Paul’s Heartache, Romans 9:1-5

Posted on December 24, 2014 by KD Manes under Bible Study

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I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel.” – Romans 9:2-4 (NIV)

After Paul writes of overwhelming victory in Romans 8, his mood turns somber as he reflects upon Israel and its rejection of Jesus the Messiah.

Chapters 9-11 are best presented as a unit. Each of these chapters start with a lament, but end with a doxology.

Shepherd’s Notes observes: Paul’s stance regarding Israel was similar to that of Moses when Israel sinned by creating the golden calf. “But now, if Thou wilt, forgive their sin—and if not, please blot me out from Thy book which Thou has written!” (Exodus 32:32, NASB)

Although Paul’s primary mission was to the Gentiles, his heart ached for the salvation of his Jewish brethren.

The Jewish Advantages

Verses 4-5 show how tragic the Jews’ rejection of Christ the Messiah was in light of their many advantages:

They were Israelites.
They received adoption as sons.
They experienced God’s glory.
They received God’s Law.
They were given God’s special covenant.
They were given responsibility of Temple worship service.
They were descendants of the patriarchs.
They had God’s promises.
They were Jesus the Messiah’s ancestors.

So What?

Paul’s concern for his Jewish brothers demonstrated great love and compassion. Like Christ, he was willing to sacrifice in order that they might find eternal life by placing their faith in Him.

Are we as concerned for those who haven’t placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Paul was?

Seeking a Right Standing With God, Romans 10:1-17

Posted on December 20, 2014 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be a righteousness for everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:1-4

This section echoes Romans 9:1-5 as Paul longs for the salvation of his Jewish people. Paul, who knew firsthand of the Jews’ zeal (Galatians 1:13-14), was pained that they lacked knowledge of Jesus’ identity and mission. Instead of accepting that Jesus fulfilled the Law and opened a way for right standing before God through faith in Him (Romans 3:21; Galatians 3:19-4:7), they sought righteousness through their traditions and through Law keeping. They failed to recognize God’s plan of redemption through Christ.

How is Christ the fulfillment and end of the Law?

The NIV Life Application Study Bible observes: “Christ is the end of the Law in two ways. He fulfills the purpose and goal of the Law (Matthew 5:17) in that He perfectly exemplified God’s desires on earth. But He is also the termination of the Law because in comparison to Christ, the Law is powerless to save. In order to be saved by the Law, a person would have to live a perfect life, not sinning once. Why did God give the Law when He knew people couldn’t keep it? According to Paul, one reason the Law was given was to show people how guilty they are (Galatians 3:19). The Law was a shadow of Christ—that is, the sacrificial system educated the people so that when the true sacrifice came they would be able to understand His work (Hebrews 10:1-4). The Law points to Christ, the reason for all those animal sacrifices.”

Paul ends this section by emphasizing belief: c294fe65b0c2395c94e96512b22b0ae5 “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (vs. 17).

Shepherd’s Notes comments: “Nowhere in Scripture is the universal scope of salvation presented with greater clarity. Although God’s redemptive plan was worked out in history through one particular race, it was meant from the beginning for the benefit of all people. Romans 10:9-10 has long served as one of the most helpful portions of Scripture for pointing out the way of salvation: confession that Jesus is Lord and belief in one’s heart that God has raised Him from death. This belief is not merely verbal assent, but staking one’s entire being on this truth.”

The Remnant, Romans 11:1-6

Posted on December 18, 2014 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Did God reject His people? By no means!” – Romans 11:1

This chapter begins in classic Paul style of question-declaration. What follows is a discussion of the remnant of Israel, the salvation of Gentiles, Israel’s jealousy of the fruitful Gentile mission, and the prophetic declaration of Israel turning toward Christ.

“The Remnant”, according to Shepherd’s Notes, “consists of the righteous people of God who remained after divine judgment . . . . For example, Noah and his family may be understood as survivors, or a remnant, of a divine judgment in the flood (Gen. 6:5-8; 7:1-23). In Romans 9:25-33, Paul quoted from the prophets Hosea and Isaiah to demonstrate that the saving of a remnant from among the Jewish people was still part of the Lord’s method of redeeming His people. There would always be a future for anyone among the covenant people who would turn to the Lord for salvation.”

God did not reject Israel as an entire nation. There remained a remnant of Jewish believers. Paul points to himself being a Jew, (so were Jesus’ disciples and most of the early Christian missionaries). Paul backs up his claim—God didn’t reject His special people—by using the great reforming prophet, Elijah, as an example. During a corrupt time when Israel’s priesthood and king’s court strayed from God, Elijah thought he alone remained faithful. But God replied, “I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all who have not bowed down to Baal,” (1 Kings 19:18).

Paul then connects the dots: 4caade4f52332582b74b797142db9fc8 “so too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace,” (vs. 5-6).

So What?

We are not saved because of our religion, good works, or heritage. We are saved only through faith in Jesus Christ.

On whom, or on what, or you depending for salvation?

Benefits of Suffering

Posted on April 11, 2014 by KD Manes under God's Call

Shannon Moreno’s post, Benefits of Suffering, really ties into the theme of Faith Writers’ book, Trials and Triumphs. Shannon has also written a great inspirational book called: Finding the Light (Prayerful Poetry). You can find it here: http://revelationsinwriting.wordpress.com

But before you read Shannon’s post, a little business is in order: CONGRATULATIONS . . . .

You’re the WINNER of:

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Revelations In Writing

Trials and troubles touch the lives of everyone, eventually. Often, when the struggles squeeze, people begin to wonder why. Though I know not all the answers, I appreciate the footnotes found for 2 Corinthians 4:17 that speak of the following benefits of our suffering: (1) They remind us of Christ’s suffering for us; (2) they keep us from pride; (3) they cause us to look beyond this brief life; (4) they prove our faith to others; and (5) they give God the opportunity to demonstrate His power.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Not only should we recognize the opportunities presented in our suffering, but also…

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Trials and Triumphs

Posted on February 7, 2014 by KD Manes under God's Call

Simplicity was a popular trend in 2013, ranging from simplifying gadgets to simple and clean architectural lines. We desire to simplify and understand the why’s in our complex world. For life is anything but simple.

Complexity

How can a person press on despite crippling illness, abusive relationships, the loss of a child, or even the confusion of homosexuality? Does God sometimes forget us, leaving us to maneuver through a muddled painful maze? Or is He near, guiding and supporting us in the middle of the mess?

Trials and Triumphs

I’ve been blessed to be a part of FaithWriters online community. I’m also honored to have my testimony included in their new book, Trials and Triumphs, along with 39 other people facing daily challenges.

In the “Coming to Faith” section, there are stories about discovering the need for a personal Savior. In the “Faith Under Fire” section, you will discover how God helped many people—including me—through various problems.

Trials and Triumphs will be released soon in book format. I will let you know when it’s available for purchase. For information about contributors, author links can be found here: Trials and Triumphs.

Come and journey with us through our challenges, victories, and intimate God-realizing moments. There is hope for the confused, abused, downtrodden, and for those who are suffering.

I hope you have a great week!

K.D.