Romans 9:1-13
Q.1. How strongly did Paul feel about Israel’s unbelief? What made Israel special? How have we all benefitted from Israel’s journey? – (Rom.9:1-5)
Paul used the strongest language to convey his distress over Israel’s unbelief. We can be certain that he was not suggesting that any sacrifice he made could bring salvation to his race (Rom.9:1-3). He then summarized what made Israel unique among the nations of the world – 4 who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever (Rom.9:4-5). Israel was unique, being adopted by God to bear the light, complete with the Law of God. Added to this was the earthly glory of God tabernacled among them. The fathers of the faith, the covenants, the temple service, and the promises of God were all given to them. Greatest of all was the lineal connection to the Saviour, according to the flesh. No other nation could make such lofty claims. Now, every blood-bought child of God has been blessed by God’s revelation of Himself through Christ.
Q.2. How did Paul explain Israel’s present state? How did he shed light on God’s promises and choice? – (Rom.9:6-13)
The early church was entirely Jewish. However, it did not take long for Israel to oppose the Gospel, and Christ’s messengers. Since many in Israel had rejected the Saviour, Paul questioned if the Word of God had failed. He noted firstly that – … they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel (Rom.9:6). He proved this by pointing out that only the descendants of Abraham’s son, Isaac are his true children –8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. 9 For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Rom.9:8-9 c.f. Gen.18:10). He further argued concerning the children of the patriarch, Isaac – 10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; 11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, 12 it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” (Rom.9:10-13). This underscored the divine nature of God’s calling and promises, since – the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls (Rom.9:11). Thus, Paul affirmed the necessity of each person’s individual faith, regardless of any family connections. Consequently, many Israelites were in darkness and rejected by God, even as they had rejected Jesus. Paul wanted us to understand that God never fails, and that God uses whomever He chooses to execute His plans and purposes. This helps us to work hard within His sovereign control and blessing. We cannot save a single soul. It is entirely God’s domain to save whom He has chosen.