, 2009
This the second to last of our Bible study/Sermon series on Romans for our English worship service at Meito Christ International Church. We will conclude next week, August 23rd.
Chapter 9 – 11
Paul has completed his description of how God’s righteousness was manifested in Jesus Christ; nothing in all creation can separate us from that loving grace. However, some of his readers may have the impression — suggesting there were many Jewish Christians in the church in Rome — God has rejected his people of Israel and the promises made to them. The problem of the persistent unbelief of God’s chosen people, the Jews. Now in Chapters 9-11, Paul explains that God has not rejected his people.
Chapter 9
Vs. 1-3 Paul’s great concern
Vs. 4-5 Jew’s are the recipients of many blessings
Vs. 6-13 Being children of God is not based on inheritance but on promise
Read vs. 6 “But it is not as though the word of God has failed”
Read vs. 8 Not biological inheritance, on birth, but rather on God’s promise.
Vs.14-29 To be Children of God is only possible through God’s mercy, both Jews and non-Jews.
Vs.30-33 Basis for God’s children: faith vs. non-faith
Read vs. 30
“What then shall we say?” Used the question 6:1, 15, 7:7
God’s goal of an expanded “chosen”
Simply put, God chose to create a new people for himself, based on trust in Christ as the one through whom human beings can find their relationship to God rectified.
Chapter 10
Vs. 1-4 Paul’s expression of concern for Israel
Vs. 5-15 Righteousness of the Law vs. Righteousness by faith in Christ
Vs.16-18 Not all obeyed the gospel
Vs.19-21 Neglect and the reception by non-Jews
General theme: It is precisely rebellion against God because of human creature “hood” that has gotten the world into it’s present mess. We are in fact not gods.
Chapter 11
Vs.1-6 God has not rejected the Jews: Evidence
Vs.7-10 But many are hardened
Vs.11-16 Non-Jew connection
Vs.17-24 Warning against conceit
Vs.25-32 Hardening and Blessing of the Jews
General theme: Paul’s view and understanding of the reason for, and the outcome of, Israel’s rejection of Christ as God’s gift of grace, and hence the basis of their choseness. That reason is on the one hand to create space in God’s plan for the inclusion of gentiles (non-Jews) and on the other hand to recreate space in that plan for Jews themselves. All of this has happened for the purpose of the redemption of creation from its rebellion and the ensuing corruption.
