Understanding Salvation and God's Unchanging Purpose in Romans 9

Devotional

Day 1: The Old Testament as a Living Testament

The Old Testament is not just a collection of ancient stories or laws; it is a living testament to God's unchanging plan and purpose. Throughout Romans 9, Paul uses the Old Testament to support his arguments, showing its relevance and necessity for the New Testament church. The early church, guided by the Holy Spirit, wisely incorporated the Old Testament into the Christian canon, safeguarding the church from errors and providing a rich source of comfort and instruction. This enduring value of the Old Testament reminds us that it offers wisdom, comfort, and a foundation for understanding God's continuous purpose. It is a vital part of Christian doctrine, not merely a historical document. [06:05]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the teachings of the Old Testament into your daily life to gain wisdom and comfort?

Day 2: God's Singular and Unchanging Purpose

God's purpose is singular and unchanging, spanning both the Old and New Testaments. This continuity assures us that we are part of a divine narrative that is unfolding according to His sovereign will. In Romans 9, Paul illustrates this unity by showing how God's plan has been consistent throughout history, whether dealing with Isaac and Ishmael or Jacob and Esau. The principle of grace and election is as present in the Old Testament as it is in the New, reminding us that we are part of a divine narrative that spans the ages. This unity of God's purpose offers us assurance and comfort, knowing that His plan is unfolding according to His sovereign will. [09:06]

"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 align your life with God's unchanging purpose today?

Day 3: Salvation Beyond Assumptions

Romans 9 challenges us to examine our assumptions about salvation. It warns against relying on natural birth, nationality, or religious heritage as guarantees of our standing with God. Instead, our relationship with Jesus Christ is the sole determinant of our salvation. This chapter challenges us to rely solely on His grace, urging us to examine our hearts and ensure that our faith is genuine and not based on external factors. It is a call to humility and reliance on God's grace, reminding us that salvation is a gift, not something we can earn or inherit. [15:16]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Are there any assumptions or external factors you are relying on for your salvation instead of solely trusting in Jesus Christ?

Day 4: The Importance of Self-Examination and Humility

Constant self-examination is crucial to avoid the presumption that all is well with our spiritual state. Romans 9 urges us to approach Scripture with humility, ready to be corrected and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. This chapter challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure that our faith is genuine and not based on external factors. It is a call to humility and reliance on God's grace, reminding us that salvation is a gift, not something we can earn or inherit. By approaching God's Word with humility and openness, we allow the Holy Spirit to correct and guide us, ensuring that we remain on the path of righteousness. [22:21]

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to examine your spiritual state and ensure you are walking in humility and reliance on God's grace?

Day 5: The Reality and Comfort of Apostasy

Romans 9 offers a sobering reminder of the potential for apostasy within the visible church. Just as Israel, God's chosen nation, fell into apostasy, so too can the church. Yet, amidst this warning, there is comfort in knowing that God always preserves a faithful remnant, ensuring the continuation of His purpose. This chapter challenges us to remain vigilant in our faith, recognizing the reality of apostasy and the importance of staying true to God's Word. It also offers comfort, knowing that God's sovereign plan will prevail, and He will preserve a faithful remnant to carry out His purpose. [37:35]

"So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace." (Romans 11:5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you remain vigilant in your faith and ensure you are part of the faithful remnant that God preserves?

Sermon Summary

In our exploration of Romans 9, we have delved into the profound truths that the Apostle Paul presents, truths that are as relevant today as they were in his time. This chapter is pivotal not only in understanding the epistle to the Romans but also in grasping the broader Christian doctrine. It addresses the perplexing situation of the Jewish nation, God's chosen people, who found themselves largely outside the Christian church, while Gentiles were entering in droves. This paradox serves as a backdrop for Paul to lay down universal principles that transcend time and culture.

One of the key lessons we draw from this chapter is the enduring value of the Old Testament. Paul consistently uses the Old Testament to support his arguments, demonstrating its relevance and necessity even for the New Testament church. The early church, guided by the Holy Spirit, wisely incorporated the Old Testament into the Christian canon, safeguarding the church from errors and providing a rich source of comfort and instruction.

Another significant insight is the unity of God's purpose throughout history. God's plan, as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments, is singular and unchanging. This continuity is evident in the consistent method God employs, whether dealing with Isaac and Ishmael or Jacob and Esau. The principle of grace and election is as present in the Old Testament as it is in the New, reminding us that we are part of a divine narrative that spans the ages.

Furthermore, Romans 9 challenges us to examine our assumptions about salvation. It warns against relying on natural birth, nationality, or religious heritage as guarantees of our standing with God. Instead, our relationship with Jesus Christ is the sole determinant of our salvation. This chapter also underscores the importance of self-examination and the danger of reading Scripture with a prejudiced mind, urging us to approach God's Word with humility and openness.

Finally, the chapter offers a sobering reminder of the potential for apostasy within the visible church. Just as Israel, God's chosen nation, fell into apostasy, so too can the church. Yet, amidst this warning, there is comfort in knowing that God always preserves a faithful remnant, ensuring the continuation of His purpose.

Key Takeaways

1. Examination and Humility:** Constant self-examination is crucial to avoid the presumption that all is well with our spiritual state. We must approach Scripture with humility, ready to be corrected and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. [22:21]
5. The Reality of Apostasy: The visible church can fall into apostasy, just as Israel did. However, God always preserves a faithful remnant, ensuring the continuation of His purpose and offering us comfort in His sovereign plan.

** [22:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Introduction to Romans 9
[01:09] - Universal Principles from Paul's Teachings
[02:03] - The Paradox of the Jewish Nation
[03:15] - Practical Intent of Scripture Study
[05:02] - The Value of the Old Testament
[07:36] - Old Testament as a Buttress to Faith
[09:06] - Unity of God's Purpose
[10:20] - Consistent Method of God
[11:36] - Facing Doctrinal Problems with Scripture
[14:08] - Personal Lessons from Romans 9
[15:16] - The Danger of Relying on Works
[17:54] - The Role of Faith in Salvation
[20:37] - The Need for Self-Examination
[22:41] - Prejudice in Reading Scripture
[27:07] - General Lessons for the Church
[37:20] - The Reality of Apostasy
[39:02] - Comfort in God's Sovereignty
[41:38] - The Danger of a Closed Corporation
[43:10] - Expecting Revival in Unexpected Places
[44:56] - The Danger of Presumption
[47:17] - Walking Humbly with God

Sermon Clips

The Apostle uses it constantly uses it repeatedly and he does it not only here but he does it in all his Epistles indeed there is nothing that is so characteristic of the whole of the New Testament as the way in which it draws on and quotes the the Old Testament scriptures in order to elucidate or to explain some point or in order to establish some particular argument. [00:06:12]

The principle of Grace is as obvious in the Old Testament as it is in the new now many people have never seen that they think that in the Old Testament you've got nothing but law quite wrong the Apostle has been showing us the operation of Grace not only of Grace but of election in the old as well as in the new and it is still continuing. [00:11:00]

We must surely all of us have seen more clearly than ever before if we've been following this argument that there are certain things which we must never rely upon in connection with our relationship to God now you might think that these things need no longer to be said you think you know them but we don't know them. [00:14:18]

Natural birth does not make anybody a Christian are we all clear about that the fact that parents grandparents or forbears were great Christians doesn't mean that we are Christians it is not of natural birth that was the old tragedy of the Jews as we've seen put next to birth family Nation none of these things matter at all. [00:15:22]

The one thing that matters they went wrong on they were right in so many other respects but because they went wrong here they're wrong everywhere nothing matters about this the one question is what think ye of Christ it's the one and only question so I go on to a third point on this personal lesson. [00:20:04]

The need of constant self-examination why well you see it's because of the danger of presuming or of assuming that all is well with us the Jews had never suspected that there was anything wrong with them why well because you see there are Israelites to whom pertaineth the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the law. [00:20:31]

The danger of reading the scriptures with a prejudiced mind now here you see is a again something that's so obvious in the case of the Jews there's where the scriptures the Apostle has reminded us that of that way back at chapter 3 what advantage then have the Jew or what prophet is there of circumcision much every way chiefly because that unto them were committed the Oracles of God. [00:22:41]

We must never read the scriptures without praying we should never approach them without asking the Holy Spirit to lead us and to guide us and to direct us we should deliberately humble ourselves we should talk to ourselves and say now why am I going to the scriptures am I only going there to find arguments to support my case or am I going there to be instructed to be enlightened to have my eyes open to the truth of God. [00:24:09]

The essential error of the RO of of these Jews was that they thought that the mere fact that they were Jews meant that of necessity they were God's children and that they were right with God their argument was we've been born Jews we belong to the Jewish Nation therefore of necessity we are the people of God and we are the hirs of the promises. [00:27:46]

We must never be surprised if the church is to be found in a state of apostasy I find this most comforting that's why I find this whole chapter the most comforting chapter if the nation of Israel could be apostate well then it's possible for anybody to be apostate the fact that the church is the church does not prove that she's always right the church can be apostate. [00:37:20]

We need never have any fear about the future of the Christian church we need never be alarmed about the future of the people of God why not well here's the answer isias also crith concerning Israel though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea a Remnant shall be said only a remnant repeats it as asaiah said before except the Lord of sabath had left us a seed. [00:39:02]

We must always be aware of the danger of becoming a closed Corporation Israel had become a closed Corporation she had no interest in the Gentiles she was concerned about herself proud of her own position always looking at herself turning in upon herself taking pride in herself no interest in those were outside they were dogs barbarians not worthy of consideration many a time has the church fallen into that particular error. [00:41:38]

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