God's Sovereign Plan: Salvation for All Humanity
Summary
### Summary
Today's discussion delved into one of the most challenging and profound aspects of our faith: God's sovereign plan for Israel and the Gentiles, as outlined in Romans chapters 9 through 11. The objective was to understand God's sovereignty, His mercy, and the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in His redemptive plan. Paul, a Jew himself, expressed deep sorrow for his fellow Jews who had not accepted Christ, emphasizing that salvation is not based on physical descent but on faith and God's sovereign choice.
Paul explained that not all descendants of Israel are part of true Israel. The promise to Abraham was not just for his biological descendants but for those who follow God's commandments and accept Christ. This is akin to a will where the inheritance is not automatically given to biological children but to those chosen by the testator. Similarly, God's sovereign choice determines who receives His promises.
Paul also addressed potential objections to God's judgments, emphasizing that God's decisions are based on His mercy and not on human effort. This means that salvation cannot be earned through works but is a result of faith and God's grace. The Jews, who were bound by the law, struggled to understand this, while the Gentiles, who were not under the law, attained righteousness through faith.
The concept of predestination was also discussed, highlighting the differing views of Calvinism and Arminianism. Calvinism posits that God has already chosen who will be saved, independent of human actions. In contrast, Arminianism argues that God's predestination is based on His foreknowledge of who will have faith in Him. Ultimately, the mystery of God's wisdom and judgment is something we must accept with faith, even if we cannot fully understand it.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sovereign Choice: Salvation is not based on physical descent or human effort but on God's sovereign choice and mercy. This means that being a biological descendant of Abraham does not guarantee salvation; it is the relationship with God and acceptance of Christ that matters. This challenges us to focus on our faith and relationship with God rather than relying on heritage or works. [06:08]
2. Faith Over Works: Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith, not by following the law. The Jews, who were bound by the law, struggled to attain righteousness, while the Gentiles, who were not under the law, achieved it through faith. This teaches us that our efforts and adherence to rules are not what save us; it is our faith in Christ and God's grace. [10:48]
3. The Mystery of God's Judgment: God's decisions are based on His wisdom and mercy, which are beyond human understanding. Like Job, we may question God's actions, but ultimately, we must accept that His ways are higher than ours. This calls us to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when we do not understand His decisions. [10:05]
4. Predestination and Free Will: The debate between Calvinism and Arminianism highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human free will. While Calvinism suggests that God has already chosen who will be saved, Arminianism argues that God's choice is based on His foreknowledge of our faith. This reminds us that our faith and acceptance of Christ play a crucial role in our salvation. [30:09]
5. Inclusion of All in God's Plan: Paul makes it clear that salvation is available to both Jews and Gentiles. This inclusivity underscores the universality of God's love and grace. It challenges us to break down barriers and share the gospel with everyone, recognizing that God's redemptive plan is for all humanity. [19:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:42] - God's Sovereign Plan for Israel and Gentiles
[05:11] - Paul's Sorrow for the Jews
[06:08] - True Israel: Children of the Promise
[09:07] - God's Sovereign Choice and Mercy
[10:48] - Faith Over Works
[14:22] - Righteousness by Faith
[19:35] - Salvation for All: Jews and Gentiles
[21:35] - The Remnant of Israel
[24:13] - Who is Israel?
[27:53] - Predestination Explained
[30:09] - Calvinism vs. Arminianism
[34:07] - Free Will and God's Sovereignty
[37:28] - The Mystery of God's Wisdom
[42:43] - Faith vs. Works
[49:50] - Closing Remarks and Next Week's Reading
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 9:1-5 - Paul's sorrow for the Jews who have not accepted Christ.
2. Romans 9:14-29 - God's sovereign choice and mercy.
3. Romans 10:17 - Faith comes from hearing the message.
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul express in Romans 9:1-5 about his feelings towards his fellow Jews?
2. According to Romans 9:14-29, on what basis does God make His decisions about mercy and compassion?
3. How does Romans 10:17 describe the way faith is developed?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul feel such deep sorrow for the Jews who have not accepted Christ, as described in Romans 9:1-5?
2. In Romans 9:14-29, Paul addresses potential objections to God's judgments. How does he explain God's sovereign choice and mercy?
3. Romans 10:17 states that faith comes from hearing the message. What implications does this have for the role of preaching and sharing the gospel?
### Application Questions
1. Paul was willing to sacrifice himself for the salvation of his fellow Jews. Is there someone in your life for whom you feel a similar burden? How can you actively share Christ with them?
2. Romans 9:14-29 emphasizes that salvation is based on God's mercy, not human effort. How does this understanding affect your view of your own salvation and your daily walk with God?
3. The sermon discussed the tension between Calvinism and Arminianism regarding predestination and free will. How do you reconcile these views in your own faith journey?
4. Paul highlights that righteousness comes through faith, not by following the law. Are there areas in your life where you are relying more on your own efforts than on faith in Christ? How can you shift your focus?
5. The sermon emphasized the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. How can you actively work to break down barriers and share the gospel with people from different backgrounds?
6. Reflecting on the mystery of God's wisdom and judgment, how can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, especially in situations you don't understand?
7. Romans 10:17 states that faith comes from hearing the message. What practical steps can you take this week to share the message of Christ with someone who hasn't heard it?
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereign Choice
Salvation is not based on physical descent or human effort but on God's sovereign choice and mercy. This means that being a biological descendant of Abraham does not guarantee salvation; it is the relationship with God and acceptance of Christ that matters. This challenges us to focus on our faith and relationship with God rather than relying on heritage or works. God's sovereign choice is like a will where the inheritance is not automatically given to biological children but to those chosen by the testator. Similarly, God's sovereign choice determines who receives His promises. This understanding calls us to deepen our faith and trust in God's plan, knowing that His mercy and grace are the foundations of our salvation. [06:08]
Romans 9:6-8 (ESV): "But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.' This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from relying on your heritage or works to deepening your relationship with God and accepting His sovereign choice in your life?
Day 2: Faith Over Works
Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith, not by following the law. The Jews, who were bound by the law, struggled to attain righteousness, while the Gentiles, who were not under the law, achieved it through faith. This teaches us that our efforts and adherence to rules are not what save us; it is our faith in Christ and God's grace. This understanding liberates us from the burden of trying to earn our salvation through works and invites us to embrace the simplicity and power of faith. It is a reminder that our relationship with God is based on trust and belief in His promises, rather than our ability to follow a set of rules. [10:48]
Galatians 3:11 (ESV): "Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own efforts rather than trusting in God's grace? How can you begin to shift your focus to faith in Christ today?
Day 3: The Mystery of God's Judgment
God's decisions are based on His wisdom and mercy, which are beyond human understanding. Like Job, we may question God's actions, but ultimately, we must accept that His ways are higher than ours. This calls us to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when we do not understand His decisions. It is a humbling reminder that our perspective is limited, and we must rely on God's infinite wisdom. This trust in God's judgment helps us to find peace and assurance, even in the midst of uncertainty and confusion. [10:05]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you have struggled to understand God's plan. How can you begin to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, even when it doesn't make sense to you?
Day 4: Predestination and Free Will
The debate between Calvinism and Arminianism highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human free will. While Calvinism suggests that God has already chosen who will be saved, Arminianism argues that God's choice is based on His foreknowledge of our faith. This reminds us that our faith and acceptance of Christ play a crucial role in our salvation. It encourages us to actively engage in our faith journey, knowing that our choices and beliefs matter. This understanding helps us to appreciate the balance between God's control and our responsibility, motivating us to live out our faith with intentionality and purpose. [30:09]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How do you see the balance between God's sovereignty and your free will in your own life? What steps can you take to actively engage in your faith journey today?
Day 5: Inclusion of All in God's Plan
Paul makes it clear that salvation is available to both Jews and Gentiles. This inclusivity underscores the universality of God's love and grace. It challenges us to break down barriers and share the gospel with everyone, recognizing that God's redemptive plan is for all humanity. This understanding calls us to embrace diversity and reach out to those who may be different from us, knowing that God's love extends to all people. It is a powerful reminder that the gospel is not limited by cultural, ethnic, or social boundaries, and we are called to be ambassadors of this inclusive message. [19:35]
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."
Reflection: Who in your life might you be overlooking when it comes to sharing the gospel? How can you begin to break down barriers and extend God's love and grace to them today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Paul is concerned because Paul is a Jew, right? He's a Hellenistic Jew, but he's a Jew. And they had, the majority of them had refused to accept Christ. And so he was preaching to Gentiles primarily, but he's also preaching to Jews, both. Okay. And he said that he's sorrowful because they had not accepted Christ. And he was so sorrowful that he was willing to give his life for their life. Make sure you understand that. That's what he said. He says that if he could separate himself from Christ everyone else could be a part of Christ, he would accept that because of the love he had for his fellow man. That's a sacrifice in himself for others." (67 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, in this case, God is making the decision. So, just because someone is a biological offspring of Abraham does not automatically mean that they're going to read the promises that God provides. Okay? And a lot of Jews still believe that. Okay? Even to today." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It does not depend upon human desire or effort, but on God's mercy. So what does that mean? That we can't work hard enough and good enough to say to God that I deserve to be saved. Because it's not. It's based upon what we do, it's based upon our faith, and based upon what God chooses to do." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith comes from hearing the message and the message heard through the word. Okay. About Christ. You cannot have a faith in Christ if you haven't heard the word. So you have to, it's our responsibility is to share the word. That's our responsibility. No one can have faith in something they don't know anything about." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The only thing that matters is we are adopted into the family. God. Nothing else matters. Okay. So, okay. And so, and you find that in the new Testament. Israel does not. It's not always seen as the Jewish is seen as a name for the church. Okay. In this case, he would turn God and this away from Jacob. Jacob name was what was Jacob's name, Israel. That's right. Okay. So again, when we think, when we look at this and reading this, we need to make sure we understand what is being said." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul explained that not all descendants of Israel are part of two Israel. This is where it's going to get kind of complicated a little bit. Okay? Because what did God promise Abraham? What did God promise? What was the covenant with Abraham? The covenant with Abraham was that the children of his children would be as many as the sands. And that they were going to be saved. Okay? That was part of the covenant. That was the relationship we had. Okay? And so here, but then Paul says what? He says, but everybody's not going to be saved. Everyone's not going to be saved. See, at that time, what happened, and even now today, there's some Jews who believe that just because they're Jewish, just because they are from Abraham's seed, that they are going to be saved. For no other reason. Other than that. And he's trying to say, no, that's not the way it works." (82 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Again, Paul is talking about righteousness by faith, not by words, but by faith. Okay. And then he contrasts a Gentile who attained righteousness. It's by faith with Israel who pursued the law of righteousness. Okay. And when I was reading that and thinking about that, I thought about the number of times that Christ was, was, was tried by the Pharisees. Every time that they tried to, to, uh, trick him, what did they do? They talked about the law. They said, the law said something, something, something. Okay. And then they would always bring that up. And then Christ would have to respond. Okay. Because they were still living, supposedly, theoretically, supposedly under the law. Christ said he fulfilled the law. He didn't come to break the law. Okay. All right. So what we have here is that the Gentiles were not tied to the law like the Jewish population was. They were tied to faith. That's why they would receive righteousness. Whereas the Jews had to learn to get away from the law and not, not, I don't mean break it, but you mean not use it as a crutch and use faith." (97 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul goes on to emphasize that salvation is available for all who call on the name of the Lord, Jews and Gentiles. Now, what's interesting about this is that the first part of this, even though Paul is preaching to the Gentiles for the most part, the first part of this is not to the Gentiles. It's really to the Jewish population. Because he's trying to explain to them why, what they thought was wrong. He has no reason to talk about that to Gentiles. The Gentiles have no clue. Okay. So when people say that Paul preached only to the Gentiles, that's not true. He preached to Jews and Gentiles. Okay. He included a quarter. So the first part is he talked to the Jews. Now he's saying, but now understand that this is for everybody. So now he's talking. He's not ignoring the Jewish, but he's now about the Gentiles. He said, what he said, if you declare with your mouth, Jesus, Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised up from the dead, you will be saved. So it's not the law is to believe. It's not the law is to believe in the faith." (93 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What Calvin says is that if I could do something that would cause me to be saved. Okay. Then that means that I work for it. That was his argument. And since we can't work our way into heaven, then that means that God chooses who he wants in heaven. And therefore, I don't have any say so. I don't have any say so. Okay. It just happens. For whatever reason, he chooses me and not him. Or he chooses Clarence and not me. Nothing I could do changed that. Okay. Okay. That's what Calvin preached." (50 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I don't want to confuse. Everyone. Okay. But you, you're going to be faced with these kinds of questions, either personally or someone's going to come to you and ask you these questions. They're going to ask you about predestination. You need to know where it comes from. It comes from Romans. Now, I can't, we can't study the book of Romans instead of just one verse, a few verses. We got to study, we study the whole book of Romans, right? Which means that there's something, there's a mystery. And that's just. wish I could explain all of it to you, but I can't. Okay. Uh, but the bottom line is that, uh, that anyone who says that this verse means that we're predestined, that we don't have to do anything. That's not what Paul said. Paul does not say, don't do anything. Doesn't say that. Okay. Paul does say, do something. That doesn't mean we're working for our salvation. Because. You know, that we can earn it, but it doesn't mean that if we don't do certain things, we automatically are going to be eliminated from the process." (72 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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