REACHING THE WORLD
Notes
Transcript
Intro
In the last chapter we see God has the right to choose and God has the right to do what he wants to with His creation. You are the clay and he wants to mold you. Chapter ended with Isaiah saying Israel is a disobedient and obstinate people. God was going to use the Gentile world to humble them.
Here Paul is answering some questions, It sounds like a sermon more than a letter.
Did God Reject His People? vs 1-10
Very important question, seeing many are Jewish. How can you be chosen and not chosen anymore. Some have taken this to mean he has rejected them all together. We have denominations who believe this.
Yes now Jew and Gentile are in the same boat, Israel still has that special place in God’s heart
1 I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
There is always a remnant. Like God told Elijah, there are those who have not bowed the knee - meaning the have not worshipped other Gods.
Scripture says they are saved by grace no by works.
No matter how low it gets there are always the faithful. Thank You for the faithful AMEN.
Did They Stumble Beyond Recovery?
NO
How significant is this question?
For the Jews very significant - But also for you.
11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.
12 Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!
It again shows us God’s heart.
Israels rejection gave way for the world to be saved, that is riches for the Gentiles.
Romans 11:24 (NASB95)
24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?
SHARING IN THE ROOT
v. 17. “But some of the branches (who are the Jews) were broken off. You who are not Jews were put in the place where the branches had been broken off. Now you are sharing the rich root of the olive tree”—NLT.
The root will not be destroyed, but those that harden themselves will.
Gentiles are not more favored than the Jews. The Jews were the broken-off branches that rejected Christ. The Gentiles were grafted in.
If God spared not the natural branches (the Jews), will He spare the Gentiles who reject Him?
If the Jews trust Christ, they will be reinstated in God’s family.
In the closing days of the age of the Gentiles, more Jews are turning to Christ. In Revelation 14:1–3 we read that during the tribulation 144,000 will be saved—12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel.
God loves the Jews and seeks to save them.
He says the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable - In proper context it is speaking of Israel, the are called and the promises are still for them today. Gods chosen people are still Gods chosen people.
The blessing is you are now part of the blessing.
It still comes down to choice. But think about it who else would you choose.
Chapter 12
Because of everything we have learned in the past few weeks Paul gives a summary
Romans 12:1–2 (NASB95)
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
A renewed mind is a mind that has been transformed by the Spirit. You now live different becasue you think different.
It is a daily task. When scripture says take up your cross daily. It gives you a picture of a process and a decision. Spiritual and mental transformation.
You are being reprogrammed.
To the Jews of pauls day it was the law that changed your thinking Today we have the Spirit and the Word to change your thinking. We have the gospels with give us a detailed look at Jesus life. We are to live like him and for him. WE take on a Christian worldview.
We have a job to do
Be transformed, work together for the glory of God
Romans 12:6–21 (NASB95)
6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;
7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;
8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This section is packed with power for service - the gifts are to be used to benefit the body they are not a trophy case for believers to show off.
Your life is to be a life of blessing, one that benefits the other person.
Even your enemies, should be blessed by being in your presence. Jesus said love your enemies and pray for them.
Love in action.
Paul unpacked a life of LOVE
Putting other believers first
Be passionate in your devotion to Christ and stay the course
Conclusion:
Everything is overcome by good (moral excellence)
Evil wants to overcome you.
They will know you are Christians by your ______________ (love)
A lifestyle of love not just a single action or emotion. It is a cooperation with the Holy Spirit, He know how to love a lot better than we do. Inspired love is better than human love. AMEN
One theologian said - imagine the transformation in society if Christians walked in this kind of love.
Our way of life runs in opposition to the world.
When St Patrick was reaching Ireland he created a monastic community. When people visited or were invited to his community they did not want to leave. They saw the love and they felt it. He baptised over 120,000 people and founded over 700 churches in his life of 78 years.