Questioning God’s Love

 

Questioning God’s Love 

Malachi 1:1-2

SUBJECT: CHOSEN BY GOD

THEME: Be thankful for the blessings of love, privilege, and hope from God upon our personal lives, our homes, our churches, and our county.

RELEVANCE:  the Sovereign Choices of God (in the past) Concerning Israel’s General Conditions and Quality of Life Should be Viewed as an Act of His Love. 

INTRODUCTION: 

1. “Count Your Blessings” repeats the phrase, “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done.” Thankfulness requires reflection on our lives as we consider or count what God has given us.

2.  Malachi ministered to the restored Jewish nation about 400 years before Christ.  

3.  Malachi directs his messages to the priests, and then he turns to the people collectively—“Like people, like priest.” As the prophet delivers God’s Word, the people respond by arguing. Note the repeated “Wherein?” (1:2, 6–7; 2:17; 3:7–8, 13). It is a dangerous thing when people argue with God and try to defend their sinful ways.

From this passage the following truths may be seen.

MESSAGE:

I. We Enjoy Great Love from God, but Some People Ignore It (Mal. 1:1-2).

A.  GOD DECLARES HIS LOVE.   (Mal. 1:1-2a)

It is true that some people seem to be more favored by God than others, and yet they are often unaware or even doubtful of it.

   1.  This is the Burden of Malachi.  (Mal. 1:1) “The burden of the word of the LORD . . .by Malachi”

A “burden” is a judgment, a judgment from God, and it will be a very strong and rigorous rebuke that God will give to them.^[a]

Thus the Divine message which Malachi had to deliver to Israel: “I have loved you, saith the LORD.”  

Nothing should thrill our hearts like the knowledge that God loves us. 

       A.  It is God’s Nature to Love.

Deut. 7:7, The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:

1 John 4:8,  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

       B.  It is God’s Desire to Love.

Jeremiah 31:3, The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

1 John 4:7, Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

       C.  It is God’s Glory to Love.

God love those who are unlovable, and do not know how to love in return.

Hosea 11:1, When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

Romans 5:8, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Love is a great and glorious act of God’s Person and Purpose.  It is a wonderful matter when God love us.

   2.  This is the Blessing of Israel.  (Mal. 1:1) “the word of the Lord to Israel”

Israel here stands for all the tribes, all the descendants of Jacob.

       A.  Consider God’s Blessings on Israel.

The nation of Israel was more favored than any nation on the face of the earth.

            1.  Notice Their Privileges.

In relation to their privileges Paul says, 

Romans 9:4-5, Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; [5] Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

            2.  Notice Our Privileges.

1 Cor. 10:11, Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Romans 15:4, For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Just as the Lord love Israel because of Who he is, He likewise loves us.  It not our performance that wins his love. 

       B.  Consider God’s Blessings on an Individual.

As Jacob was more favored than Esau, so some people in all generations are more blessed than others. 

            1.  As Individuals, Some People Have More Blessings than Others.

                — Blessed with more vigorous and stronger bodies,

                — Some have more intellectual resources,

                — Other have more emotional wealth or greater ability to enjoy life. 

                — There is great variety in the degree of natural ability give to each of us.

                — Read the parable of the talents.

            2.  As Individuals, All People Are Not Privileged with the Same Type Blessings.

                — Some are born of healthier parents than others,

                — Some live in better circumstances than others,

                — Others are endowed with greater strengths than others,

                — Others are raised in a more wholesome family environment.

                — Some are afforded higher educational opportunities than others.  

            3.  The Existence of These Distinctions Is Too Obvious to Require Either Argument or Illustration.

       C.  Consider God’s Blessings on our Nation.

But it is the nation that is in view in our text.  “I have loved you” that is, “I have regarded you more than other nations.”

            1.  Is Not Our America More Favored than Most of the Other Nations of the Earth? She is recognized as the leading superpower in the world.  She is, in some respects, as far exalted above all existing countries, as Israel of old was above all the heathen nations that surrounded it.

            2.  But While this Is Such an Obvious Fact, the Blessed Ones Are Too Often Unaware of the Distinction. “Wherein hast thou loved us?”

                  — Israel did not realize its gigantic privileges. How often is this the case with us!

                  — The people most privileged of God are often most unconscious of His blessings, and they say, “Wherein hast thou loved us?”

                  — As a rule, perhaps the most privileged people of God are the greatest complainers.

                  — What ignorance of God’s love we find here! 

                  — God’s love counted for nothing!

B. THEY DOUBTED GOD’S LOVE (Mal 1:2b).

“I have loved you,” God says to His people. “Oh?” they respond. “Wherein hast thou loved us? Prove it.”

When God tells people that He loves them and they respond, “Yeah, right!”, there is a serious spiritual problem at work. That is exactly what we find here.  How can we recognize it in our own experience?

   1.  It is Marked by Doubt.

       A.  Ignoring and doubting God’s love is the beginning of unbelief and disobedience.

       B.  Eve doubted God’s love and ate of the forbidden tree; she thought God was holding out on her.

       C.  Satan wants us to feel neglected by God. “Look at your difficult circumstances,” he said to the Jewish remnant. “Where are the crops? Why doesn’t God take care of you?”

   2.  It is Marked by Mediocrity.

      A.  They Did Not Possess the Commitment that Comes from Love.

Not surprisingly, the Jews who had returned to Judah and Jerusalem and lost a sense of God's love for them were unable to muster much love for Him in return. This showed in the way they kept up a superficial form of religion that actually insulted God.

      B.  They Did Not Experience the Victories that are Rooted in Love.

             — When the Jews from Babylon returned to Jerusalem and Judah after seventy years of captivity, they experienced a great deal of frustration and defeat.

             — Oh, sure, they responded to the divine cheerleading of Haggai and Zechariah to rebuild the temple—on a small scale.

             — Yes, they had finally raised walls around the holy city under the none-too-gentle prodding of Nehemiah.

      C.  They Did Not Know the Perseverance That is Motivated by Love.

On the whole, the Jews in the days of the prophet Malachi were ready to join the “quitters’ club” where you simply go through the motions, but your heart is really not in it at all.  

             — They were beaten down and ready to settle for the path of least resistance.

             — They embraced mediocrity as a goal worth easing toward.

   3.  It is Marked by Ingratitude.

As usual when people question God’s love, it generates a great deal of bitterness, complaining and general ingratitude.  So God here proves His love to His people in two ways:

       A.  He Graciously Chose Jacob.  

            1.  That is their national father, and rejected Esau, who in many ways was a much better man. 

            2.  Bare in mind, this has nothing to do with salvation, but the privilege of participation in God’s plan to bring the Messiah into the world.  Salvation is not in view, but a position in God’s great plan of the ages.

       B.  He Judged the Edomites.

These are Esau’s descendants who were without the blessings of the Lord, but God gave to Israel the best of the lands.

            1.  Too often we have to be reminded of another’s tragedies before we can see our own blessings.

            2.  He promised Israel a land flowing with milk and honey, but, alas, their sins polluted the land. Even then, he graciously restored them to their land and delivered them from captivity.

            3.  With all these blessings, you would expect God’s people to be thankful instead of complaining.

Application: To take someone for granted means not to appreciate him, especially because you are too familiar with the person. Such actions also assume that the relationship is 'fine' even without any acts of gratitude or appreciation (Luke 17:17-18). Sometimes we take God for granted! We can go ahead and sin and sin and sin, thinking that it's okay because we can be forgiven the moment we ask for forgiveness. We do this because we think salvation is ours, and that excuses us from trying harder to live a holy life. We seem to think the ideas of the grace of God suggests that we will be exempted from the consequences of our wrong actions, but this is a deception and exceedingly harmful; it gives Satan the advantage. (Rom. 6:1-2)

Application: When a person is in love with God, they are overflowing with joy, faith and excitement. A person is drawn and repents when they are convicted by the gospel, surrenders their will, and becomes spiritually born-again. They are redeemed through the blood covenant atonement and become a new creation that is governed by Christ our Lord who fills and controls their life.

We agree the infinite life of God within these individuals illuminates and empowers the presence of His mercy, compassion, and love. So, could it be possible for an individual who has yielded everything they have and all that they are unto God, to never say a word about knowing Him? Could someone who has taken up their cross feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about the Bible, pray for someone in need, or share about what Christ accomplished on Calvary? (Living on Purpose: Ignoring God does not lessen our need for Him

Rev. Billy Holland)

Application: Sometimes it is unbelief that has prevented us from receiving God's love. You may have hardened your heart against His love at some point, and while you still believe in God and believe other truths about Him, you cannot bring yourself to believe in His love.

CONCLUSION.

Aren’t we as individuals, homes, churches, and Americans among the peoples whom God has specially blessed and smiled upon? Are not these words specially applicable to us, “I have loved you, saith the Lord”?

But what is our practical response? Does not our daily life speak out the ingratitude, neglect, and unbelief of Israel, “Wherein hast thou loved us?” We do not see it; we do not feel it; “Wherein?” What ought we to think of our country, civilization, our freedoms, our fruitful lands, our prospering hopes?

Above all, what about our Lord Jesus Christ? 1 John 4:10, Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

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^[a] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 3 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 992.

Can God Really Do That?

 

Can God Really Do That?

ROMANS 9:1-5 (Vs 14)

SUBJECT: ROMANS/ ISRAEL’S PAST

THEME: the foundation of God’s entire economy of redemption rest upon his nature and character; therefore, we can breathe easier without any probability of disappointment in his mercy, power, and faithfulness.

INTRODUCTION:

If God is fair in his dealings with Israel, then the rest of humanity can unreservedly entrust their eternal future with him.  However, if he was unfair in his dealings with the nation of Israel, then how can we as Gentile Christians even begin to rest in him for our own eternal destiny?

There are several questions I hope to answer from this passage and this chapter in Romans:

1) Is salvation based on our good works or is it based on the calling and compassion of God?     

2) What does it mean when the God of love says he loved Jacob but hated Esau?

3) How can we reconcile God’s sovereignty with human responsibility?    

4) Have the promises of God failed Israel? Will they fail us also?   

5) After looking at his record, can God still be trusted today?

RELEVANCE: Basically, God exercises the prerogatives of a sovereign God and man functions within the orbit of God’s will as a free moral agent. In both instances neither violates the opportunities and choices of the other. It is this understanding that sets the stage as we come into Romans chapter nine.

MESSAGE:

I.    A Sincere Desire to See the Nation of Israel Saved. Vs 1-4. Paul’ s burdened for the salvation of his kinsman, the nation of Israel.    

Rom 9:1, I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

II. Yet, The Nation of Israel Is Not Saved. Vs 4-5.

Paul recounts the privileges of Israel, but still they are not saved nationally.  

Rom 9:4-5, Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; [5] Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

    A.  THE DIVINE FAVOR, GOD’S GRACE, ON THE NATION OF ISRAEL

This section places great emphasis on divine sovereignty and human responsibility.  Romans 9 deals primarily with His Sovereignty and Chapter 10 will balance things out concerning Human responsibility. Notice that God extended his sovereignty to grant Israel’s opportunities rooted in his grace.

            1.   They Were Privileged with Divine Adoption     Vs 4, ...  to whom pertaineth the adoption.... Adoption has to do with the placing of a son and God had adopted the nation of Israel to be His son.  He was a father to Israel.

Exod 4:22-23, And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: [23] And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.

Jer 31:9, They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.   (Hos. 11:1; Deut. 14:1)

APPLICATION: What a Privilege is Ours to be the very Sons of God, Adopted into His family and made Joint Heir with Jesus Christ! Romans 8:15-17, For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. ¹⁶ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Eph. 1:4, Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

1 John 3:1-2, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. ² Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

           2.  They Were Privileged with Divine Accompaniment   Vs 4, ...and the glory

The Glory Cloud or Shekinah Glory that visible luminous appearance of God's presence. It was a symbol of God presence, guidance, and protection of His earthly people Israel.  What a privilege to have God’s Leadership as a Nation!

                A)  It led them across the wilderness (Exod. 13:21-22; Num. 9:17-22).

                B)  It protected them at the Red Sea (Exod. 14:19-20,24).

                C)  It filled the tabernacle during Moses' dedication (Exod. 40:34-38).

                D)  It filled the temple during Solomon's dedication (1 Kings 8:10-11; 2 Chron.

5:13-14).

                E)  It was removed during Ezekiel's time (Ezek. 10).

APPLICATION: What Great Privilege is Ours to Have the Glory of God in Us; to be indwelt by the Holy Ghost.  We have Power for living in the Filling of the Spirit, Guidance in life, and the very Presence of God With us always. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

          3.  They Were Privileged with the Divine Agreements Vs 4, ...and the covenants

                A) The Abrahamic Covenant-Promising a Mighty Nation (Gen. 12:2-3,7;13:14-17; 15:5, 18; 17:8).

                B) The Palestinian Covenant-Promising the land from Egypt to the Euphrates   Gen. 15:18; Deut. 30:3

                C) The Davidic Covenant-Promising an Eternal Kingdom (2 Sam. 7:12-16; 23:5;2 Chron. 13:5).

                D) The New Covenant-Promising New Hearts (Jer. 31:31-34).

APPLICATION: As New Testament (New Covenant) Saints We Will share in all the Blessed Promises with the saved Nation of Israel at the time of their National Redemption. Hebrews 9:14-15, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? ¹⁵ And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Christ offered His own blood as the sacrifice for our sins, He is the mediator of a new covenant (see Heb. 8:6). He focuses on God's promise of forgiveness of sins under the new covenant. Christ is not an abandonment of these Jewish roots. Instead, he is a fulfillment of that heritage. 

           4.  They Were Privileged with The Divine Articles Vs 4, ...   and the giving of the law

Israel alone were the recipients of the Holy Law of God (Deut. 5:1–22).

It was to Israel that the law was given. They and they alone were its recipients.^[1]

It was to them that the ceremonial and judicial law were given, and the moral law in writing pertained to them. It is a great privilege to have the law of God among us,^[2]

APPLICATION: We today have the entire preserved Word of God. We have the privilege of the great example of Believers from the past to inspire us to live for God.  We have the privilege of knowing what God thinks is important, and what God values.  We can know exactly what to do to please God from the Bible. Also, I always use a KJV Bible, and I hardily recommend that you secure one if you belong to the English-speaking world.  Every scrap of solid evidence, and genuine Christian History points to the KJV Bible as God’s preserved Word in English.

           5.  They Were Privileged with The Divine Administration Vs 4, ... and the service of God. They performed services for God (ministering in both tabernacle, temple, and the priesthood).

This had to do with the worship of the tabernacle and temple. They were to be a kingdom of priests. “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel” (Exod. 19:6). The nation failed God, but God did not give up His purpose that they should be priests. God took the tribe of Levi and gave them the responsibility of serving and caring for the tabernacle and, later, the temple. In the future, in the millennial kingdom, the nation of Israel will once again be God’s priests upon the earth.^[3]

APPLICATION: it is still a privilege to serve God in the local church, through the in-resident local assembly today. To worship God, teach, be a member of, send the gospel to the world, to assemble, disciple, to encourage each other, to hear the Word preached/explained, and to pray and call upon God in the church body is what we are to do. The great properties of belonging, fellowship, and purpose that people look for in other organizations can be found in a proper church body in most cases. What great privileges we take for granted as members of a church of our Lord Jesus Christ! What pleasures we take for granted by being a part of Christ’s functional body on earth. How honored we are to be a part of our Lord’s sweet precious bride, the church!

1 Cor 12:26-28, And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. [27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. [28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (See Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:12, 14-20; Eph. 1:23; 4:12; 5:23; 5:30; Col. 1:18 & 24)

           6.  They Were Privileged with The Divine Affirmations Vs 4, ... and the promises….

In addition to the covenants mentioned above, God made innumerable promises to Israel of protection, peace, and prosperity.^[4]

APPLICATION: We who are saved have the promises of an eternal inheritance; eternal life, eternal home, and eternal glory. Heb 9:15, And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

“The promise of the eternal inheritance” takes us back to the inheritance that God promised to Abraham, where we become heirs through having the same faith as Abraham. It includes justification by faith, being part of a spiritual nation, a new immortal body, and eternal life. (See Gal. 3:15-18, 29; Rom. 8:15-17; 1 Cor. 15:50-58)

           7.  They Were Privileged with Their Human Ancestry    Vs 5, ...Whose are the fathers, ... (See Matt. 1:1-16). This is the Jewish heritage and family line.

The Jewish people rightfully claim the patriarchs as their own—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve sons of Jacob. These were the forefathers of the nation.^[5]

Later in New Testament times we as Christians can point to Matthew, Paul, Peter, John etc.

APPLICATION 1: If you have parents that brought you up in church and on the Bible, then you should make a point of frequently thanking them for their faithfulness to the Lord. They have given you one of the most valuable gifts, a spiritual family heritage in Christ. We should appreciate them for not quitting on us, not resorting to other philosophies, and not allowing themselves to get out of church and backslidden. You have a steadfast heritage because of their faith. This is a wonderful gift!

APPLICATION 2: Perhaps you don’t have the family history I just described. In fact, you experienced quite the opposite! Though you have the pain and scares from the past, it still all can begin with you. You can be the “Abraham” in your family lineage.  The one who believes God and separates from the old trends and ways of the family looking to the promises and provisions of God as you journey to the land of promise! You can be the “David” in your home who leads your family to victory after victory through the many battles of life. The one who leads your family to having a heart for God. By the grace of God, it can begin with you regardless of the challenges and unfavorable circumstances! Relinquish the grip of victimhood and embrace the hope of responsibility under God’s economy!

APPLICATION 3: We too have the privilege of a great spiritual ancestry in the servants of God of yesteryear.  In people like D. L. Moody, Billy Sunday, Charles Spurgeon, Charles Finney, George Whitfield, Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliotte, Corrie Ten Boom, C. T. Studd, John R. Rice, Amy Carmichael, W. W. Wiersbe, and many others.  These men and ladies trusted God, believed God to work in their lives and He did.  My how this should create a hunger and thirst in our souls to see revival come to our hearts, to our churches, and to our nations. It happened with these men and women, why can’t it happen with us!

           8.  They Were Privileged with The Highest Aim      Vs 5, . . .and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

They are the nation that God chose to bring our Savior into the World, the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Messiah Himself.  How would you like to be the people from which the Sovereign of the Universe was born, the eternally blessed God of Heaven.  It is through the Messiah that all of the promises and privileges afforded Israel will realize their ultimate fulfilment and consummation!

APPLICATION:  Divine Favor is not enough to make salvation complete.  God did all that He did with Israel because of a Sovereign Choice, but that alone didn’t save them.  In fact, great privilege means great responsibility. Thus, we learn that even when God acts Sovereignly in our lives, we are still accountable and held responsible for our actions. We are still liable for our failures.

Basically, God implements the choices of a sovereign God and humanity acts within the path of God’s will as a free moral agent. In neither case do the parties violate the opportunities and options of the other. It is this dynamic that Romans chapter nine seeks to highlight.

     B.  THE DOWNFALL OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL INSPITE OF GOD’S GRACE

Rom 9:31-33, But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

          1.  Their Works and Self Righteousness Was One Reason for Their Downfall

Rom 9:32, Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.

          2.  Their Willful Rejection of the Savior Was Another Reason for Their Downfall

Rom. 9:32, For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Rom 9:33, As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

APPLICATION 1: The primary focus of this entire chapter is the Sovereignty of God, but from the very start of the chapter we see strong testimony here to the responsibility of man in the matter of salvation.  It is difficult to reconcile these two doctrines, however, both are clearly taught here and will be in the next chapter.  God may give us today great privileges, blessings and benefits, but in the end it all boils down to whether or not we have trusted Him in a saving capacity or have we rejected His grace for our own works and self-righteousness.

APPLICATION 2: As Christians we can fail in our responsibilities to trust and serve God. God in His sovereignty has blessed us richly as Americans, but are we taking advantage of the privileges He has afforded us to trust Him to work in our lives and through our lives individually and institutionally?  With great privilege comes great responsibility and we as Christians have a wealthy heritage, the power of God, and the blessings of God. Are we executing his will with gratitude? God is not about to change because he is absolutely faithful; it seems the ball is in our court now.

CONCLUSION:

God’s past dealings with the nation of Israel are based on two things, His grace and government.  His grace refers to his character and nature. His dealings with them in grace involved the privileges of being Israelites, the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, promises, the service in the tabernacle, and the fathers. The most important blessing is Christ, the Messiah.  God’s governmental dealings with Israel involved His wisdom, will, and Word.  God was governed by fixed principles and not capricious whims.

The basis of God’s entire economy of redemption rest upon the foundation of his nature and character, therefore we can be assured without any possibility of disappointment in his mercy, power, and faithfulness.

Furthermore, the Scriptures say that we all are sinners. Unless God, pure and righteous, take our place and suffered the penalty for our sin, we would have to bear that penalty ourselves. The Apostle Paul explained this in Romans 3:10–18: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. [13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: [14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: [15] Their feet are swift to shed blood: [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways: [17] And the way of peace have they not known: [18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.   

Jesus’ death on the cross for us never needs to be repeated, and neither does anyone else ever have to suffer and die as He did. He is the sacrificial, substitutionary, all-sufficient atonement (Romans 5:20-21; 6:10-11). Yes, Christ died for us. Jesus came so that you and I might transfer our guilt to Him, and accept, by faith, that He is the guiltless One who has received our sin and taken it to Himself.

So, in this light, the only thing you need to do to receive salvation is to literally receive God’s forgiveness. And when you do, you truly have made a choice for life. We cannot simply believe anything about Jesus or be forgiven for any reason though. We must believe the Son of God, Jesus Christ, died for our sins, was buried, and God raised Him up again from among the remaining dead people the third day for our justification before The Father (see 1 Cor. 15:1-4 and Rom 3:21-31). I need you to understand that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is the power of God that saves us…that grant us eternal life through Christ (Rom. 1:14-17). Again, receive God’s salvation even now. You can experience God’s spiritual new birth right now!

 

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.

^[2] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 2216.

^[3] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 4 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 711.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.

^[5] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.

Now that's a Burden!

 

ROMANS 9:1-5 (Vs 14)

SUBJECT: ROMANS/ ISRAEL’S PAST

THEME: the basis of God’s entire economy of redemption rest upon the foundation of his nature and character, therefore we can rest without any prospect of disappointment in his mercy, power, and faithfulness.

INTRODUCTION:

If God is fair in his dealings with Israel, then the rest of humanity can unreservedly entrust their eternal future with him.  However, if he was unfair in his dealings with the nation of Israel, then how can we as gentile Christians even begin to rest in him for our own eternal destiny?

There are several questions I hope to answer from this passage and this chapter in Romans:

1) Is salvation based on our good works or is it based on the calling and compassion of God?     

2) What does it mean when the God of love says he loved Jacob but hated Esau?

3) How can we reconcile God’s sovereignty with human responsibility?    

4) Have the promises of God failed Israel? Will they fail us also?   

5) After looking at his record, can God still be trusted today?

RELEVANCE: Basically, God exercises the prerogatives of a sovereign God and man functions within the orbit of God’s will as a free moral agent. In both instances neither violates the opportunities and choices of the other. It is this understanding that sets the stage as we come into Romans chapter nine.

MESSAGE:

God’s sovereignty and human free will (responsibility) are taught throughout chapters 9 -11 in Romans. Romans 8:29-30 is one of the most difficult passages in all of Scripture because it deals with the subjects of moral responsibility of mankind and sovereign prerogatives of God.  The key to unlocking this blessed passage is some understanding of the words “foreknow,” “predestinate,” “called,” “justified,” and “glorified.”  These words stretch all the way from eternity past through fleeting time and on into eternity future, but they assure the believer of God’s grace, governance, and consistency.  They focus the mind on the difficulty of reconciling divine election with human free will.  For humanity this is challenging but God has never been confused on this issue or any other. To be sure this is a topic of great difficulty, but both concepts are clearly taught throughout the Word of God, and both concepts should be embraced by our faith. 

I.               A Sincere Desire to See the Nation of Israel Saved. Vs 1-4

Paul’ s burden for the salvation of his kinsman, the nation of Israel.    

Rom 9:1, I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

I must admit that the thoughts of Paul cause me to marvel at his Christ-likeness. I am not comfortable placing myself in this company at all; please do not mistake my efforts to treat this passage accurately with some measure of attainment on this level. That would be a gross mistake and miscarriage of the depth and power of this passage.

1. PAUL HAD AN AWARENESS OF HIS FEELINGS FOR ISRAEL

1. He was Motivated to Speak Truthfully in Christ

a.      He made an astonishing and remarkable statement about his feelings towards his fellow Jews who have rejected Christ.

b.     He desired to show the peculiar tragedy of the Jews rejecting their Messiah. As a Jew himself, he understands this tragedy in a unique way.

c.      He was motivated to refute charges brought against him that he has become indifferent or hostile to the Jews. He shows his deep concern for them.

d.     He hoped that by explaining the situation, some Jews may come to understand the truth and believe the gospel. 

2. His Conscience Witnessed on His Behalf

a.      Paul is attesting that his own conscience is a witness that what he is saying is true. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that a person’s conscience is an independent witness of that person’s declarations. “The extent to which the conscience is saturated with Scripture determines the extent to which one can depend on their conscience.”

b.     The conscience refers to a state of awareness or a sense that one's actions or intentions are either morally right or wrong, along with a feeling of obligation to do the right thing. Our conscience is only as good or as valid as the standard by which it measures and evaluations our thoughts, motives, decisions and actions.

c.      Dr. Sam Horn observed, “The conscience is an inner human faculty corrupted by sin and the Fall. And the Holy Spirit is the divine agent God uses to begin His redemptive work in a believer. The Spirit takes someone who is dead in sin and darkened in their understanding (Eph. 4:18) to someone who has life and the eyes of their heart enlightened (Eph. 1:17-18).”

3. His Conscience was Illuminated by the Holy Ghost

a.      Dr. S. Horn also said, “This transformation and renewal of our conscience is brought about as the Spirit takes residence in our heart and begins to influence our inner man.”

b.     The Spirit reveals God's truth, and God's truth renews our conscience. As the Spirit educates the believer's conscience with the things of God, the personal standard formed by the conscience begins to align with the standard of revealed truth.

c.      His conscience, in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, attests the truth of what he is saying.^[1]

d.     By repetition in positive and negative terms (internally attested by the witness of his own conscience [cf. comments on 2:15] in the presence of the Holy Spirit) Paul affirmed his deep anguish of heart over the rejection of the gospel by the vast majority of Jews. ^[2]

Our consciences must be captivated by the Word of God. As the Spirit of God continually impresses our consciences as yielded believers with the purposes of God, which are revealed through the Word of God, we can boldly live for God, confident that we are pursuing the will of God.

To grow in holiness, two things need to happen. First, our conscience needs to be recalibrated by God's Word so that it becomes a more accurate judge. Second, we need to live each day with a clear conscience, never going against what the inner voice is saying. A clear conscience is a beautiful thing.

In addition, we today must understand the goal is not merely to see the Nation of Israel in their own land or that they should persist as controllers to occupy the Land of Israel. We should be aware of their need for Christ as we seek to reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are not primarily interested in the nation occupying their land or God’s land; instead, we must be focused on seeing them saved through gospel presentations and sharing Christ.

        B.  PAUL HAD A TREMENDOUS CONTINUING BURDEN FOR ISRAEL

Rom 9:2, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

Paul longs in extraordinary love for others to know Christ. In light of the cross of Jesus, we must be filled with compassionate resolve for others to hear the gospel and trust in Christ.

            1.  It Was a Cosmic Burden “Great” (Big, Large, Huge, Mighty, Strong) and “heaviness” (Grief, Sorrow)

            2.  It Was a Continuous Burden “Continual” (Permanent or Without Ceasing) “Sorrow” (A Consuming Grief of Mind that would not go away)

When he thinks first of Israel’s glorious calling, and now of its rejection by God because it rejected the Messiah, his heart is filled with great sorrow and continual grief.^[3]

It is impossible for us to appreciate adequately the anguish of this great apostle for his own nation. His patience in the presence of their persistent persecution is an indication of it. He knew how they felt toward Christ and toward Christianity, for he once felt that way himself. He had been a Pharisee, a leader; he longed for them to come to Christ as he had.^[4]

        C.  PAUL HAD AN ALTRUISTIC COMPASSION FOR ISRAEL

Rom 9:3, For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

When Paul thinks of Israel’s glorious calling and the purpose for with God had chosen them, and now their rejection by God because they had rejected their Messiah, his heart is filled with sorrow and grief.

            1.   His Compassion Reminds us of Moses Regarding Israel's Sinful Condition.

Exod 32:30-32, And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. [31] And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. [32] Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.

            2.  His Compassion Reminds Us of Christ Regarding Israel's Sinful Condition.

John 15:13, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

(Matt. 23:37)

That is a level of compassion and love; a selfless love that really is Christ-like. This is what Jesus has done for us as our all-sufficient, sacrificial, atoning substitute. He went to the cross.  He endured the wrath of the Almighty that we in turn might be saved. So that we might not experience God’s wrath. So, the only way we can love people who are unsaved and separated from Christ like this is if Christ produces this kind of love in us.

            3.  Paul’s Compassion Was So Great That He Was Willing to Be Cut off from Christ If His Forfeiture Would Result in the Salvation of His Kinsman Nationally.  I believe this is the highest form of Human love or should I say divine love working in a human heart.  Remember, these are the same people who wanted Paul dead for preaching the Gospel!

Accordingly, then (Romans 9:1-3) Paul had great anguish concerning reaching his Jewish brethren for Christ and he made an incredible, yet true, statement regarding this.  Paul clearly was willing to be accursed from Christ–devoted to perdition–if in exchange it would mean the salvation of the Jewish people.  He was not speaking merely about being excommunicated nor death, but actually being damned to Hell for all eternity if this were possible.  His declaration, the Lord Jesus Christ, his conscience, and the Holy Spirit all testified to the truthfulness of Paul’s statements about the Jewish people. This is a description of his soul-winning passion among his countrymen; he was honestly willing to suffer eternal separation from Christ if by so doing his Jewish brethren would be saved through faith in their Messiah.

        D.  PAUL HAD A NATIONAL FOCUS ON ISRAEL

Rom 9:4, Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, . . ..

Paul declared his great heartbreak that his people by birth, the Jews, have rejected Christ.

As Paul weeps over his people, their glorious privileges pass in review. They are Israelites, members of God’s ancient chosen people.^[5]

APPLICATION: Paul had a burden for all sinners that lead to being completely selfless. His yearning was for a specific ethnic group and there is nothing wrong with such today as long as we realize the world still needs to be reached with the gospel (Matt. 28:19-20). We Christians are called to reach the world with the hope in Christ Jesus. But there is something else here that is noteworthy about Paul’s specific and special burden that all of us can glean.  I believe if we have a burden for someone in particular (an individual) and not only generally for everyone then we will witness to that person. We will also pray for that individual, and perhaps even see them saved. It matters what our primary focus is on. It is not wrong to witness to the masses, but a targeted burden is better for reaching a person with the gospel. If we don’t already have anyone specifically on our hearts to share Christ with, then think about family members, cousins, friends, and work associates, people at the grocery store and such. Go ahead and get out among the lost and ask God to provide opportunities, open your heart and speak to some lost sinner. Everyone can reach one and then move on to the next prospect.

 CONCLUSION:

God’s past dealings with the nation of Israel are based on two things, His grace and government.  His dealings with them in grace involved the privileges of being Israelites, the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, promises, the service in the tabernacle, and the fathers.  The most important blessing is Christ, the Messiah.  God’s governmental dealings with Israel involved His wisdom, will, and Word.  God was governed by fixed principles and not capricious whims.

The basis of God’s entire economy of redemption rest upon the foundation of his nature and character, therefore we can be assured without any possibility of disappointment in his mercy, power, and faithfulness.

Furthermore, the Scriptures say that we all are sinners. Unless God, pure and righteous, take our place and suffered the penalty for our sin, we would have to bear that penalty ourselves. The apostle Paul explained this in Romans 3:10–18: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. [13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: [14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: [15] Their feet are swift to shed blood: [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways: [17] And the way of peace have they not known: [18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.   

Jesus’ death on the cross for us never needs to be repeated, and neither does anyone else ever have to suffer and die as He did. He is the sacrificial, substitutionary, all-sufficient atonement (Romans 5:20-21; 6:10-11). Yes, Christ died for us. Jesus came so that you and I might transfer our guilt to Him, and accept, by faith, that He is the guiltless One who has received our sin and taken it to Himself.

So, in this light, the only thing you need to do to receive salvation is to literally receive God’s forgiveness. And when you do, you truly have made a choice for life. We cannot simply believe anything about Jesus or be forgiven for any reason though. We must believe the Son of God, Jesus Christ, died for our sins, was buried, and God raised Him up again from among the remaining dead people the third day for our justification before The Father (see 1 Cor. 15:1-4 and Rom 3:21-31). I need you to understand that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is the power of God that saves us…that grant us eternal life through Christ (Rom. 1:14-17). Again, receive God’s salvation even now. You can experience God’s spiritual new birth right now!

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.

^[2] John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 476.

^[3] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.

^[4] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 4 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 709–710.

^[5] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1716.