Paul’s letter to Christians in Rome is clearly one of the most important books of the Bible we can study. If you were deserted on an island, and could only have one book of the Bible, Romans would be a good choice because it helps us understand much of the Old Testament and focuses our attention on the grace of God in saving us through Jesus Christ. One person who recognized the treasure of Romans was Martin Luther; a man used by God to reform the church from the unbiblical, works oriented, practices of the 16th century Roman Catholic Church. Concerning Romans he said;
“In this epistle we … find most abundantly the things that a Christian ought to know, namely, what is the law, gospel, sin, punishment, grace, faith, righteousness, Christ, God, good works, love, hope, and the cross; and also how we are to conduct ourselves toward everyone, be he righteous or sinner, strong or weak, friend or foe-and even toward our own selves. Moreover, this all ably supported with Scripture and proved by St. Paul’s own example and that of the prophets, so that one could not wish for anything more. Therefore it appears that he wanted in this one epistle to sum up briefly the whole Christian and evangelical doctrine, and to prepare an introduction to the entire Old Testament. For, without doubt whoever has this epistle well in his heart, has with him the light an power of the Old Testament. Therefore let every Christian be familiar with it and exercise himself in it continually. To this end may God give his grace. Amen.
The epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul.”
We currently find ourselves in chapters 9-11 where Paul deals with the problem of his people, the Jews, and their rejection of Jesus as messiah. In 9:6 he asks if this problem means God’s word has failed. He answers this three times in chapters 9-11. First, in 9:8 he says, “…it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.” In other words, “No, God’s word has not failed because God’s promises are for people who are true Israel by election, not simply those who are born into Israel by race.”
Paul asks a similar question, when he asks, “What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith?” Paul again answers with a “no,” this time in 10:4 when he says, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” In other words, “No, God’s word hasn’t failed concerning the Jews because Gentiles are being saved. God’s word stands because it is being fulfilled in those who have faith.”
Finally, in 11:25-26, Paul answers that God’s word has not failed concerning the Jews because “a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved.”
Why does this matter? Because if God’s word has failed, then God is not God, and there is no reason to depend on Him with our lives.
So, has God rejected the Jews? Paul answers this by pointing to himself (11:1). “No, look at me! I’m an Israelite.” Also, in 11:2-5 he points out that God has foreknown a remnant, and that anyone who is saved is saved by grace (11:5), not performance.
In light of this study, Pastor Dale suggests the following applications:
1. Think hard about these (sometimes) hard things. We have been saved into a faith that requires us to be learners. The gospel is a message communicated to us, and God reveals both its message and Himself, in the Bible. Because God has communicated this to us in writing we ought to understand that this requires reading and thinking and carefully interpreting what God intends to show us about Himself, us, and how we can be in a relationship with Him.
2. As you think about unconditional election, ask “Have I switched roles with God?” As Americans, we live in a culture that prides itself on independence and freedom. We not only want to be in control, but we see this as a virtue. What do you do when God’s word communicates that He is in control, and that He is the one who chose you? If we are to read and think and understand God’s word, then we need to ask if other things (such as our cultural assumptions) have caused us to think differently about this teaching of Scripture. Ask yourself, “Am I hearing what God declares in His word, or am I making it say what I think it ought to say?”
3. Humble up. Instead of the teaching of election making you proud, it ought to cause the opposite. Instead of thinking that you’re special because God chose you; election should humble you because it teaches that there’s nothing you can do, and even nothing about you, that causes God to choose you. God chooses you completely for His own reasons. As He declares, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Right understanding of Scripture will always lead you to humble up.
4. Pray for ardent unbelievers. God is the one who saves, but He invites us to pray, and He uses our prayers to accomplish His will. Prayer is like a tool in the hand of God that He uses as He works, so … pray for unbelievers and God may use your prayer as a mean of their salvation.
5. Share the gospel with everyone. Your responsibility is to faithfully communicate the gospel, but the results belong to God. God invites us to be a tool in His hand, as we share the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s His work, not ours. Instead of feeling that someone’s eternal destiny is in your hands, understand that you are a tool in God’s hand to save those whom He chooses to show His mercy. The weight is off your shoulders, so share the gospel with everyone, and leave the results to Him.
6. Take risks with your money and your life. Don’t be foolish, be wise, but understand that your money and this life are temporary, so trust God with them. Be generous with both. Is there anything better than being a part of what God is doing? You’re invited to be a part of what He’s up to, so take a risk and let Him use these as you have an attitude of generosity.
7. Don’t say: “I may not be chosen” Instead, have faith in God and grow in His grace.
8. Find joy in the Lord of grace. Be thankful for God’s grace and recognize that in Him there is great joy.
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