#1641 Romans 9 Part 4 Why Does He Still Find Fault

 

19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” 20 On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? Will the thing molded say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this”? 21 Or does not the potter have authority over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 And what if God, wanting to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath having been prepared for destruction, 23 and in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles? 25 As He says also in Hosea,

“I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’

And her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’”

26 “And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are not My people,’

There they shall be called sons of the living God.”

27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved; 28 for the Lord will execute His word on the land, thoroughly and quickly.” 29 And just as Isaiah foretold,

“Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left to us a seed,

We would have become like Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah.” Romans 9: 19-29 LSB

romans 9: 19-29

V. 19 Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will? - The argument is, "if God is sovereign in salvation, if no one comes that He does not call and gift with faith to believe, then why does He still hold sinners accountable?" The other part of this question, and I hate to even speak it now, is in the hearts and minds of those in rebellion, not truly seeking to know God, an accusation, "does this not make God the Author of sin?" This falls apart in that God made man a moral being and good, but gave him instruction as to evil. He could avoid death, which is the wages of sin, by not eating the fruit of one tree in the garden. This is the first and last time man knew true "free will", because after he chased and nurtured the thought of autonomy in his mind, this is where sin started, when man questioned God and this is when he fell and all Adam's seed with him. This is when human will became the bondservant of sin, and we died to righteousness. Once we do realize that there is a God, and that we do sin, then we still would like to push the responsibility back on Him rather than repenting of our sin. For some they say, "the devil made me do it' and others here would seem to say, 'God made me do it." God would say that both are wrong. 

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. 13When tempted, no one should say, “ God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed.… James 1: 12-14

34But at the end of those days I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity was restored to me. Then I praised the Most High, and I honored and glorified Him who lives forever: “For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” 36At the same time my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne, and surpassing greatness was added to me.… Daniel 4: 34-36

Vs. 20-21 Who are you O man, who answers back to God - There are a lot of cage shakers out there who believe they have come to a perfect understanding of the doctrines of election. There are many on both sides of the argument that refuse to acknowledge what Paul is bluntly stating here, that there are aspects of this that are above our pay grade. Every hair of human autonomy wants to stand up on the neck of every man at this, but here it is, you are not God, He is the eternal, infinite being and you are a finite creature. You have a beginning, and you may also come to great heights in your understanding, but they will be always fall infinitely short of the wisdom of God. 

…7Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6: 7-8

…2“Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge? 3Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. 4Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.… Job 38: 2-4

…19For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.… 1 Corinthians 1: 19-21

Henry Morris - We have no right to ask God: "Why?" Remember that He answered Job's pleas for understanding merely by reminding Job of the fact of creation (Job 38-41). As our great Potter, He has the right to make His pottery vessels both for honor and dishonor (Ro 9:21). We who have been redeemed by His mercy should be grateful that He chose us even before the world began (Ep1:3, 4, 2Ti1:9), confident that He--by whatever means He chooses--is preparing His "vessels of mercy" (Ro 9:23) to receive the full manifestation of His glory in the ages to come (Ep 2:10). The fact that our finite minds cannot comprehend the simultaneous operation of divine election and human responsibility is irrelevant. Both Scripture and human experience demonstrate both to be true. We must both rest in that fact and act in light of it. - Precept Austin

…9Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker—one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? 10Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What have you begotten?’ or to his mother, ‘What have you brought forth?’” 11Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “How dare you question Me about My sons, or instruct Me in the work of My hands?… Isaiah 45: 9-11

V. 22 Wanting to demonstrate His wrath - God's wrath is always tied to His justice, and His holiness or otherliness. He has said what sin is, and He need not change His stance since it is from eternity. The first time someone sins then they could and should legally die, and as I have stated before, this could have very well and reasonably occurred in the garden. The moment Adam and Eve sinned it should have all come to an end, and that would have been just, but it didn't. So Paul goes on to say that God had the prerogative in doing this, not only to show His wrath, this part of His just nature which opposes sin, but also His power. The Bible is God's story, His very breath breathed into the quill and ink of Holy Script, telling us of His great power to save, displaying His redemptive plan. He endures vessels of wrath, even causes His rain to fall on the just and the unjust, all to the praise of His glory.  

…3Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved. 4The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster. 5Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.… Proverbs 16: 3-5

John MacArthur - Orge does not refer to an explosive outburst of temper but to an inner, deep resentment that seethes and smolders, often unnoticed by others" (MacArthur, J. James. Chicago, Ill.: Moody Press) MacArthur adds that orge… signifies the strongest kind of anger, that which reaches fever pitch, when God’s mercy and grace are fully exhausted. It will mark the end of God’s patience and tolerance with unregenerate, unrepentant mankind in the swelling of His final, furious anger which He will vent on those whose works evidence their persistent and unswerving rebellion against Him. (MacArthur, J. Romans. Chicago: Moody Press) - Precept Austin

…10You are wearied by your many journeys, but you did not say, “There is no hope!” You found renewal of your strength; therefore you did not grow weak. 11 Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me? 12I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you.… Isaiah 57: 10-12

…2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life.… Isaiah 43: 2-4

V. 23 Vessels of mercy - God is glorified by those who He condemns in their sin, and also by those who He redeems from His wrath. History has continued from the garden due to the promise of the Seed, Christ, the new birth, and which gospel is the power of God to salvation. 

2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. 4For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love…

…5He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One. 7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace…

…8that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.… Ephesians 1: 2-10

When God looks down on mankind, He sees all men under sin (Ro 5:12 all are in Adam and in desperate condition and need for His mercy and compassion). In view of that truth what does He have the right to do? Obviously as the Sovereign Creator He has the justifiable right to condemn all mankind to an eternal hell because all are sinners. If you think that this would make God an unfair Judge, then think back for a moment to what Paul taught in Romans 1.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (See notes on Romans 1:18-19, Romans 1:20-21, Romans 1:22-23, Romans 1:24-25)

God has given every man a chance to know Him. But rebellious mankind although knowing about God through His natural revelation, made a deliberate, conscious choice not to honor Him as God or give thanks. The upshot is that all like sheep have gone astray from their Creator and all are without excuse. But here in Romans 9 Paul explains that even though we are all sinners deserving eternal death, God in His mercy, in His love, in His sovereignty has condescended to choose some and has prepared (aorist tense = a definite event and active voice = He did this independent of the creatures, especially independent of any merit they might think they have) them beforehand for glory. - PA

Vs. 24-26 I will call those who were not My people - God's plan of election was from eternity, and also included many among the Gentiles in His counsel. 

…29Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.… Romans 3: 29-31

V. 27 It is a remnant that will be saved - He has continually answered the question as to why or how could those who had such a history with God, the law, the tabernacle and the prophets, how could they have fallen away? This has to do with election, and God has always kept a remnant in every age. Remember, not all are Israel who were related to Abraham, but it was the circumcision of the heart that mattered. It is the same in the church, some are there just for the fish and the bread, the social aspect, but Christ said that not everyone who claims to be His are. 

…20So then, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’…

23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ 24Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.… Matthew 7: 20-25

Vs. 28-29 We would have become like Sodom - The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah reached the fullness of the cup of God's wrath and He destroyed them for their sin. Both cities were completely ground to dust by what the Bible describes as burning Sulphur from heaven. Abraham asked God not to do this if there what got down to be 10 righteous in the city, but even that low number could not be found so God removed Abraham's nephew, Lot. Isaiah is saying, that the only thing that kept Israel going is that God had kept a seed, and that He would raise up the Seed of the woman to redeem them. They would have shared and deserved the same fate except for God's mercy to them in preserving a remnant. 

…12until the LORD has driven men far away and the land is utterly forsaken. 13And though a tenth remains in the land, it will be burned again. As the terebinth and oak leave stumps when felled, so the holy seed will be a stump in the land.” Isaiah 6: 12-13

Matthew Henry notes that…

"The rejecting of the Jews, and the taking in the Gentiles, were foretold in the OT (Ro 9:26, Hosea 1:6). It tends very much to the clearing of a truth, to observe how the Scripture is fulfilled in it. It is a wonder of Divine power and mercy that there are any saved: for even those left to be a seed, if God had dealt with them according to their sins, had perished with the rest. This great truth this Scripture teaches us. Even among the vast number of professing Christians it is to be feared that only a remnant will be saved." (Heb 4:1, 2-note) - Precept Austin

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#1640 Romans 9 Part 3 Does Not Depend On the One Who Wills

 

14 What shall we say then? Is there any unrighteousness with God? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it does not depend on the one who wills or the one who runs, but on God who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, in order to demonstrate My power in you, and in order that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.” 18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. Romans 9: 14-18 LSB

Romans 9: 14-18

V. 14 Is there injustice on God's part - If the wages of sin is death and all have sinned then all should receive this justice. In the case of those to whom God shows grace, unmerited mercy, it is based upon His right as the Creator, and yet He does not forgo justice. God is eternal, and so are His attributes. His holy and just nature demands fairness, so in the case of those who receive His wrath, it is what they are owed, and in the case of those who receive His mercy, the wages of sin are paid for by His Son. The Just God pays the price for sin. 

…24What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there? 25Far be it from You to do such a thing— to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” 26So the LORD replied, “If I find fifty righteous ones within the city of Sodom, on their account I will spare the whole place.”… Genesis 18: 24-26

…18Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. 19Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? 20Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunes, You will revive me once again. Even from the depths of the earth You will bring me back up.… Psalm 71: 18-20

…136My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed. 137Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments. 138The testimonies You have laid down are righteous and altogether faithful.… Psalm 119: 136-138

…141I am lowly and despised, but I do not forget Your precepts. 142Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true. 143Trouble and distress have found me, but Your commandments are my delight.… Psalm 119: 141-143

V. 15 I will have mercy on whom I have mercy - God declaring His divine right over His creation. This is a quote from Exodus 33.

…18Then Moses said, “Please show me Your glory.” 19“I will cause all My goodness to pass before you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim My name— the LORD— in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 20But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.”… Exodus 33: 18-20

V. 16 So then it does not depend on the one who wills or the one who runs - Sadly, there is an Arminian form of Christianity that I grew up with, which glorifies man's "free will", man who is called the bondservant of sin and dead in his trespasses and sins. The bible in no way teaches that "God will in no way interfere with man's free will", again, you are a slave to sin who needs to be born again. Human autonomy is a joke and an idol, for no one has ever called themselves into being. Even when man does will aright, chooses God, the Will beneath that will is God's own. Christ had to correct His own disciples on this, that He chose them, not the other way around. 

More on this from John 3

More on being born again

12Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. 14Do everything without complaining or arguing,… Philippians 2: 12-14

…36But as I stated, you have seen Me and still you do not believe. 37Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.… John 6: 36-38

…25I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. 26I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.… Ezekiel 36: 25-27

V. 17 For this very purpose I raised you up - Pharoah and other rulers have always seen themselves as special, even self made, but some giving credit to the gods of their hands and imaginations. God is saying it is quite the opposite, like in the case of Nebuchadnezzar who praised himself against God's warning and was brought low. As some have pointed out, even the devil is God's devil, he can do no more than God allows.

5“Look at the nations and observe—be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you. 6For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans— that ruthless and impetuous nation which marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own. 7They are dreaded and feared; from themselves they derive justice and sovereignty.… Habakkuk 1: 5-7

…5But stretch out Your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse You to Your face.” 6“Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “He is in your hands, but you must spare his life.” 7So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and infected Job with terrible boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.… Job 2: 5-7

V. 18 He hardens whom He desires - God judiciously leaves some men in their sin. They didn't want God, and so they didn't get what they didn't want, but they will receive justice. 

. He hardens: We know that Pharaoh did harden his own heart, according to Exodus 7:13, 7:22, 8:15, 8:19, 8:32, 9:7, and 9:34. But “He does not so much as bother to indicate that Pharaoh hardened his own heart, an evidence of unbelief and rebellion, because he is emphasizing the freedom of God’s action in all cases.” (Harrison) - Enduring Word

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#1639 Romans 9 Part 2 Twin Truths

 

6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; 7 nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s seed, but: “through Isaac your seed will be named.” 8 That is, the children of the flesh are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are considered as seed. 9 For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; 11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that the purpose of God according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, 12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Romans 9: 6-13 LSB

Romans 9: 6-13

I. First, then, THIS IS FACT. Men say they do not like the doctrine of election. Verily, I do not want them to; but is it not a fact that God has elected some? Ask an Arminian brother about election, and at once his eye turns fiercely upon you, and he begins to get angry, he can't bear it; it is a horrible thing, like a war-cry to him, and he begins to sharpen the knife of controversy at once. But say to him, "Ah, brother! was it not divine grace that made you to differ? Was it not the Lord who called you out of your natural state, and made you what you are? "Oh, yes," he says," "I quite agree with you there." Now, put this question to him: "What do you think is the reason why one man has been converted, and not another?" "Oh," he says, "the Spirit of God has been at work in this man." Well, then, my brother, the fact is, that God does treat one man better than another; and is there anything wonderful in this fact? It is a fact we recognize every day. There is a man up in the gallery there, that work as hard as he likes, he cannot earn more than fifteen shillings a week; and here is another man that gets a thousand a year; what is the reason of this? One is born in the palaces of kings, while another draws his first breath in a roofless hovel What is the reason of this? God's providence. He puts one man in one position, and another man in another. Here is a man whose head cannot hold two thoughts together, do what you will with him; here is another who can sit down and write a book, and dive into the deepest of questions; what is the reason of it? God has done it. Do you not see the fact, that God does not treat every man alike? He has made some eagles, and some worms; some he has made lions, and some creeping lizards; he has made some men kings, and some are born beggars. Some are born with gigantic minds and some verge on the idiot. Why is this? Do you murmur at God for it? No, you say it is a fact, and there is no good in murmuring. What is the use of kicking against facts? It is only kicking against the pricks with naked feet, and you hurt yourself and not them. Well, then, election is a positive fact; it is as clear as daylight, that God does, in matters of religion, give to one man more than to another. He gives to me opportunities of hearing the word, which he does nor give to the Hottentot. He gives to me, parents who, from infancy, trained me in the fear of the Lord. He does not give that to many of you. He places me afterwards in situations where I am restrained from sin. Other men are cast into places where their sinful passions are developed. He gives, to one man a temper and disposition which keeps him back from some lust, and to another man he gives such impetuosity of spirit, and depravity turns that impetuosity so much aside, that the man runs headlong into sin. Again, he brings one man under the sound of a powerful ministry, while another sits and listens to a preacher whose drowsiness is only exceeded by that of his hearers. And even when they are hearing the gospel, the fact is God works in one heart when be does not in another. Though, I believe to a degree, the Spirit works in the hearts of all who hear the Word, so that they are all without excuse, yet I am sure he works in some so powerfully, that they can no longer resist him, but are constrained by his grace to cast themselves at his feet, and confess him Lord of all; while others resist the grace that comes into their hearts; and it does not act with the same irresistible force that it does in the other case, and they perish in their sins, deservedly and justly condemned. Are not these things facts? Does any man deny them? can any man deny them? What is the use of kicking against facts? I always like to know when there is a discussion, what is the fact. You have heard the story of King Charles the Second and the philosophers King Charles asked one of them, "What is the reason why, if you had a pail of water, and weighed it, and then put a fish into it, that the weight would be the same?" They gave a great many elaborate reasons for this. At last one of them said, "Is it the fact?" And then they found out that the water did weigh more, just as much more as the fish put into it. So all their learned arguments fell to the ground. So, when we are talking about election, the best thing is to say, "Put aside the doctrine for a moment, let us see what is the fact?" We walk abroad; we open our eyes; we see, there is the fact. What, then, is the use of our discussing any longer? We had better believe it, since it is an undeniable truth. You may alter an opinion, but you cannot alter a fact. You may change a mere doctrine, but you cannot possibly change a thing which actually exists. There it is God does certainly deal with some men better than he does with others. I will not offer an apology for God; he can explain his own dealings; he needs no defence from me,

"God is his own interpreter,

And he will make it plain;"

but there stands the fact. Before you begin to argue upon the doctrine, just recollect, that whatever you may think about it, you cannot alter it; and however much you may object to it, it is actually true that God did love Jacob, and did not love Esau. C. H. Spurgeon

V. 6 As though the word of God has failed - The Messiah came and Israel rejected Him, but Paul states that this is no failure in the plan of God. In fact this was predicted by the OT prophets. God did not fail His chosen people, but as we will see not all are the Israel of God. 

…10He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. 11He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—… John 1: 10-12

…2He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. 3He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. 4Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted.… Isaiah 53: 2-4

V. 6b-7 For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel - This contrast the spirit and the physical birth. Jacob's name was changed to Israel, but not everyone related to him physically was born again spiritually. Growing up with a Christian parent doesn't make you born of the spirit, though you may be Christian culturally, celebrating Christmas, even believing things about Christ, just as the demons believe and tremble, yet are not saved. The Jews cited that they had Abraham as their father, but so did Ishmael, yet God chose Isaac. Ishmael, a historical person, represented the will of man, man trying to make his own way, which always leads to heartache and contention. Isaac, the younger brother of Ishmael by Sarah, was the child of promise, born well after Sarah's time of childbearing had passed, and proven fruitless. He is the child of the dead womb, and a very beautiful picture of being born again. Israel also means "governed by God", and not all were governed by God as their actions proved. 

…7You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: 8‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 9They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ ”… Matthew 15: 7-9

…30As for you, son of man, your people are talking about you near the city walls and in the doorways of their houses. One speaks to another, each saying to his brother, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD!’ 31So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. 32Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.… Ezekiel 33: 30-32

…21Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’… Matthew 7: 21-23

V. 8 The children of the flesh are not the children of God - Again he clarifies, it is not physical relation to Abraham, but being children of the promise, the ones called. The evidence of this would be repentance, being "ruled by God."

…8Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. 9And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.… Matthew 3: 8-10

V.9 And Sarah shall have a son - This is quoted from Genesis 18:10. Sarah's response to the promise of Isaac was to laugh, because she was passed the time of her menstruation and had never been able to conceive. Think about that in regards to your own salvation. It requires a miracle of God. 

1And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.…

…4But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,…

 Ephesians 2: 1-6

Vs. 10-13 Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated - Before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, meaning it is not based on their future foreseen merit. Jacob is a great case in point to this, his name means "deceiver". He tricked his own father, but God chose him, as he chooses all His elect, not upon condition of future good deeds, nor upon the basis of seeing that they would choose Him, but according to His sovereign plan. Many have played and tinkered with this plain statement "Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated", but I think it best to accept it as is. If it doesn't fit with your image of God, your Theology, then you should best challenge it because you are making an idol. God hates sin, and those who attach themselves to it, refuse salvation from it, and so God will be forever opposed to them. 

…10My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. 11God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation each day. 12If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow.… Psalm 7: 10-12

…15No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit— fruit that will remain— so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. 17This is My command to you: Love one another.… John 15: 15-17

1This is the burden against Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite: 2The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies. 3The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.… Nahum 1: 1-3

…35The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands. 36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3: 35-36

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#1638 Romans 9 Part 1 Great Sorrow and Unceasing Grief

 

I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. Romans 9: 1-5 LSB

Romans 9: 1-5

When I entered seminary I believed in the freedom of my will, in the sense that it was ultimately self-determining. I had not learned this from the Bible. I absorbed it from the independent, self-sufficient, self-esteeming, self-exalting air that you and I breathe every day of our lives in America. The sovereignty of God meant that he can do anything with me that I give him permission to do. With this frame of mind, I entered a class on Philippians with Daniel Fuller and class on the doctrine of salvation with Jaymes Morgan.

In Philippians, I was confronted with the intractable ground clause of Philippians 2:13: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure,” which made God the will beneath my will and the worker beneath my work. The question was not whether I had a will, but the question was why I willed what I willed. And the ultimate answer — not the only answer — was God.

In the class on salvation, we dealt head-on with the doctrines of unconditional election and irresistible grace. Romans 9 was the watershed text and the one that changed my life forever. Romans 9:11–12 said, “Though they [Jacob and Esau] were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad — in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of his call — she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’”

And when Paul raised the question in verse 14, “Is there injustice on God’s part?” He says, no, and quotes Moses (in verse 15): “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” And when he raises the question in verse 19, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” He answers in verse 21, “Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honored use and another for dishonorable use?”

Emotions run high when you feel your man-centered world crumbling around you. I met Dr. Morgan in the hall one day. After a few minutes of heated argument about the freedom of my will, I held a pen in front of his face and dropped it to the floor. Then I said, with not as much respect as a student ought to have, “I [!] dropped it.” Somehow that was supposed to prove that my choice to drop the pen was not governed by anything but my sovereign self.

But thanks be to God’s mercy and patience, at the end of the semester I wrote in my blue book for the final exam, “Romans 9 is like a tiger going about devouring free-willers like me.” That was the end of my love affair with human autonomy and the ultimate self-determination of my will. My worldview simply could not stand against the Scriptures, especially Romans 9. And it was the beginning of a lifelong passion to see and savor the supremacy of God in absolutely everything. - John Piper from "The Absolute Sovereignty of God" What is Romans 9 about?

Vs. 1-2 I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart - You could understand these doctrines, yet I would contest not so well as you think, if you read, memorize and repeat the argument of election, but remain without sorrow and unceasing grief in your heart. It is easy to see the world God has called you out of spiritually and rightfully hate this system, rightfully hate the sin, but it was not for our goodness that Christ came to save us. He came to seek and to save the lost, to call sinners to repentance, and so if we truly love Him then we should have sorrow over our sin, and sorrow for the state of those living in slavery to it. Ephesus was commended on many fronts, much like some of our Reformed churches today. They went even further than many when it came to discernment, even outing the Nicolaitans, for which Christ praises them, but for all that, even their great loyalty to the Word of God, yet they had forsaken their first love. They were doing all the things that we should expect of those who believe, it is the minimum after all, that we are sound in are doctrine, correct error, hold up the Word of God above our own thoughts and feelings, but is it not pride when we look at those who don't know God and forget that except for His great love and mercy we wouldn't either? We have lost the marvel and awe of our own salvation, the being able to come into the presence of His Majesty without being consumed by fire, being rescued from that which we could not save ourselves. Notice how Paul starts the presentation of these great doctrines with sorrow for the lost of Israel, his brothers according to the flesh, those who now hate him. 

1“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles. 3Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name.…

…4But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love. 5Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.… Revelation 2: 1-6

…135Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes. 136My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed. 137Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments.… Psalm 119: 135-137

…9Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD. “Or will I who deliver close the womb?” says your God. 10Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her, 11so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you may drink deeply and delight yourselves in her glorious abundance.… Isaiah 66: 9-11

…16Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness. 17But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive. 18Say to the king and to the queen mother: “Take a lowly seat, for your glorious crowns have fallen from your heads.”… Jeremiah 13: 16-18

The works of the Nicolaitans - A problem in Pergamum also, this heresy was similar to the teaching of Balaam. Nicolas means "one who conquers people". Irenaeus writes that Nicolas, who was made a deacon in Acts 6, was a false believer who later became apostate; but because of his credentials he was able to lead the church astray. And, like Balaam, he led the people into immorality and wickedness. The Nicolaitans, followers of Nicolas, were involved in immorality and assaulted the church with sensual temptations. Clement of Alexander says, "They abandoned themselves to pleasure like goats, leading a life of self-indulgence." Their teaching perverted grace and replaced liberty with license.  - J Mac from study Bible note Rev 2:6

V. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed - No one this side of eternity can truly comprehend the weight of such a statement, but this is the burden of Paul's heart for his lost brothers. I have thought about this statement many times throughout my Christian life, and it shouldn't be brushed off or passed over without assessing one's own view of the lost. We tend to go too far to the side of being in a bubble like separatist, hating not just evil, but people, though Christ has told us to love our enemies, and to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel. We treat it as a kindness to not bring up the gospel because we know that it will be controversial, and the reality of the word "enemy" will become too crisp. Paul is stating that he is willing, thank God it is not of him who wills, to be considered anathema, that is the Greek word which means "to devote to destruction in eternal hell". It always takes me a bit to recover from that, but look at the contrast, most of us aren't willing to be temporarily put out, bothered, rejected, scorned for even a minute. We are much quicker to raise up fists or stand on soap boxes then we are to pray for the salvation of those who would persecute us. I don't think Paul has lost his first love. I think he is finding his salvation more and more marvelous, almost unbelievable, definitely outside of himself. 

…31So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made gods of gold for themselves. 32Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” 33The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book.… Exodus 32: 31-33

V. 4a Who are Israelites - The physical descendants of Abraham, born from Jacob, whose name became Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. 

V. 4b To whom belongs the adoption as sons - God ransomed Israel from Egypt, covering them in the blood of the Passover, a picture pointing to Christ. 

…21The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. 22Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son, 23and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!’ ”… Exodus 4: 21-23

…19After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’ 20Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD. 21“Set up the roadmarks, establish the signposts. Keep the highway in mind, the road you have traveled. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to these cities of yours.… Jeremiah 31: 19-21

V. 4c And the glory, and the covenants and the giving of the law - Israel had a unique relationship to God in comparison to the rest of the world. The glory refers to God's presence, the Shekinah that went before them in a cloud by day, fire by night and indwelled the tabernacle. They received the unilateral covenant which God gave to Abraham and renewed with Jacob, and this was the name that Moses gave the people in Egypt, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is the great "I am", the eternal Being, the Creator, the only true God. They had the law given to them through Moses, so they had many advantages in knowing God, the revelation of God, both the law and the prophets. 

10And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD 11so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. 1 Kings 8: 10-11

…17When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the halves of the carcasses. 18On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land— from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates — 19the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites,… Genesis 15: 17-19

V. 4d The temple service and the promises - The temple showed the approach, told the story of God's redemptive plan, showed man's inability to approach without being clean, and that there was a breach that could only be overcome by the life and death of another. 

Latreia - 5x in 5v - John 16:2; Ro 9:4; 12:1; Heb 9:1, 6. NAS = divine worship(2), service(2), service of worship(1).

Paul is referring to the service as seen in the tabernacle, offerings, and priesthood as found in Exodus and Leviticus, Moses recording for example God's promise… Precept Austin

"And I will meet there with the sons of Israel, and it shall be consecrated by My glory. And I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar; I will also consecrate Aaron and his sons to minister as priests to Me. And I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the LORD their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them; I am the LORD their God. (Ex 29:43, 44, 45, 46)

13For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14For if those who live by the law are heirs, faith is useless and the promise is worthless, 15because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression.… Romans 4: 13-15

V. 5b From whom is the Christ according to the flesh - Jesus was born a Jew from the line of David. 

V. 5c Who is God over all - Another mention of Christ's deity. 

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.… John 1: 1-3

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