PAUL'S BURDEN FOR THE JEWS
READ ROMANS 9:1-13
In Romans 9, the apostle Paul presents how and why God has turned His focus from the Jew to the Gentile. Five major thoughts comprise the chapter: (1) Paul’s burden for the Jews, 9:1-3; (2) the privilege of Israel, 9:4-5; (3) not all born of Israel are children of God, 9:6-12; (4) God can choose whom to bless, 9:14-24; (5) and as foretold by Old Testament prophets, the key to God’s favor is trusting Him in simple faith, 9:25-33.
This morning our focus is on Romans 9:1-5, "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4Who 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; 5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen."
vs. 1-3 The early church, including the church at Rome, had a significant number of Jewish believers. Some were confused as to the relationship with their cultural and former religious heritage. Though they had trusted Christ, they were perplexed at how God made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and now seemingly had turned away from Israel to the Gentiles. Paul thus bares his heart to his Jewish brethren. “I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.” The word translated as "accursed" is the Greek word anathema. It essentially has the idea to be ‘cursed,’ in this case from Christ. In so many words, the apostle suggested this proposition. If it were possible, he was willing to forego his own salvation on the behalf of his people, Israel, his “kinsmen according to the flesh.” Lest there be any question of his loyalty to his heritage, he makes clear his fidelity here.
vs. 4-5 Though he has been and will be highly critical of the Jews, he notes their spiritual heritage. To them “pertaineth the adoption.” In choosing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; God had in effect ‘adopted’ them to be His people. There was glory revealed at Mount Sinai. Moreover, God had made covenants (promises) with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses which all pertained to the nation of Israel. He had furthermore given His “law, and the service of God, and the promises.” The word translated as service speaks of the Levitical service of the Tabernacle/Temple. Such a privilege was given to no other nation. Additionally, these patriarchs (fathers) were the origins of Israel. Most importantly, “Christ came” through the nation of Israel. Without a doubt, Israel has been a most blessed and privileged people. Of further mention is that Christ is referred to as “God blessed for ever. Amen.” Both his humanity as well as His Deity are clearly in view. Though His human descent was through Israel, He was in fact God. The final amen has the sense ‘so be it.’
Through these verses one can easily see Paul's great burden for his kinsmen (the Jews) according to the flesh. He greatly desired their salvation. Also, Paul spoke concerning the great privileges afforded the Jews as God used them in several special areas of service. This all culminated in the birth of Jesus Christ. You and I are saved (praise God) and have been afforded great privileges and responsibilities as Christians. We must understand what God desires to accomplish through us every day while we live here on this earth. May God use you for His honor and glory!
Have a great day as you serve and glorify the Savior.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How do the first three verses in Romans 9 demonstrate Paul’s burden for his Jewish brethren?
2. Why is it not possible for you to make spiritual decisions for others?
3. Summarize what God accomplished by calling the Jewish people for His own purposes?
4. How is Jesus Christ the culmination in this present dispensation of things pertaining to the Jews? Is God finished with the Jews? Explain your answer.