Israel's Role in God's Redemptive Plan
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound significance of Israel's role in God's redemptive plan and the implications for us as believers. We delved into the scriptures to understand the spiritual riches that have come through Israel and the Jewish people, and how their eventual acceptance of Jesus as Messiah will catalyze a global spiritual revival.
We began by acknowledging the need for a spiritual revival in our world today, recognizing that such a transformation requires divine intervention. The return of the Jewish people to their original purpose—to be a blessing to the world through the knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Savior—will ignite an end-time fire of revival. This is not a mere aspiration but a divine revelation that many, including respected leaders like Robert Morris, have received.
Morris's journey of understanding Israel's key role in blessing the world led his church to prioritize Jewish evangelism, resulting in abundant blessings. This aligns with the biblical principle of giving the first portion to the Lord, whether in tithing or evangelism. Our own church's support of work in Israel is a testament to our commitment to this principle, and we trust in God's promise to bless those who bless Israel.
We then turned to the scriptures, particularly Zechariah 8, which prophesies that many nations will seek the Lord in Jerusalem, and that the Jewish people will be a blessing among the nations. Our responsibility as Christians towards Israel includes showing gratitude for the spiritual riches they have brought us, praying for the peace of Jerusalem, carrying a burden of prayer for Israel's salvation, sharing the good news, and being filled with the Spirit.
The fullness of the Gentiles, as mentioned in the scriptures, refers to a spiritual fullness that will provoke Israel to jealousy and lead to their salvation. We are encouraged to seek daily filling of the Holy Spirit, which will manifest in our lives and draw others to Christ.
In conclusion, we prayed for a renewal of the Spirit in our lives, for the transformation to become more like Yeshua, and for a burden for the salvation of Israel. We recognize that the world's hope lies in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and as we bless Israel, we too will be blessed.
Key Takeaways:
- Israel's role in God's plan is not a relic of the past but a catalyst for future revival. As believers, we must understand that our spiritual heritage is deeply intertwined with Israel's destiny. The Jewish people's acceptance of Jesus will bring about a spiritual awakening akin to life from the dead, a revival that will spread across the nations. [49:14]
- The blessings we have received through Israel, including the law, the prophets, and ultimately Jesus, are a treasure we must cherish with gratitude. Our response to this heritage should be one of profound thankfulness, recognizing that salvation comes from the Jews and that our faith is rooted in this rich soil. [34:40]
- Our support for Israel is not merely political or cultural; it is a spiritual mandate. As we give to Jewish evangelism and pray for Israel, we align ourselves with God's heart for His chosen people. This alignment brings blessings that extend beyond our understanding, mirroring the principle of firstfruits in our spiritual endeavors. [52:34]
- The unity of believers, as prayed for by Jesus, is crucial for the world to recognize God's love and the truth of the Gospel. Our collaboration and unity in the body of Christ serve as a powerful testimony to the world and fulfill Christ's prayer for His followers. [31:28]
- Living a Spirit-filled life is the most effective testimony to those around us. When our lives reflect the transformative power of the Gospel, it provokes curiosity and desire in others to know Jesus. Our daily walk with the Lord should be so compelling that it draws people to ask about the hope that we have. [57:00]
May we all carry these truths in our hearts and live them out in our daily lives, for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. Amen.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 11:15 - "For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?"
2. Zechariah 8:13, 22-23 - "And it shall come to pass, just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you shall be a blessing... Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to pray before the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."'"
3. Romans 9:4-5 - "The people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 11:15, what is the significance of Israel's acceptance of Jesus as their Messiah? How does this relate to the concept of "life from the dead"? [48:45]
2. In Zechariah 8:13, 22-23, what transformation is prophesied for the house of Judah and Israel? How will this impact the nations? [53:06]
3. Romans 9:4-5 lists several spiritual riches that came through Israel. Can you identify these riches and explain their importance? [33:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "life from the dead" in Romans 11:15 symbolize a global spiritual revival? What might this revival look like in practical terms? [49:14]
2. Zechariah 8:13, 22-23 speaks of many nations seeking the Lord in Jerusalem. What does this suggest about the future role of Israel in God's plan? [53:06]
3. Reflecting on Romans 9:4-5, how should Christians respond to the spiritual heritage received through Israel? What attitudes and actions should this inspire? [33:44]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the need for a spiritual revival in our world today. What specific steps can you take to seek a daily filling of the Holy Spirit in your life? [56:04]
2. How can you show gratitude for the spiritual riches that have come through Israel, especially Jesus? Identify one practical way to express this gratitude in your daily life. [54:02]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of praying for the peace of Jerusalem. How can you incorporate this prayer into your regular prayer routine? [54:08]
4. What does it mean to carry a burden of prayer for Israel's salvation? How can you cultivate this burden in your own prayer life? [54:14]
5. The sermon highlighted the principle of giving the first portion to the Lord, including in evangelism. How can you prioritize Jewish evangelism or support for Israel in your spiritual endeavors? [52:16]
6. Living a Spirit-filled life is the most effective testimony to those around us. Identify one area in your life where you can better reflect the transformative power of the Gospel. What specific changes can you make? [56:11]
7. The unity of believers is crucial for the world to recognize God's love. How can you contribute to greater unity within your church or Christian community? What practical steps can you take to foster collaboration and unity? [31:55]
May we all carry these truths in our hearts and live them out in our daily lives, for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. Amen.
Devotional
Day 1: Israel's Role in Global Revival
The biblical narrative reveals Israel's unique position in God's redemptive plan, a role that extends far beyond historical significance and into the realm of future spiritual awakening. As believers, it is essential to recognize that the spiritual heritage received through Israel is not only a foundation of faith but also a harbinger of a worldwide revival. The Jewish people's embrace of Jesus as Messiah is prophesied to be a pivotal event, one that will breathe life into the nations and spark a global transformation. This anticipation of revival is not just a hope but a promise rooted in the scriptures, awaiting fulfillment.
"For thus says the Lord of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord." (Zechariah 8:20-22 ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively support and pray for Israel's role in God's plan for global revival today? [49:14]
Day 2: Gratitude for Spiritual Riches
The law, the prophets, and the Messiah are treasures that have come through Israel, shaping the very core of Christian faith. This rich heritage demands a response of deep gratitude, acknowledging that the roots of salvation are firmly planted in Jewish soil. It is through this lineage that the world received the ultimate gift of Jesus, and it is through this acknowledgment that believers can fully appreciate the depth of their spiritual inheritance. Gratitude for these spiritual riches should not be passive but should inspire a life of active thankfulness and recognition of the Jewish contribution to the faith.
"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’" (Isaiah 46:9-10 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the spiritual heritage received through Israel? [34:40]
Day 3: Spiritual Mandate to Support Israel
Supporting Israel transcends political and cultural affiliations, aligning with a spiritual mandate that reflects God's heart for His chosen people. This support is not merely an act of charity but a strategic investment in the kingdom of God. By prioritizing Jewish evangelism and interceding for Israel, believers enter into a partnership with God's redemptive work. This alignment with God's purposes carries with it the promise of blessings, mirroring the biblical principle of firstfruits, where the first portion is dedicated to the Lord, setting the stage for abundance in all areas of life.
"I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3 ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to align yourself with God's heart for Israel and actively participate in Jewish evangelism? [52:34]
Day 4: Unity in the Body of Christ
Jesus' prayer for the unity of believers is a clarion call for the church to embody the love and truth of the Gospel. This unity is not just an ideal but a tangible expression of God's love to the world. When believers from diverse backgrounds and denominations come together in harmony, they reflect the multifaceted wisdom of God and fulfill Jesus' desire for His followers. This powerful testimony is essential for the world to recognize the authenticity of the Christian faith and the transformative power of God's love.
"That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:21 ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of the body of Christ in your local church and community? [31:28]
Day 5: Living a Spirit-Filled Life
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the hallmark of a believer's life, and it is through the Spirit's power that one's testimony becomes compelling to those around them. A Spirit-filled life is characterized by love, joy, peace, and all the fruits that set believers apart and provoke curiosity in the hearts of non-believers. The daily pursuit of being filled with the Spirit is not just for personal edification but serves as a beacon, drawing others to inquire about the hope and transformation found in Jesus.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4 ESV)
Reflection: What does a Spirit-filled life look like for you, and how can you manifest it in your interactions with others today? [57:00]
Quotes
- "Israel is the gift that keeps on giving. God gave the Jewish people to the world to declare that there is only one true God." [33:12] (Download | )
- "While Israel is one of God's greatest gifts to the world, his greatest gift is Jesus, the Jewish Messiah." [34:40] (Download | )
- "Israel's spiritual riches are the greatest export from Israel. And Jesus is the greatest of all of those spiritual riches." [37:34] (Download | )
- "Israel will make a comeback. This is good news. I want to leave that with you today. Israel's fall is not permanent." [39:35] (Download | )
- "A recent survey shows that almost one million Jews in the United States follow Jesus as their Messiah." [41:03] (Download | )
- "What will be the most effective way of sharing the good news is living the good news. Your life is so impacted by what Jesus did on the cross." [43:00] (Download | )
- "If the Jewish people have impacted and influenced the world without faith in Jesus as Messiah, how much more will their spiritual comeback make the world a better place?" [45:14] (Download | )
- "Israel is a key to end time revival... when Israel comes back into their original purposes with God through Jesus. It will be like a spark of an end time fire of revival." [49:14] (Download | )
- "God blesses those who take the gospel to the Jew first. It's like tithing. If you give the first portion of your income to the Lord, the rest is blessed." [52:34] (Download | )
- "We need to show gratitude for the spiritual riches they have brought to us, especially Jesus... and carry a burden of prayer for Israel's salvation." [55:22] (Download | )
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