John Wells - August 13th, 2023

Romans 9-11- A fascinating passage in NT - TELESCOPIC PLAN of GOD for the AGES Paul unpacks for us God’s Sovereignty (ch 9) , Human Responsibility (ch 10) and GOD’S PLAN for the AGES (ch 11) Scripture Readings Rom 1:16 , 3:22 , 8:29-33 Romans 9:1-3 , 9:13-16, 18-21, 24 , 30-32 Romans 10:1, 3, 8-14, v 17, v 21 Romans 11: 1, v 5 -6 , V 25 (key verse) , v 32-36 5 Difficult Questions 1. Has God forsaken Israel? (No) 2. Why did Israel reject Christ? (Purposes of God & Willful Unbelief) 3. Is God Sovereign ? (Yes) 4. Is Man Responsible? (Yes) 5. Is God Unrighteous ? (No) Telescope - Plan for the Ages ⁃ GOD Creates man in His Own Image and in Man’s disobedience- he rejects GOD - SIN enters the WORLD & RISES AGAIN 1000 years in a literal kingdom, JEW & GENTILES will both worship Him - WHAT ABOUT THE JEWS ? ⁃ Israel had all this privilege, the COVENANTS, The LAW, The PROMISES ⁃ THE COMING of MESSIAH …..THEY’VE BEEN FORSAKEN , right ? …..NO Question # 1 Has God FORSAKEN HIS PEOPLE ISRAEL ? NO ⁃ Paul’s longing desire (as is GOD’s) that Israel would be saved (10:1) ⁃ Ch 11 :2 “ GOD HAS NOT CAST AWAY HIS PEOPLE” ⁃ Ch 11:5 “ there’s always been a remnant of Jews that have believed” ⁃ Ch 11;23 “ If they abide not in unbelief they shall once again be grafted in” ⁃ ISRAEL will have opportunity to repent and believe ( ISAIAH 53 fulfilled ) ⁃ Ch 11:25 “Blindness in part happened to Israel…UNTIL the fullness of the Gentiles comes in” ⁃ GOD PRESSED PAUSE on HIS PURPOSES FOR ISRAEL … ⁃ IT WILL RESUME - SECOND COMING of CHRIST Question # 2 Why did Israel STUMBLE over JESUS CHRIST in unbelief ? ⁃ spiritual pride, legalism, stubbornness (hard heart), rebellion and blindness, ⁃ Because they sought God NOT BY FAITH …but by their WORKS - Romans 9:30-33 ⁃ I Cor 1:23 “we preach Christ ..JEWS a STUMBLING BLOCK Rom 1:16 “ ⁃ Mark 12:10 “ A man planted a vineyard leased it out to tenants ……sent servants, ….. ⁃ Last of all he sent his Beloved Son , …they cast him out and killed him. ⁃ Matt 23 Entering into the city of Jerusalem He WEPT ….How often would I have gathered you together… YOU WOULD NOT HAVE ME ⁃ They knew not the TIME of their visitation - Matt 23:37 Question # 3 Is God Sovereign? In His choice in Electing some to salvation and predestination ? ⁃ Parable Matt 22 :14 “ King made a great feast invited the guests / Romans 8:29-33 ⁃ It’s God’s right to show mercy on whom he will show mercy - Rom 9:15 (Exodus 33 & 34) ⁃ It’s only God (the Holy Spirit) who can convict of sin, grant repentance, offer salvation ⁃ God in His sovereignty REVEALS truth to sinners that he chooses / this is the GIFT of God ⁃ He chose Abraham, Isaac over Ishmael , He chose Jacob over Esau, He chose Israel ⁃ If you are SAVED today …. He chose you. Question # 4 Is Man Responsible? YES ⁃ First and foremost every human being is accountable for their own sin (Rom 3:19) ⁃ Every man is Commanded to Repent ( Acts 17:30) ⁃ Romans 10:8 ….Don’t say “ I can’t believe” who going to bring Christ to me” ⁃ The WORD is near you, you’ve heard it, it’s in your heart, ⁃ Romans 10:9 “ CONFESS with your mouth , believe in your heart …YOU WILL BE SAVED” ⁃ Every person is responsible to believe the Gospel ⁃ WHOSOEVER WILL CALL… shall be saved (Rom 10:13) Question # 5- Is God UNRIGHTEOUSNESS ? No ⁃ Because He’s GOD - Rom 9:20 ….He has OMNIPOTENCE (unlimited authority) ⁃ God would have been righteous to send every human being to hell, with no mercy & no provision ⁃ He made provision for ALL, (Romans 3:22 I Tim 2:4-6 God will have ALL MEN to be saved) ⁃ He gave every human being free will ⁃ The Gospel goes out to whosoever will Practical Take Away Points Pay attention to the TRUTH of GOD & Don’t resist divine promptings Teach your CHILDREN the Truth of Scripture Accept God’s righteousness by FAITH Confess with your mouth JESUS as LORD Our role is faith , obedience , and worship. We accept the truth of God - bow to it. Fulfill the great commission - go share