Romans: What About The Jews?
Passage: Romans 9:1-13
Theme: The church at Rome was filled with Gentile and Jewish believers. With the gospel being a central part of the letter, it surfaced many questions, not least, What about the Jews? (or anyone else far from God for that matter!) There is also no denying that this section of Romans (9-11) stirs our emotions and churns the questions. The controversy was intense and Paul was at the center. In three short chapters we see again the unique role of Israel in God’s big story and the problem of unbelief. This unbelief causes great anguish and sorrow for Paul as a fellow Jew (as it should for all of us when loved ones fail to believe). So many have rejected the messiah of the OT. So it raises a question, “Has God’s Word failed?” God promised to bless them (us), but what happens when blessings don’t flow? Is God a Liar? A Deceiver? A Manipulator? No, God is an electing, sovereign Ruler who fulfills all of His promises!