Restoration and Unity: Understanding True Israel in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Consequences of Division

The division of Israel into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah) was a direct result of disobedience and idolatry. This division did not honor God and led to a fractured nation. Understanding this helps us see the importance of unity and obedience to God. The story of Israel's division serves as a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences, and disobedience to God can lead to division and strife. It is a call to examine our own lives and communities, ensuring that we are living in obedience to God's commands and striving for unity.

The division of Israel is a sobering lesson on the importance of faithfulness and unity. When we allow disobedience and idolatry to take root in our lives, it can lead to a fractured existence that does not honor God. As we reflect on this, let us commit to living in obedience to God and fostering unity within our communities. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls that led to Israel's division and instead build a strong, united community that honors God. [44:47]

Ezekiel 37:22 (ESV): "And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. And one king shall be king over them all, and they shall be no longer two nations, and no longer divided into two kingdoms."

Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation in your life where disobedience or idolatry has caused division? How can you seek God's guidance to restore unity and obedience in that area today?

Day 2: The Eternal Promise to David

The eternal promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7 is foundational for understanding Israel's identity. This promise points to an everlasting kingdom, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It reminds us that God's promises are eternal and trustworthy. The promise to David is a cornerstone of our faith, showing us that God's plans are not limited by time and that His promises are always fulfilled. This eternal promise is a source of hope and assurance for us, reminding us that God's word is steadfast and reliable.

Reflecting on the promise to David, we see the continuity of God's plan throughout history. This promise is not just a historical fact but a living reality that finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It calls us to trust in God's promises and to live with the assurance that His plans for us are good and eternal. As we meditate on this promise, let us be encouraged to place our trust in God's eternal word and to live in the hope of His everlasting kingdom. [39:41]

2 Samuel 7:16 (ESV): "And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever."

Reflection: How does the eternal promise to David encourage you to trust in God's promises for your own life? What specific promise from God are you holding onto today?

Day 3: The Vision of Dry Bones

Ezekiel 37's vision of dry bones coming to life symbolizes the restoration of Israel. This vision teaches us that true Israel is not just a physical nation but a spiritual entity brought to life by God's Spirit. It encourages us to see beyond physical boundaries and understand our spiritual identity. The vision of dry bones is a powerful metaphor for spiritual renewal and restoration, showing us that God can bring life to even the most desolate and hopeless situations.

As we reflect on Ezekiel's vision, we are reminded that our identity in Christ transcends physical and national boundaries. We are part of a spiritual Israel, brought to life by the Spirit of God. This vision calls us to embrace our spiritual identity and to seek God's Spirit for renewal and restoration in our lives. Let us be encouraged by the promise of new life and restoration, trusting that God can breathe life into any dry and lifeless area of our lives. [52:49]

Ezekiel 37:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel like dry bones? How can you invite God's Spirit to bring renewal and restoration to those areas today?

Day 4: True Israel Defined by Faith

In Romans 9-11, Paul explains that true Israel is defined by faith in Jesus Christ, not by physical descent. This teaching breaks down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, emphasizing that all who believe in Christ are part of the new, restored Israel. It calls us to embrace our identity in Christ and live in unity. Paul's teaching challenges us to look beyond ethnic and cultural distinctions and to see our unity in Christ as the defining characteristic of our identity.

This understanding of true Israel as a community of faith calls us to live in a way that reflects our unity in Christ. It is a call to break down any walls that divide us and to embrace our brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of their background. As we reflect on this teaching, let us commit to living in unity and love, recognizing that our faith in Jesus is what truly defines us as part of the new, restored Israel. [57:49]

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 actively break down barriers and promote unity within your faith community? What steps can you take today to embrace and support your brothers and sisters in Christ?

Day 5: The Inclusion of Gentiles

The inclusion of Gentiles is essential for the restoration of Israel. Paul uses the metaphor of grafting wild branches into a cultivated tree to illustrate this. This inclusion fulfills the prophecy in Ezekiel and shows that God's plan of salvation is for all people. It challenges us to be inclusive and welcoming in our faith communities. The inclusion of Gentiles is a testament to God's expansive grace and His desire for all people to be part of His family.

Reflecting on the inclusion of Gentiles, we are reminded that God's love and salvation are not limited to a specific group of people. This truth calls us to be inclusive and welcoming, extending God's love to everyone we encounter. As we meditate on this, let us be challenged to examine our own attitudes and actions, ensuring that we are living out the inclusive and welcoming nature of God's kingdom. [59:31]

Romans 11:17 (ESV): "But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree."

Reflection: How can you be more inclusive and welcoming in your faith community? What specific actions can you take today to extend God's love to those who may feel like outsiders?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, church family. Today, we delved into the story of Israel, exploring the transition from King David to King Solomon, and then to Solomon's son, Rehoboam. We examined the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. This division led to a fractured nation, which did not honor God. We then asked a provocative question: "Who is Israel?" To answer this, we looked at various scriptures, including 2 Samuel 7, Ezekiel 37, and Romans 9-11.

In 2 Samuel 7, we revisited the eternal promise made to David, which set the stage for understanding Israel's identity. Ezekiel 37 provided a vision of dry bones coming to life, symbolizing the restoration of Israel. This vision was crucial in understanding that Israel is not just a physical nation but a spiritual entity. Moving to Romans 9-11, Paul explains that true Israel is not defined by physical descent but by faith in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; all who believe in Christ are part of the new, restored Israel.

Paul's argument is that the inclusion of Gentiles is essential for the restoration of Israel. He uses the metaphor of grafting wild branches into a cultivated tree to illustrate how Gentiles are included in the family of faith. This inclusion is necessary for the fulfillment of the prophecy in Ezekiel, where the valley of dry bones comes to life. Paul concludes that all who profess faith in Jesus are part of this resurrected Israel.

As we come to the table for communion, we embody this unity and oneness in Christ. We are reminded that we are one family, one nation, called Israel, united by our faith in Jesus. This understanding should encourage us to live in unity, breaking down any walls that divide us. We are a restored and resurrected Israel, called to live out our faith in unity and love.

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Key Takeaways

1. 11, Paul explains that true Israel is defined by faith in Jesus Christ, not by physical descent. This teaching breaks down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, emphasizing that all who believe in Christ are part of the new, restored Israel. It calls us to embrace our identity in Christ and live in unity. [57:49]
5. Inclusion of Gentiles: The inclusion of Gentiles is essential for the restoration of Israel. Paul uses the metaphor of grafting wild branches into a cultivated tree to illustrate this. This inclusion fulfills the prophecy in Ezekiel and shows that God's plan of salvation is for all people. It challenges us to be inclusive and welcoming in our faith communities.

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[38:25] - Introduction to the Story
[39:00] - The Provocative Question
[39:41] - The Promise to David
[40:37] - Exploring Ezekiel 37
[41:17] - Solomon's Wisdom and Rehoboam's Folly
[44:11] - The Divided Kingdom
[44:47] - Consequences of Division
[46:09] - Maps of Israel
[49:07] - Israel in the New Testament
[50:17] - Modern Israel
[51:35] - Ezekiel's Vision of Dry Bones
[53:24] - Paul's Teaching in Romans
[57:49] - No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile
[59:31] - Inclusion of Gentiles
[60:21] - The New, Restored Israel
[62:14] - Unity in Christ
[65:17] - Communion
[66:25] - Invitation to the Table
[74:47] - Special Prayer for Youth Camp
[77:21] - Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the eternal promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7, and how does it relate to the identity of Israel? [39:41]
In Ezekiel 37, what does the vision of dry bones represent, and what does God promise to do with these bones? [52:49]
According to Romans 9:6-8, how does Paul redefine who is considered part of Israel? [55:31]
How does Paul use the metaphor of grafting wild branches into a cultivated tree in Romans 11 to explain the inclusion of Gentiles? [59:31]

Interpretation Questions

How does the division of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms illustrate the consequences of disobedience and idolatry? [44:47]
What is the significance of the promise to David in 2 Samuel 7 for understanding the concept of an everlasting kingdom? [39:41]
How does Ezekiel's vision of dry bones coming to life challenge our understanding of Israel as merely a physical nation? [52:49]
In Romans 9-11, Paul emphasizes that true Israel is defined by faith in Jesus Christ. How does this teaching break down the barriers between Jew and Gentile? [57:49]

Application Questions

Reflecting on the division of Israel, are there areas in your life or community where disobedience or idolatry has caused division? How can you work towards unity and obedience to God? [44:47]
The promise to David in 2 Samuel 7 reminds us of God's eternal and trustworthy promises. How can you hold onto God's promises in your current life situation? [39:41]
Ezekiel's vision of dry bones coming to life symbolizes spiritual restoration. In what ways do you need spiritual renewal, and how can you invite God's Spirit to bring new life to those areas? [52:49]
Paul's teaching in Romans 9-11 calls us to embrace our identity in Christ and live in unity. How can you actively break down barriers and promote unity within your faith community? [57:49]
The inclusion of Gentiles in the family of faith challenges us to be inclusive and welcoming. How can you make your faith community more inclusive and welcoming to those who feel like outsiders? [59:31]
As we come to the table for communion, we embody unity and oneness in Christ. How can you live out this unity in your daily interactions with others? [01:02:40]
Reflect on the metaphor of grafting wild branches into a cultivated tree. How can you help others feel grafted into the family of faith, especially those who may feel disconnected or excluded? [59:31]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It doesn't honor and glorify God when we divide, when we build walls, when we go our separate ways. And all of it we see in this context. It's because of idolatry and disobedience and wanting to do their own way, seeking power and wealth and doing all these things. So, you know, what does God do with that? If division and splitting up doesn't honor God, doesn't glorify God, what's God's response?" [44:47] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart's desire, that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified. It is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. All scripture says, anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame." [57:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "For there is no difference, key in on this, there's no difference between Jew and Gentile. The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [57:49] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "God by his spirit is bringing the faithful together so that when he does come again we won't be confused anymore. We will not be distracted or unclear about who we belong to and the nature of our relationship with every nation and tribe, people, and tongue united by faith worshiping the Lord as a restored and resurrected Israel." [01:04:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God's promise to his people is it's gonna be good in the end so if it's not good in your life if it's not all good in your life if it's not all right it's not yet the end and God isn't finished with you yet and with the time that he gives you may you love the Lord with all your heart embrace the beauty of the life that he's given you and live it to the fullest Amen Go in peace friends" [01:17:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "And so all that begins and all that starts. And you think about assimilation. To assimilate when Israel is called to be a people devoted to the Lord, a people of the land, a people that are identified by their faith in the one true God, Yahweh. They are given a law, right? They're given God's word to live by, to be set apart from the nations." [48:01] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Israel is of the promise to be Abraham's offspring now is to have the faith of Abraham, is to profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior because he's the culmination of the law. He's the only faithful Israelite that there is and ever was and ever will be. So Israel is redefined and broadened beyond borders on a map, which we can hope and pray and in our own ministry that more of the remnant will be revealed, that more of the remnant who are Jews will come to faith in Jesus and become part of the Israel Paul is referring to here in chapter 11, verse 26." [01:01:31] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And so when we prepare our hearts and our minds to come to the table, we are embodying, we are living in this kind of incarnational way, this unity, this oneness that there's one faith where one nation, where one family called Israel and as we come forward, we receive forgiveness for our sins and we receive forgiveness for our sins and we are made one. We are made one with God and one with each other. We are made into this restored and resurrected Israel." [01:02:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And the argument that Paul's making is dense and it's hard because he's doing a lot in the book of Romans but it's clear in context that this prophecy, there's already this idea, this concept of Israel that's beyond the simple borders in Ezekiel 37 because Israel doesn't exist and yet the spirit of the Lord gives Ezekiel this idea that there's still to come Israel. There's still an Israel that is to come that's resurrected, that's restored, that is alive full of the spirit of God already in Ezekiel." [01:03:17] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We split into nations, but none of it will prevail in the end. God by his spirit is bringing the faithful together so that when he does come again we won't be confused anymore. We will not be distracted or unclear about who we belong to and the nature of our relationship with every nation and tribe, people, and tongue united by faith worshiping the Lord as a restored and resurrected Israel." [01:04:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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