Rom 14:1-16:27, Balancing freedom with love for the weaker brother

Rom 14:1-12 (ESV) As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2  One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4  Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.


5  One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.


10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,


 "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God."


12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.


• What are the issues mentioned here and where do they come from?
• Vegetarian
• Possibly to avoid meat sacrificed to idols, which would be an OT Law stipulation
• Pre-law commandment to Adam and Eve.  Therefore some who believe that the OT is abrogated might still believe pre-law rules are not
• Special days, i.e., Sabbath, feasts, and new moon celebrations.  These are clearly OT law. The new moon is important because it determines the start of a new month, which then determines when holidays occurs
• Who is the person with the weak faith?
• The individual who believes he is still under these rules
• This does not mean if you are a vegetarian you are weak in faith. The weak person is the one who thinks he must eat vegetables because of an OT law or rule
• How are we to treat the person?
• Not to judge for convictions (or even convictions based on weak faith)
• It is a matter of conscience, between the person and God
• When is it okay to judge other believers?
• In matters on sin (1 Cor is very clear)
• Raises a particularly difficult point. If we think something is sin, then we will judge others on that point
• Clearly OT laws are not issues upon which we can be judged
• We can judge (or rather raise the issue to the person, not gossip about them) on sins that a clearly taught in the NT to avoid (eg. sexual immorality)
• Additionally we are not to judge unbelievers


Rom 14:13-23 (ESV) Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16  So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17  For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.


20  Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21  It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.  22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.


• So four key principles
1. Don't judge others
2. Don't be a stumbling block
3. Everything is clean (foodwise) but it may not be helpful
4. We are to pursue peace and mutual upbuilding
• So even though we can't judge others by our convictions or force our convictions upon others, we are still affected by their convictions but for a different reason.  What are we told to do?
• Don't make an issue of a conviction
• Don't cause another to stumble because of your knowledge
• We made need to sacrifice for others. That may seem unfair but that is the definition of sacrificial love (Jesus' death was not fair either but thankfully he did do it for us!)
• (And even more clearly) while we are not under OT law, we are under NT principles where "love for your neighbor" is the overriding principle


Rom 15:1-4 (ESV) We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2  Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me." 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.


• This passage makes it clear that the reason we adjust our behavior is not because we are under the law, but because?
We are concerned about the weaker brother
• Someone may respond: then what is the purpose of the law if we are not under it?  What is Paul's response? 
• The OT law teaches us
• Specifically it teaches us endurance (by watching OT saints suffer and remain true)
• and encouragement (by watching God deliver his people)
• and it teaches us hope (because we have a future)


Rom 15:5-13 (ESV) May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.


8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,


"Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name."


10 And again it is said,


"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people."


11 And again,


 "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples extol him."


12 And again Isaiah says,


"The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope."


13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.


• God gives endurance and encouragement (he uses the OT), but Paul is praying for unity, why?
• That will bring praise to God
• It is a fulfillment of all that God began in the Jews, that Gentiles are now experiencing
• What do the next four passages emphasize and why?
• The next four passages are exhortation to the Gentiles to praise God
• Disunity affects our worship, it hurts our praise, it hurts our witness, and it shows a lack of understanding of all that went into our salvation
• APPLICATION: Disunity happens when we put emphasis on convictions (rules) over love


Rom 15:14-21 (ESV) I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19  by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written,


 "Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand."


• Paul has never visited the church at Rome.  He has met various members of the church from Rome.  He has heard of their witness.  What is his conclusion?
• They are full of goodness (they want to do right)
• They have the knowledge and are competent to teach (I think many feel that they need to know more before they can teach.  A funny thing about teaching, you never really are ready when you start, but you learn so much from the discipline of being forced to be ready to teach)
• Paul felt the maturity was strong enough that he could challenge them on some points


Rom 15:22-33 (ESV) This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.


30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31  that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.


• Where is he heading? Jerusalem
• Why is he going to Jerusalem? To carry a gift to the poor
• What is his concern as he goes to Jerusalem?
• Deliverance from unbelievers
• That the gift will be acceptable (he probably has not received it all yet and hopes to get the rest on the way back)
• What is his plan?
• To visit Rome on his way to Spain
• Did things go the way Paul hoped?
• No.  Although whether he visited Spain is not really known
• He spent some time in Rome under house arrest
• Some unverified stories suggest he was released and went to Spain
• Whatever was the case, he was recaptured and later killed by Caesar
• APPLICATION: Even when you are perfectly in the will of God things do not always go well


Rom 16:1-27 (ESV) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.


3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16  Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.


17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20  The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.


21  Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.


22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.


23  Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.


25  Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.


• Observations:
• Phoebe will be visiting
• Priscilla and Aquila, former members of the church at Rome, will be visiting
• Apparently, Epenetus, his first convert, is a member of the church
• Mary, not clear the relation, but sounds like a member
• Paul has a number of people he knows in the church as well as relatives who live in Rome
• His last warning:
• Watch out for those who cause division
• Teach contrary teachings
• Serve their own appetites
• Deceive with smooth talk and flattery
• More observations:
• Timothy is with Paul (and others)
• Tertius wrote the letter down
• The church meets at Gaius' house and Paul is probably spending the winter there

Rom 12:1- 13:14, Lordship, renewal of the mind, and community are the keys to Christian health

• Review 1-8, the Gospel, 9-11, the status of Israel, and now 12-16, the working out
• Treatise
• Not problem-based application to a specific church, but a general application of the entire book


Rom 12:1-2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.


• So, what is the starting point?
• Imagery of sacrifice
• Instead of dead animals it is living flesh, our flesh
Luke 14:25 (ESV) Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Eph 4:20-24 (ESV) 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
• So this goes back to chapter 7--we have a choice. We can choose what the flesh desires or we can choose what God desires
• Choosing according to the Spirit is true worship. Sometimes we wrongly assume worship is just Sunday morning service
Matt 15:8-9 (ESV) "'This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
9 in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"
• Worship is practiced in how we live out our daily lives
• What is the second point Paul makes in the working out of these truths in our lives?
• Romans 7 describes a war between two forces, 1) the old nature or the flesh and 2) the mind controlled by the Spirit
• We wage this battle by transforming the mind. How do we do this?
Col 3:9-10 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
• We need to be regularly in the word of God in order to transform the way we think -- this is the second most important thing we can do, the first is to make up our minds to do the right thing
• How do we renew our mind? Garbage in, garbage out. We need to be in the Word


Rom 12:3-8 (ESV) For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.


• First step is to decide to make right choices (Lordship). The second step is to renew our mind. What is the third step?
• Pride, thinking more highly of yourself, considering your gift too highly
• Low self-esteem, thinking you are not important
• We need to be part of community, fellowship. We can't be lone rangers, we can't do it all. We are designed to need others
• Let's discuss this more -- what is the proper attitude for the Christian?
• Not to take the position of a "worm," but "to think of yourself with sober judgment"
• Knowledge -- wrong view is that I know the bible better so I am better.  Knowing the bible is good if it renews your thinking and changes your life, but knowledge without application is deceptive (James 1:22)
• Lifestyle -- wrong view is that since I do or don't do certain things I am better
• Also, our gift is not any more important than any other person's gift
• We are to exercise our gift with a right attitude.  Notice the emphasis not on the "work" but on the attitude in the "work" -- generously, govern diligently, cheerfully, needs of others, serve, faith, encourage, teach ...


Rom 12:9-13 (ESV) Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.


• I think this continues the discussion on community. Independent of our individual gifts, we all have a requirement to each other.  How are we treat each other?
• Genuine love.  Opposite is saying one thing but thinking another.  Would also include gossip about the other person
• Abhor evil, hold fast to good from the perspective of the individual's life.  This is not a call to judgment since we are also called to love one another
• Love one another in brotherly love--love like one sees in a family
• Example: Mother who believes her son is innocent no matter what he has done is an extreme and incorrect view, but there is a similarity in that our first thought must be to assume the best about our brothers and sisters
• Zeal issue (verses 11-13).  A lot of people go through the motions.  How do you not lose zeal?
• Develop a vision for the world and disciple making
• Get involved in a ministry
• Give time and money to ministries making an impact in the world
• Pray for other missionaries on a regular basis
• As long as our time and money is focused on our personal lifestyle we will never developed the zeal that is exhorted in this passage


Rom 12:14-21 (ESV) Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. 17  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.


• Going deeper in relationships, how do we feel when something good happens to another but not to us? How do we view our persecutors?
• Blessing others, not cursing them
• Rejoicing and mourning which emphasizes having compassion and understanding the person.  Sometimes we are so interested in what we have to say we don't think about what the other person REALLY needs to hear or needs to feel
• Harmony -- don’t get dragged into things that split the body
• DON’T BE PROUD -- Israel's main problem.  As a nation and as a people, thinking they were more important than others
• I think the previous verses (3-16) have been focused on our witness / lifestyle among believers.  Now, Paul discusses our witness among unbelievers
• There is a truism of life:  Someone will do evil to you
• You have a choice:
1) to do evil back,
2) to sit and stew and get bitter,
3) forgive, forget, and love
• We are called "to do what is right in the eyes of everybody"
• Another truism of life: Someone won't like you
• Our choice:
1) get angry,
2) take revenge,
3) forgive, forget and love
• We are called "to live at peace with everyone"
• http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/how-to-fight-bitterness
• Actually, God can deal with those who do evil or show contempt toward you
• One, it is God's judge
• Two, it will be more constructive
• Three, it will be more painful
• We are called to overcome evil with good


Rom 13:1-7 (ESV) Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7  Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.


• We do have a responsibility to the state, our nation--this continues our external witness
• Paul groups all nations in this category (includes Rome especially considering the intended audience)
• For us, Paul groups all Presidents (Nixon, Clinton, Obama, …) in the category of "established by God"
• In England, Henry VIII used this verse to become head of the church and the state
• We would still be required to obey his rules in regard to earthly authority
• In regard to morality, the apostles made it clear that God's rules come first
• Incidentally, failure to follow the law is a legitimate reason to suffer
• On the subject of abortion, there is a difference between a government that permits abortion and a government that requires abortion
• I think we would have moral justification to disobey a gov't that required abortion
• What is our responsibility (and this is not to avoid suffering only but also an issue of conscience, i.e., our submission to God (vs 12:1))?
• Pay our taxes -- don't cheat
• Pay our bills -- don't lie
• Pay honor -- don't be insincere


Rom 13:8-14 (ESV) Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.


11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12  The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13  Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.


• I think this next section continues the civil responsibilities.  The first issue is what?
• Not to have debt
• I think this is an unpaid bill, not meaning to secure a bill
• Clearly, debt with interest (time paid purchases) are very poor financial habits
• Appreciating items, such as a house, may be reasonable
• Necessary items, such as a car, is another argument. Car payment becomes a rental price for a vehicle
• Credit cards bills, I strongly urge against, unless the entire balance is paid off every month
• All the commandments are summarized in one rule: "love your neighbor as yourself," why?
• Love does not harm
• Application of the "letter of the law" can be used to hurt people
• Love fulfills the law (just like Jesus did when he completely carried out the law)
• Finally, we are nearing the end times (which is also the time of apostasy).  The daytime will be the millennial kingdom, but for now we live in the darkness
• Darkness includes orgies (sexual sins of all kinds), drunkenness, dissension, jealousies, etc
• In contrast, we are clothe ourselves with Christ
• Not to gratify the desires of the sinful nature
• The obvious counter is how to gratify the new mind, the renewing of the mind which started chapter 12

Rom 11:1-36, God is not finished with his people

Rom 11:1-10 (ESV) I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2  God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3  "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life." 4 But what is God's reply to him? "I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6  But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.


7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8 as it is written,


 "God gave them a spirit of stupor,
 eyes that would not see
and ears that would not hear,
down to this very day."


9 And David says,


 "Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution for them;
10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,
and bend their backs forever."


• What is Paul's argument about God's rejection of his people?
• God's rejection is not total.  God rejected the nation in Matt 12:22-24, 41-42, because Israel rejected the Messiah
• Matt 12:22-24 (NIV) Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23 All the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?" // 24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."
• The people recognized the Messianic miracle, but the leaders reject it
• The Pharisees and Teachers ask for a sign, although they already had all three Messianic miracles  (healing of leper (investigated); healing of a blind man (Pharisees reject the individual involved) and healing and casting out a dumb demon (Pharisees reject claims of Christ)
• Matt 12:41-42 (NIV) 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here. 42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.
• From this point in Jesus' ministry, the term "this generation" is a very specific term to the nation and people who lived during his visit.  Note that individuals still come to the Lord, but the nation has been rejected because they rejected God first
• Paul is an example of a saved Jew
• Elijah also thought that the entire nation had deserted God, which God clues him in was not true
• So why is Israel hardened? They rejected God
• Can Jews still come to the Lord? Yes as individuals


Rom 11:11-16 (ESV) So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!


13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16  If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.


• First, what does God called Israel's rejection? They stumbled
• Who stumbled? Israel
• If God caused them to stumble then they could not recover.  Can they recover? Yes
• If God sovereignly prevents them from understanding the gospel, why try to make them jealous?  What is the purpose?  What is Paul's purpose?
• Paul is using envy to save some of them (that remnant)
• So then, it still depends upon man's choice even though they have been rejected and God has given them a spirit of stupor (vs 11:7), at least as a nation
• Constable suggests that the "part of the dough" or "firstfruits" are the believing remnant in Israel now.  The lump or batch is the whole of Israel.  The roots are the Abrahamic covenant.  The branches are believing and unbelieving Jews and Gentiles
• It is important to note that he has been talking about groups of people and not individuals up to this point
• That will be important as we move into the next section


Rom 11:17-24 (ESV) But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but stand in awe. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.


• Constable argues that the natural olive tree is a symbol for Israel used in the scriptures. The wild branches are Gentiles (maybe even Gentile nations).  They benefit of now being part of the olive tree I from the blessings that come through Israel (Messiah, scriptures, …)
• Key point is that Israel is not replaced as reformed theology would argue
• Also, Gentile believers / nations should not feel superior to Jewish unbelievers / Israel (broken branches)
• As Gentiles, we have done nothing to deserve our status except believe
• What could God do?
• He could reverse it
• He could break off the wild branches (Gentile nations)
• He could restore the natural branches (Jews / Israel)
• And they will naturally graft back in, much more so than the Gentiles did before
• Technically, this is exactly what will happen in the millennial kingdom, especially the last half
• It is the Gentile nations who rise up against the Israel.  It the Israel who comes to the Lord and defeats the Gentile armies at Armageddon
• There will be a remnant of Gentile nations and a remnant of Israel that arise after the rapture
• Finally, note that the status of the branches is not dependent on God's whim but on a group's unbelief, thereby nullifying some aspects of Calvinism


Rom 11:25-36 (ESV) Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,


 "The Deliverer will come from Zion,
he will banish ungodliness from Jacob";
27 "and this will be my covenant with them
 when I take away their sins."


28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.


33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!


34 "For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?"
35 "Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?"


36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.


• We are now at the climax of chapters 9-11
• What is a mystery in biblical terms?
• It is a truth not previously revealed in the scriptures, although it could be hinted at
• What is this mystery? (note that there are seven mysteries mentioned in the NT)
• The mystery is that there is a partial hardening of Israel until the program for the Gentiles is complete
• So, God knows how many Gentiles will be saved. Which is different from saying that God has already chosen who will be saved
• Interestingly, who has God shown mercy to?
• God has shown mercy to all men
• Does God have to show mercy to all men?
• No, the previous argument stated that God will have mercy on who he wills (chap 10)
• So, the previous statement which included the theoretical "if then" does not necessarily imply that God has limited the gospel
• So, based on verses 33-36, how do we understand all this? How do we fit it together?
• We can't
• Our finite minds cannot comprehend the mind of God
• APPLICATION:
• We need to have a right attitude toward Jews (and to Israel)
• I think it is wise to support Israel
• I think we need to be thankful for our salvation, because we did not deserve anything but Hell
• Finally, we need to realize that God has not forgotten Israel.  He still has a plan for Israel, and in the end, all Israel will be saved

Rom 10:1-21, Salvation requires a free will choice to believe

Wiersbe Outline
1. Introduction (1:1-17)
1. Salutation (1:1-7)
2. Explanation (1:8-17)
2. Sin (1:18-3:20 - Righteousness Needed)
1. The Gentiles under sin (1:18-32)
2. The Jews under sin (2:1-3:8)
3. The whole world under sin (3:9-20)
3. Salvation (3:21-5:21 - Righteousness Imputed)
1. Justification explained (3:21-31)
2. Justification expressed: the example of Abraham (4)
3. Justification experienced (5)
4. Sanctification (6-8 - Righteousness Imparted)
1. Our new position in Christ (6)
2. Our new problem in the flesh (7)
3. Our new power in the Spirit (8)
5. Sovereignty (9-11 - Righteousness Rejected)
1. Israel's past election (9)
2. Israel's present rejection (10)
3. Israel's future redemption (11)
6. Service (12:1-15:13 - Righteousness Practiced)
1. Consecration to God (12)
2. Subjection to authority (13)


Rom 10:1-4 (ESV) Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.


• This passage starts out in a similar manner to chapter 9, how so and why?
• Paul reaffirms his love and care for the Jewish nation
• The negative mention of the law and the emphasis on God's mercy to the Gentiles is not meant as an exclusion of God's people (reformed theology does take the view that the church replaces Israel)
• What does Paul say was Israel's failure, and how might he know that personally?
• It was their zealousness that lacked knowledge
• Fascinating, because they had the truth
• The memorized the first five books of the law
• But, somehow, head knowledge never translated to heart knowledge
• Zeal was based on incorrect knowledge (becomes stubbornness and pride)
• Lacking knowledge: they desired to establish righteousness on their own, and consequently an unwillingness to submit to God
• Verse 4 is a key verse in understanding the relationship of the law to the believer
• The key is to understand the Greek word, telos, which means, a definite point or goal, the conclusion of an act or state, the result
• The law does not pass away, rather it is fulfilled, brought to a conclusion by Christ.  In this way it still exists still, but fulfilled and without the demands any longer. 
• Jesus says in Matt 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."  In this case the Greek word for "fulfill," pleeroosai, can be translated as, to finish, complete, end, fill up
• He is not saying that the law remains valid, rather that Jesus completes the law and its requirements on our life
• The law was against us, but our new life of grace is for us.  We are under a new law completely, it is called the law of Christ, and the law of grace, and the law of righteousness.  It measures the heart and not obedience to a set of rules
• APPLICATION: Why do some Christians insist on laying a burden upon themselves that Jesus and Paul said, even their fore-fathers found overwhelming?  Why can we not choose peace and grace?


Rom 10:5-13 (ESV) For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 or "'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." 12  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."


• Is Moses advocating works in verse 5?
• One. It is true that if you obey the law in every respect you will live (in essence be justified), but that is impossible
• Two. You cannot be justified by the law, but the quality of the OT believer's life was directly tied to their obedience to the law
• But he contrasts faith to the law starting in verse 6.  You do not have to be good enough to go to Heaven to bring the Messiah back to earth or to raise the Messiah up from the grave.  In fact God has done all these things for us
• Instead of either obeying the whole law or rescuing the Messiah by effort, what does Paul say is the correct path?
• Confess with your mouth -- meaning to say the same thing about Jesus as other believers do
• Believe in your heart -- both phrases interpret each other, so this is not an intellectual assent, but a decision of the heart
• Acknowledging that Jesus is Lord submits a person to his authority and recognizes that Jesus is God in every sense of the word
• Belief in the resurrection does not save a person, but a disbelief in the resurrection would essentially mean two things
• Jesus is not really God
• Jesus death accomplish no purpose
• (Verse 10) Belief in Jesus Christ positional-ly justifies us
• Confession saves us in this sense
• First of all, the use of the term salvation is not always eternal salvation from hell (in this case it would seem consistent with eternal salvation)
• Second, what is the most common form of confession? Baptism.  A person who is unwilling to obey a direct command of God or to publicly identify with Christ risks loss of reward.  So confession would save you that loss when you stand before Christ
• There is a rich blessing (spiritual) to all who publicly identify with Christ as opposed to being ashamed of him


Rom 10:14-15 (ESV) But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"


• If in fact chapter 9 was saying that God elects who he chooses independent of their response, chapter 10 clearly refutes that claim.  Why?
• Because the responsibility for salvation is for the person to hear
• There is a responsibility for a person to preach
• There is a responsibility for the body to send (support)
• God chooses to exercise mercy (message of chapter 9), but God does not choose who is saved.  We must respond to his mercy
• The example of Pharaoh actually makes this point.  God's statement to Pharaoh was after six plagues.  Pharaoh had a choice.  He was the one who initially hardened his heart in rebellion to God's command.  God's hardening only occurred after his initial hardening (although God did know Pharaoh would act that way (foreknowledge))


Rom 10:16-21 (ESV) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.


18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for


 "Their voice has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world."


19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,


 "I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation;
with a foolish nation I will make you angry."


20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,


 "I have been found by those who did not seek me;
I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me."


21 But of Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people."


• For the Israelites, did they get a chance to hear? Yes
• Did Israel understand? No
• Was it because Israel did not seek God and the Gentiles did seek him? No
• Then why did Israel fail?
• They were disobedient
• They were obstinate.  They thought they knew it all.  They saw themselves as better than the nations around them.  Their pride became their blindness
• APPLICATION: We have the fully revealed truth.  We know who the promised Messiah is.  We have the HS living within us.  But we also can allow pride to cause us to stumble in our walk with God and emphasize things that are not important over the things which really are important
• Not important: works, activities, busyness for God
• Important: meeting with God,  humility, repentance, love for others