Romans 13 - The Christian Life

Romans 13

1. 1. DO’S AND DON’T OF CHRISTIAN LIFE Produced by Bill Fritz for Adult Sunday School12/11/2019 
2. 2. Scripture Reading Romans 13: 1 - 7 12/11/2019 “Render unto Caesars”
3. 3. 12/11/2019 3 God is sovereign, all that exists does so, by His command, permission, appointment, and by His authority. Paul states this ideology in verse 1. As the sovereign God, all those in authority are given that authority by God. In some cases, the appointment of authority is reluctant. For example, it was God who appointed Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king (1 Sam 8:21-22 NKJV). God was reluctant to give a man ruling power, power up to this point, which was His. The people’s desired to be like everyone else. God was reluctant because He knew the outcome of the peoples’ folly. Appointment of authority is made to bring about obedience to God and to recognize Him as the supreme authority*. Therefore considering the source of authority appointments, who are we to not submit to that authority? The only exception to this would be when the authority is in directed conflict with God’s laws.
4. 4. 12/11/2019 FOOTNOTES: 
5. 1. David S. Dockery (2013). Holman Concise Bible Commentary. (Broadman & Holman, 2013). 
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7.  Verse 3 and 4 seem to be a contradiction to what we have seen in history. Paul was addressing the church in Rome. He most likely wrote the letter to the Roman church while in Corinth (Rom 16:1)1. Paul may have heard reports of civil unrest or disobedience in the Roman church. The message is clear. In today’s vernacular Paul is saying, keep your nose clean, and you have nothing to fear from the authorities. Those who disobey civil law will suffer the consequences of civil authorities2. However, those who obey civil laws have nothing to fear from that authority3. Evil governments, those who persecute the faithful, are also permitted by God for His purpose. David Dockery (2013) writes: “Government is God's servant to discipline the disobedient and carry out His righteous will1.”
8. 5.  When Jesus was questioned as to whether Jews should pay taxes to Rome, what was His answer (Mat 22:21). Jesus was being trapped by the Pharisees. Had Jesus said paying taxes to Rome was wrong, He would have been accused of sedition. Had Jesus said that paying taxes to Rome was right, then He would have been accused of being a traitor to the oppressed Jewish people. With divine wisdom, Jesus answered, “render unto Cesar that which belongs to Cesar and unto God that which belongs to God. Paul addresses this subject in verses 5-7, giving the logic behind Jesus’s answer. Holman writes: “Since the civil government is ordained by God and gives us certain benefits, we are to submit to it. We are to pay taxes to support it, honor, and respect it1.” 
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10. Footnotes
11. 1. Holman Bible Editorial Staff (2018). The HCSB Study Bible. (B&H Publishing Group, 2018).
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13. 6. Scripture Reading Romans 13: 8-10  Love Your Neighbor as You do Yourself
14. 7. To be indebted to an institution or another person is a form of servitude (Pro 22:7 NKJV). The only debt we owe is the love we owe to our brethren. Jesus has said, “a commandment I give you that you should love one another (Jhn 15:12 NKJV). Lev 19:18 states by law: “' You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I [am] the LORD.” Therefore we are commanded by Jesus to love one another as He has loved us. Jesus loved us enough to die for us what greater love has any man that he lay down his life for his brother (Jhn 15:13NJKV). The Israelites were commanded by law to love their neighbors as themselves (Lev 19:18 NKJV). Paul taught: "I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority" (1Tim 2:1-2 NKJV).
15. 8.  In verse 9, Paul points out that if you truly love one another, you will not sin against your brother. Sins against your brother are the last five commandments given to Moses. Any sin is sufficient to condemn a person to eternal death. However, the sin of coveting lays the groundwork for other sins: adultery, stealing, bearing false witness, even murder. As Christians, we must guard ourselves against a feeling of coveting. Do not covet the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God is sovereign and gives gifts for the betterment of the body, not to elevate anyone who receives them. Therefore, be satisfied with the gift or gifts the Holy Spirit has given you. Paul closes this paragraph with the statement found in verse 10: “ Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love [is] the fulfillment of the law (Rom 13:10 NKJV).”
16. 9. Scripture Reading Romans 13: 11-14, Put on the Lord Jesus
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18. 10. footnotes 
19. 1. William Vine. "Asleep, Sleep - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words." 
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21.  The word sleep is used with more than one application in Scripture; how is it being used here? WORD STUDY 
22. To determine the meaning of the word sleep, we must first look at its context. Paul had been speaking of loving your neighbor as yourself and to honor authority with your taxes. Now, Paul tells his readers to do as he has instructed because the time of the Lord draws closer. 
23. G5258 hypnos Transliteration Asleep, Sleep: is never used of death. In five places in the NT it is used of physical "sleep;" in Rom 13:11, metaphorically, of a slumbering state of soul, i.e., of spiritual conformity to the world, out of which believers are warned to awake1. Paul is telling his readers it is time to wake up to their spiritual reality. Up to this point, they were unaware of their spiritual side. They were acquainted only with the works of the law and the world in which they lived.
24. 11.  Holman writes: Christians live between the ages. The old age is passing, and the new is dawning. We long for the new age to fully come, and we recognize that our salvation will soon be completed. We have been "rescued... from the domain of darkness" (Col 1:13) and from the night of sin into a new realm of light. We need to wake up from spiritual lethargy. As believers, we have been purchased out of the darkness of ignorance through the blood of Jesus. And we have been granted the light of Christ, to see the new day that awaits us (v12). Paul’s ministry marked the beginning of the church age encompassing both Jew and Gentile. Once the church age has reached its fulfillment, the new age the age of Christs 1,000 year rule will begin.
25. 12. Paul closes this chapter by exhorting the church in Rome. Paul tells them and us to put away the revelry of the world, with its fleshly desires. Instead, put on Christ Jesus. In other words, do not follow the sinfulness of the world. Instead, be set apart from the world and put on the whole armor of God. This advice is as relevant today as it was during Paul’s age. As Christians, we cannot expect the world to see us as ambassadors of Christ if we are the same as the world. If the carnality of the world corrupts our moral character and stature, and if by our demeanor, we betray our love for our neighbor. How then can we bear witness of our Lord?
26. 13.  Credits and Bibliography 
27. Dockery, David S. Holman Concise Bible Commentary. (Broadman & Holman, 2013). Holman Bible Editorial Staff (2018). The HCSB Study Bible. (B&H Publishing Group, 2018). Vine, William . "Asleep, Sleep - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words." All art were retrieved from Bing search engine and believed to be freedomain.

ROMANS 12 - BE A LIVING SACRIFICE

All blue colored numbers are links to the slide show. note: Unless otherwise stated all quotes and biblical references are taken from the NKJV New King James Version of  Scripture

1. 1. Be a Living Sacrifice 
2. 2. Scripture Reading Romans 12:1 - 2  Christians’ are to be a living sacrifice
3. 3.   hagios - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NKJV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 21 Sep, 2019TES 3 We must look back at chapter 11 to see why Paul used the word “therefore” in Romans 12:1. Paul is speaking of the omnipotence of God. In verses, 11:33-36 Paul poses several rhetorical questions. Therefore Paul is beseeching his brethren to be the best they can be. Your bodies a living sacrifice. What is a living sacrifice, but a gift to God? Allow nothing to defile your bodies, but keep our bodies as an unblemished (sin free) gift to God. Keep yourselves holy. What is meant by holy? Holy was translated from the Greek word “hagios” G40; meaning “physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated.” “which are from the same root as hagnos (found in hazo, "to venerate"), fundamentally signifies "separated" ” We are, therefore, to keep ourselves separated from the world and thereby, be acceptable or well-pleasing to God. This thought is continued in the next verse.
4. 4. Paul calls us to be transformed. Paul exhorts his brethren not to become like all who are drawn to the sin of the flesh, but be separated or different (See also Ehp 2:2-3). A Christian is a changed person. Paul says that it is the mind that is renewed. The word mind is translated from the Greek word “nous” meaning “denotes, speaking generally, the seat of reflective consciousness, comprising the faculties of perception and understanding, and those of feeling, judging and determining1.” We can see Paul using this same term in Rom 1:28*; 7:23; 14:5. So Paul urges the transforming of the mind because as the mind goes so does the body. Through the work of the Holy Spirit who changes our perception and spiritual will. The studying of God’s word which changes our intellect and moral judgment.
5. 5. Scripture Reading Romans 12:3 - 8 
6. Each of us is a part of the body of the church.
7. 6. Paul warns his church not to think of themselves as better than their brother or sister or in fact any man. At best we are the same. We all began as sinners and we all have the sin nature within us. We should think of ourselves soberly, that is without self-aggrandizements. But for the grace of God, we would remain in our sin for all eternity. But through the grace of God, we as Christians are redeemed. The last part of verse 3 is important to realize. God has dealt with each of us with a measure of faith. The indication is that the measure of faith may not be the same for every Christian. There is also the implication that there may be more measures given to some as needed by the body. “Not only had Christ the Holy Spirit without "measure," but God so gives the Spirit through Him to others.”
8. 7. (Ref 4,5) Each Christian is a member of the body or church, which in Greek is ekklēsia (gathering). As God put all things under Jesus (Eph 1:22); so also Jesus gives each of us apart in the church (His body). Therefore we have been granted different gifts that we can use for the health of the body. To some: Is given the ability to teach but takes individual development to maximize that ability. Is given Exhortation the gift of motivating and encouraging. Is given the gift of giving, which should always be done with a joyous heart. Some are given the gift of vision and direction but are never to be overbearing. Others are given the gift of mercy or helping the sick, the poor, and those in sorrow.  (Ref 4,5) Each Christian is a member of the body or church, which in Greek is ekklēsia (gathering). As God put all things under Jesus (Eph 1:22); so also Jesus gives each of us apart in the church (His body). 
9. 8. Do not be envious of the gifts given to others, rather utilize the gifts given to you. For God has apportioned gifts as He sees fit. Many people see prophesy as looking into the future. However, prophecy is speaking with God’s voice. Vines dictionary defines G4394 prophēteia1 as: this as signifies "the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God" (pro, "forth," phemi, "to speak:" (a)the of the gift, e.g., Rom 12:6; 1Cr 12:10; 13:2;”2 Therefore for those who have received the gift of prophecy, they should exercise this gift with humility giving the glory to God. The purpose of this gift is not self-aggrandizement, but to reveal the mind and counsel of God.
10. 9. Scripture Reading Romans 12:9 - 13 
11. How is our relationship as Christians, different than the rest of the world?
12. 10. What is love? Love translated from the Greek word agapē . The Greeks use different words to delineate different types of love. “It was used by believers to denote the special unconditional love of God and is used interchangeably with phileo to designate God the Father’s love for Jesus (John 3:35), God the Father’s love for an individual believer (John 14:21), and of Christ’s love for a disciple (John 13:23).” To say that you love someone with an agape love cannot stem from an evil heart. Therefore Christians are to love one another with a pure unselfish heart; emblematic of the love Jesus shares with His children (Titus 1: 5-7). We are to love other members of the body of Christ in the same way that we love our natural family.
13. 11. Paul gives a similar exhortation to the church of Corinth (2 Cor 6: 1-10). Our ministry will be known by our words and more importantly our actions. Paul warns us not to allow any corruption, deceit, or allow dissimulation also called hypocrisy to filter into our ministry. Paul tells us to give preference to one another. As used in this context to show preference means: “"to go before and lead," is used in Rom 12:10, in the sense of taking the lead in showing deference one to another, "(in honor) preferring one another. “ As Christians, our preferred fellowship and worship should be with each other. This does not mean that we should cloister ourselves off from the world but rather to be different than the world with our testimony being true, honest, and forthcoming as the Spirit directs. Our residence is in this world but our home is with the Lord in heavenly places.
14. 12. Scripture Reading Romans 12:14 - 16  
15. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
16. 13. How can it be possible for Christian to bless those who persecute you?  In our strength, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Mat 19:26). Luke, quoting Jesus, said: "bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you: (Luk 6:28 NKJV). Jesus is our example, when, after being beaten, humiliated, and finally hung on a tree, He asked His heavenly Father to forgive those who had cried out for Him to be crucified (see also 1 Pet 2:21). Some might say well Jesus is the Son of God, and they would be right. However, He was also the Son of man. As the Son of man, Jesus was born of woman in mortal flesh. Steven also was a mortal man, and as he was being stoned, he too cried out for the forgiveness of those who were stoning him (Acts 7:60 NJKV).
17. 14. If a brother or sister in Jesus, should sin against you; be slow to anger, instead be quick to forgive their transgression. 
18. 15. As Christians, we are to share in each other's joy and grief. It is easy to share in a person’s joy. Laughter is contagious and other people want to be around those who are happy. However the other side of that coin is more difficult. To share in another person’s grief can be just sitting with that person quietly listening. The touch they feel of your hand on their hand or shoulder brings a sense of unity to the griever. Never make light of their grief. Offer advice when asked, and be ready with Scripture. Offer to pray for the griever.
19. 16. Scripture Reading Romans 12: 17 - 21 
20. 16 Repay no one evil for evil.
21. 17. The apostle Paul was under constant persecution. Paul’s chief rivals were the Judiazers, who refuted Paul’s gospel at every meeting place. We all know there are different levels of persecution. The threat of physical harm The threat of death. Personal defamatory attacks on a person’s character. Attacks on the beliefs and practices of a person or persons. “Christians often suffer hatred and persecution from society (1Pe 1:6; 2:11-12; 3:14-17; 4:12-16; 5:9).” As Christians, we are to emulate Jesus in all things, including times of persecution.
22. 18.  In verse 18, Paul is telling the Roman church not to be provocative. Paul uses the words “if possible” knowing there are those who will not allow you to live peaceably. Do not inflame the evil words of others with your own evil words in retaliation. Retaliation will escalate the situation, thereby potentially causing violence. Do not succumb to the desire to get even, because, in the end, God will judge. The righteous will be vindicated while the persecutors will reap their just rewards (v19-22). Do not allow wrath (hatred) to linger, allowing it any room in your heart (v19). It is written that “vengeance is mine says the Lord” (Deut 32:25).
23. 19. Jamieson, fauset and Brown write: As redemption under the Gospel is not by irrational victims, as under the law, but "by the precious blood of Christ" ( 1 Peter 1:18 1 Peter 1:19 ), and, consequently, is not ritual but real, so the sacrifices which believers are now called to offer are all "living sacrifices"; and these--summed up in self-consecration to the service of God--are "holy and acceptable to God," making up together "our rational service" ( Romans 12:1 ).
24. 20. CREDITS 11/12/2019 
25. 20 NOG40 - hagios - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NKJV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 21 Sep, 2019TES Howard, Jeremy Royal, The HCSB Translation Team, Blum, Edwin & Holman Bible Staff (2010). HCSB Study Bible. B&H Publishing Group. SG4394 - prophēteia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NKJV). 2. Vine, W. "Prophecy, Prophesy, Prophesying - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words 1. ESDraper, Charles, England, Archie & Brand, Chad (2009). Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 1055). B&H Publishing Group. 1.Howard, Jeremy Royal, The HCSB Translation Team, Blum, Edwin & Holman Bible Staff. HCSB Study Bible. B&H Publishing Group (2010). Al artwork was taken from bing search engine and believed to be a free domain.

Romans 11 - Israel Rejection

 Romans 11 - Israel Rejection

1. 2. Scripture Reading Romans 11:1-6 “Elijah, how he pleads” Image 1
2. 3. The word foreknew found in verse 2a is translated from the Greek word “proginosko” We see Paul using the word progisnosko, G4267 (foreknew) two other times in Romans (Romans 8:29 and 8:30). Use of the word foreknew used in verse 2 is in reference to Gods knowledge: "a foreknowledge" (akin to A.), is used only of Divine "foreknowledge," Act 2:23; 1Pe 1:2. "Foreknowledge" is one aspect of omniscience; it is implied in God's warnings, promises and predictions. See Act 15:18. God's "foreknowledge" involves His electing grace, but this does not preclude human will. He "foreknows" the exercise of faith which brings salvation.” see, e.g., Gal 1:16; Eph 1:5, 11.” (Vines expository dictionary) In verse 3, Paul quotes from 1Kings 19:10,14 in telling how Elijah condemned Israel for their treatment of God’s prophets and His alters, but what does Paul mean by this quote?
3. 4.  4 In 1st Samuel 9, we read how the people of Israel rejected God as their king and chose Saul, a fallible human. This rejection resulted in wars and unrest in the land. Paul quotes 1st Samuel 9 to show that God did not cast Israel aside for their rejection of Him. “The new Christian church is shown God as long-suffering towards His children. Later in history, the Jews rejected God once again. Jesus was rejected as Messiah and lawful ruler of Israel. And yet God still has not cast them aside.”1 However, God allows those who are disobedient, to suffer the consequences of their disobedience, but never stops loving His chosen. God’s plan is not one of exclusion, but rather inclusion. God’s plan of redemption, is extended to all who will accept it. And yet still a mystery to us is God’s omnipotence. God knows who will accept His gift of salvation, and who will not. 1. The HCSB Translation Team, Blum, Edwin, Howard, Jeremy Royal & Holman Bible Staff (2010). HCSB Study Bible. B&H Publishing Group.
4. 5.  In verse 4 quote, God answered Elijah, saying I have already chosen my remnant. Elijah’s pleading prayer was answered before Elijah prayed his prayer. Matthew 6:8 tells us our Father knows our needs before we ask (Mat 6:8). The word remnant is used in verse 5. Is the remnant the Jews, Gentiles, or both? Jamieson, Fauset, and Brown (1871) write the following, concerning God’s election of the Jew: “This establishes our view of the argument on Election in Romans 9:1-29 , as not being an election of Gentiles in the place of Jews, and merely to religious advantages, but a sovereign choice of some of Israel itself, from among others, to believe and be saved.” The election of God is of both Jew and Gentile. “Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, The remnant will be saved (Rom 9:27).”
5. 6.  Not all Jews will be saved, nor will all Gentiles be saved either. Salvation is offered to all. However, only those who have accepted Jesus as their savior are accepted into the family of God. Paul explains in verse 6 that grace has superseded the works required by the Law of Moses. Grace is a gift, which cannot be earned through works. Therefore, where the Law which was of works, now is by grace, given through the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus.
6. 7. Scripture Reading Romans 11: 7-10 10/17/2019 foot notes 7 David says: “…Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see. 
7. 8. Referencing verse 7, what does Israel seek? Throughout Israel’s history, they sought a Messiah (the promised deliverer). However when their deliverer came to them, they did not recognize Him. The Jews were expecting an avenger, not the Lamb of God. The Jews were expecting a physical delivery from Roman oppression and did not see spiritual deliverance from sin which they had rejected. However, a relatively small number of people, both Jew and Gentile elected to accept Jesus as their Messiah. We live in the church age, the age of election. We now live in what most Christians call the church age, but, what is the church age? The church age is that period beginning with Pentecost and continuing until Jesus comes again to collect His bride. During this time, many will elect to accept Jesus but many more will reject the Lord.
8. 9.  In verses 8 and 9, Paul quotes Isaiah 29:10 and Psalms 69:22,23 respectfully. Paul used cited quotations to show how the Jews were blinded (V7), making Jesus a stumbling block to them. In Greek the word slumber or stupor is katanyxis. Vines dictionary defines this word as "G2659 - “Stupor: "a pricking" (akin to katanusso, "to strike" or "prick violently," Act 2:37), is used in Rom 11:8, RV, "stupor" (AV, "slumber"). It is suggested that this meaning arose from the influence of the verb katanustazo, "to nod" or "fall asleep" (Field, Notes on the Translation of the NT). Evidently what is signified is the dulling of the spiritual sense. In the Sept., Psa 60:3; Isa 29:10.”(Vine, W., 1996) The dulling of the senses (sight and sound) is like a state of slumber or unawareness. Many will remain in a state of unawareness, while a relative few (a remnant) will be awakened, by their election of salvation and justification through Jesus the Christ. We are in the church age. The church age is from the commissioning of the apostles to the present time. During the church age that those destined (pre- known to God) to be children of God, have or will elect to accept Jesus as Messiah.
9. 10. 10/17/2019 foot notes 10 At the end of the church age there will be a gathering of the church (1Thes 4:13-18) Artist and copy write unknown
10. 11. Scripture Reading Romans 11: 11-15 10/17/2019 foot notes 11 “I speak to you Gentiles”
11. 12. 10/17/2019 foot notes 12 Referencing verse 11; what significance does the word “stumbled” have in this context? Generally to stumble is to lose one’s balance to the point of nearly falling. The word stumble was translated from the Greek verb “pipto” G4098 (Strongs). Pipto means to down or fail. Having established what is meant by “stumbled” who is Paul referring to? Paul is talking about the Jews, who rejected Jesus as their king, and Messiah. They stumbled over Jesus being the called the Son of God thereby making him God. They stumbled over Jesus because of God’s command to “have no other god before me (Exo 20:23).” Not all Jews stumbled on account of Jesus. Paul gathered the remnant of Jews who accepted Jesus as the Son of God.
12. 13.  Why was Israel’s stumble so important? “The future reception of Jews by God will result in world blessing. If their unbelief brought riches to the Gentiles, their future faith in Jesus as Messiah will enrich the world (cp. Isa 2:2-4)(Holman Bible staff) .” The diminishing of Israel refers to God’s focus shifting towards the Gentile. The riches brought to the Gentiles was the opportunity to be adopted into the family of God through Christ Jesus, God’s holy sacrifice rejected by Israel. The riches therefore, brought to the world by Israel is Christ Jesus, predestined to be the salvation of all mankind. What is the fullness of Israel? During the church age, only a relatively small group of Jews will have their eyes opened. The fullness of the Jewish nation will come out of the those Jews saved during the tribulation period (Rev 12:6 NKV).
13. 14.  Although Paul is writing to the church, he makes a point to single out the Gentiles in v13. When Paul says he magnifies his office, he is not blowing his own horn. Paul is stressing the importance of his commission to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. Because the Jews rejected Christ Jesus, Paul was commissioned to bring the redemptive message of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. Paul continues in verse 14 to explain that if by his commission to the Gentiles does not exclude his brethren. Rather, Paul hopes jealously will cause more of his brethren to seek the gospel. “"to provoke to jealousy" (para, "beside," used intensively, and No. 1), is found in Rom 10:19; 11:11, of God's dealings with Israel through his merciful dealings with Gentiles; in Rom 11:14, RV, "I may provoke to jealousy" (AV, "... emulation") of the Apostle's evangelical ministry to Gentiles with a view to stirring his fellow nationals to a sense of their need and responsibilities regarding the Gospel; in 1Cr 10:22, of the provocation of God on the part of believers who compromise their Divine relationship by partaking of the table of demons; in Gal 5:20, of the works of the flesh (Vines expository dictionary).”
14. 15.  In verse 1 Paul denies the notion that his Jewish brethren were cast away by God. Is Paul contradicting himself in verse 15? Paul is not contradicting himself; no he is using deductive reasoning in this verse. The Jews were not cast away by God but instead, God was now working with the Gentiles through Paul. God will once again deal with the Jew when the fullness of the church is realized. God primarily deals with Gentiles God still dealing with the Jew Tribulation Jew & Gentile
15. 16. Scripture Reading Romans 11: 16-18 
16. 17. Why is the phrase “first fruits” called holy? Taking a closer look at the phrase “first fruits.” Although written in the plural form the phase comes from the Greek word aparchē pronounced ä-pär-khā‘, which was always written in the singular form. The first fruit is the first to ripen, considered to be the best. The first fruit is to be offered to God (Lev 23:10-14) The first fruits (or the best) were to be a wave offering before God, followed by the sacrifice of the firstling unblemished lamb. The first fruit, therefore, has spiritual significance. As the first fruit was offered as the best so to God, gave His best, his only Son, who offered Himself on Calvary. Therefore Jesus is referred to as the “First Fruits” and also the Lamb of God, who was offered up to God the Father for the forgiveness of sin. Thereby Fulfilling the Law as written by God in Lev 23:10- 14.
17. 18.  In verse 16 Paul uses allegory to show the relationship of Israel to God, and the Gentiles to God. Homan describes the relationship spoken of in verse 16 as: “ The olive tree was a symbol of the nation of Israel. It was used in this section by Paul as an illustration or allegory of God's dealings with Jews and Gentiles. The root of the tree represents Israel’s patriarchs’. The Gentiles are a wild graft. Pruned off branches are the unbelieving Jews (Holman Bible Staff & Howard, Jeremy Royal (2010)).” The olive tree is feed from its roots which Paul likens to the Jewish patriarchs who were called, righteous or holy by God (Rom 4:3 NKJV). Because the root feeds the plant (lump), the plant is holy. Israel was elected to be a holy nation, selected by God to be His priests to the world.
18. 19. Through Paul’s ministry, the Gentiles who are likened to a wild olive tree were grafted into the original olive tree. The old branches which are unproductive unbelieving Jews were cut off or pruned. The remaining branches are the believing Jews saved by grace, and made holy. In verses, 17-18 Paul gives a word of caution to the proselytes. Paul is telling them that they are being fed by the same roots that fed the original olive tree (Israel). Therefore they should guard against feeling superior to those who proceeded them. Remember their roots and that it is because of the root they grow. What then of our Christian roots are they not also supported by the roots tracing back in Jewish history. Christ Jesus was a Jew. Where would our salvation come from if not from Jesus a Jew. Therefore any boasting that we should do is of Jesus and His redemptive sacrifice.
19. 20. Scripture Reading Romans 11: 19-24  20 What then is the Gentile’s relationship with the Jew? 
20. 21. Must some branches/Jews be cast aside to make room for Grafted/Gentiles? The branches, or unbelieving Jews, were cast aside for the health of the tree, or for the sake of the body of believers (vv. 19,20). Nonproductive outgrowths (branches) which are subject to disease, must be pruned to insure the health of the tree and to ensure fruitfulness (see also John 15:1-2 NKJV). Along with news of the opportunity to be grafted into the family of God comes a warning. “Do not be haughty” or think you are better than those who have been pruned (V20). God prunes all, Jew or Gentile, who are unfruitful because of their disbelief (V21). In verse 22, Paul tells us that to be pruned does not necessarily mean destroyed. Those who repent and believe they too can be restored as a grafted members of the body. In verse 23, Paul states that God is able to graft, and in verse 24 Those who are grafted from their natural Adamic nature will now be fruitful as part of the family of God (cultivated olive tree).
21. 22. Scripture Reading Romans 11: 25-27  22 “The Deliverer will come out of Zion” 
22. 23.  What mystery is Paul talking about in v. 25? The mystery Paul is speaking of was not because of Israel lack of intelligence; rather, God caused Israel not to see their Messiah. God caused the Messiah blindness to enable the gospel of Christ to be preached to the Gentile. The word mystery is translated from the Greek word mystērion (G3466), meaning a hidden thing (Strong's Greek Lexicon (NKJV). The hidden thing is that it was God’s plan that not all the Jews would believe Jesus was the promised Messiah. Paul reveals in 1Cor 2: 7-10 why God kept the revelation of the mystery concerning Jesus from the Jews. Had the Jews known, Jesus would not have been crucified. And if not crucified, then there would be no atonement for sin, and if there were no atonement, there would be no justification, and we (Gentiles) would be lost for all eternity. In short, it was God’s perfect plan, that was played out.
23. 24. 25.  What constitutes the fullness of time for the Gentiles? The fullness of time for the Gentiles marks the end of the church age, which will occur when the last person hears of and submits to the Lord Jesus, as their savior. At this time, the church will be removed from the earth (1 Thes 4:17). God, will once again deal directly with Israel, as the beast will deceive Israel, and then to crush those that remain in Israel. Paul quotes Isaiah, in verse 26-27. The New King James Version is a more understandable version of the quoted verse. 20 "The Redeemer will come to Zion1, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob2," Says the LORD. 21 "As for Me," says the LORD, "this [is] My covenant with them: My Spirit who [is] upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants' descendants," says the LORD, "from this time and forevermore." 1 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that [is], the City of David).[2Sa 5:7 NKJV] 2. Jacob is the father of the 12 trips and therefore is often used in place of the name Israel
24. 26. This prophetic passage, is about a time yet to come, a time when the predestined (pre- known) number of Gentiles has been realized. As of the writing of this letter, only a relatively small number of Hebrews, had embraced Christ Jesus. However there will come a time when many, but not all Hebrews will come to know Jesus as their deliverer. Israel, in this text, does not mean the entire nation. Instead, it means those Hebrews of the nation whose eyes would be opened to the truth of the gospel (V26)3. Because God has made a covenant with Israel as quoted from Isaiah 59:21a, Israel’s future is assured. Holman writes: “Israel's vocation and gifts are irrevocable, so their future salvation is certain4.” 3,4 
25. 27. Scripture Reading Romans 11: 28-32  27 “For as you were once disobedient to God, …” (Romans 11:30) 
26. 28. Who are the enemies Paul is speaking of in verse 28? Referring back to Romans 11:11 Paul is speaking of the those Jews who rejected Christ Jesus. Who is Paul talking about in verse 28-31? Paul is still speaking directly to the converted Gentiles in the church. Paul was telling them they too were once as sinful. But because of Israel’s fathers, namely Abraham and Jacob, the Hebrew nation is elected or chosen by God. Because they (Israel) have sinned in there disbelief and have not repented mercy and grace were given to the Gentiles. Because mercy was given to the Gentiles; God will show mercy and grace at the end times for Israel. God is sovereign and will show mercy to whom and when He wills.
27. 29. Scripture Reading Romans 11: 33-36  29 “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33).

1. 30. Bibliography 
2. BLUM, EDWIN, THE HCSB TRANSLATION TEAM, HOLMAN BIBLE STAFF & HOWARD, JEREMY ROYAL (2010). HCSB STUDY BIBLE. B&H PUBLISHING GROUP. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://APP.WORDSEARCHBIBLE.COM. "G4267 - PROGINŌSKŌ - STRONG'S GREEK LEXICON (NKJV)." BLUE LETTER BIBLE. ACCESSED 16 AUG, 2019. HTTPS://WWW.BLUELETTERBIBLE.ORG//LANG/LEXICON/LEXICON.CFM?STRONGS =G4267&T=NKJV "Stupor - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words." Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 24 Jun, 1996. https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewTopic.cfmhttps://www.bluel etterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2659&t=NKJV 10/17/2019 foot notes 30
3. 31. Image Credits Unless otherwise indicated in captions images are believed to be “creative common” IM 3 http://www.jubileeonlinechurch.org/if-the-root-is-holy-so-are-the-branches IM 5 https://beyondlove2010.blogspot.com/2012/03/parashat-ki-tisa-your-weekly-challah.html IM 6 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/299137600219904558 IM 7 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/299137600219904558 IM 8 http://es.slideshare.net/chucho1943/11-election-of-grace 10/17/2019 foot notes 31
4. 32. Notes 10/17/2019 foot notes 32

Romans Chapter 10 - The Children of God

Romans Chapter 10

1. Number in blue are links to slide show.
2. 1.  Produced by Bill Fritz for Adult Sunday School10/4/2019 1
3. 2. Scripture Reading Romans 10: 1-4 Produced by Bill Fritz for Adult Sunday School10/4/2019 2 pinterest.com
4. 3. 10/4/2019 Produced by Bill Fritz for Adult Sunday School 3 Paul had a pre-conversion zeal for the Law which he believed to be God’s will. Paul was a Pharisee, a son of a Pharisee, a teacher of the Law (Acts 23:6). Paul’s pre-conversion zeal was based on a desire to please God by eliminating all who did not conform to the Law. What Paul failed to realize at that time, was that he was serving the Law not God. After his conversion and the subsequent revelation of Jesus, Paul realized he and his Jewish brethren were misguided. The Jewish people were of the mindset that salvation was in adherence to the Law. The Jews path to righteousness was through their efforts in compliance with the Law. However, Paul, after his conversion, knew that salvation was through Jesus the Christ, who had satisfied all the tenants of the Law (Ref v4). Jesus knew the Law, and He also knew the heart of God. Jesus fulfilled the Law, and by doing so He ended the requirements to fulfill the sacrificial requirements of the Law. Paul knew his Jewish brethren had a head knowledge through the Law but lacked the heart knowledge obtained only through Christ Jesus and subsequently by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26 NJKV).
5. 4. Scripture Reading Romans 10:5-13 10/4/2019  4 God makes no distinction between Jew and Gentile
6. 5. 10/4/2019 5 Paul quotes Leviticus 18:5: “Ye shall, therefore, keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man does, he shall live in them: I [am] the LORD (Lev 18:5 KJV).” Paul quoting Moses tells us that if a Jew keeps the Law, in its entirety, they are promised life but not the righteousness of faith. There is no mention of faith nor of righteousness in Lev 18:5.Without faith, can there be righteousness, and without righteousness, can there be the justification? If anyone could keep all that God requires in the Law, they would be justified by the Law. However, the Law is rigid, without mercy, and demands acceptance of God’s judgments. Because of man’s imperfection, which is due to his fall, he cannot understand God’s judgments, much less keep them. God warns against judging others unjustly, “you shall do no injustice in judgment” ( Lev 19:15). Because of our brokenness, humans cannot keep the law of God perfectly. God foreknew man’s fall and for this reason provided the perfect keeper of the law, in His Son Jesus.
7. 6. 10/4/2019 6 In verses 6-7 Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:12,13. Paul quotes these verses to point out the futility of looking for a Christ to deliver them when their redemption is at hand through faith in Jesus, who is the Christ. In verse 8, Paul states Paul explains Deuteronomy 30:14 by saying that the words of faith are written on their hearts and preached to all who hear. Verse 9, has been a stumbling block for many Christians. Although they love the Lord, for their comfort sake, keep this feeling captive. We are to acknowledge to others that Jesus is our Lord. But what does Lord mean? “Lord is the translation of the Greek word kurios. This is the regular way of translating the Hebrew name for God (Yahweh) in the Greek OT (the LXX). Jesus is not only the Messiah (Gk Christ = Hb Messiah), but He is also Yahweh (10:9-10 Holman & staff).” We are to publically acknowledge that Jesus God.
8. 7. 10/4/2019 7 In verse 10, Paul divides the acknowledgment that Jesus is Lord into two categories; the heart, and the mouth. Paul first addresses belief is a matter of the heart. That is to say, that this belief goes beyond an intellectual understanding. Our inner being feeling this belief which is accounted as righteousness. The second and equally important statement by Paul is that of public confession of faith that Jesus is our Lord — declaring Jesus the Son of God. God became flesh to die for the remission of our sin, rose from the dead on the third day, and sits at the right hand of the Father.
9. 8. 10/4/2019  8 What shame is Paul talking about in verse 11, it certainly cannot mean public ridicule he faced daily? Paul draws from Isaiah 28:16, wherein God speaks of the Corner Stone, which metaphorically is Christ Jesus. The ultimate shame is not from man but from denying Jesus before men by silence. Jesus said: “deny Me before men and I will deny you before the Father” (Mat 10:33 NKJV) this is the ultimate shame. How do the Christian publically confess their faith? There are three different ways to publically confess one’s belief in the gospel, any one of which satisfies Paul’s teaching.
10. 9. 10/4/2019  9 The initial public confession is obeying the Holy Spirit, who calls believers to a public “altar call.” The cry of the repentant for salvation is a highly personal and emotional experience. A public answer to an alter call is NOT a requirement for salvation. Answering an alter call is one of three ways to satisfy Paul’s requirement of a public confession. The second method of public confession is the personal baptism of the believer by water submersion. Baptism is not only a public confession of faith but also a symbolic act of the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. The third confession is to evangelize. To evangelize is to share your belief in the gospel with others unashamedly. The Holy Spirit gives not everyone the gift of evangelism. Lacking the gift of evangelism does not, or should not, stop the believer from sharing their testimony of faith with another. God does not commission without first equipping (Eph 2:10; Isa 6:8 NKJV).
11. 10. Scripture Reading Romans 10:14-17 10/4/2019 Slideshare.net Jews reject the gospel
12. 11. 10/4/2019  11 In verse 14, Paul, referring to his Jewish brethren, asks the rhetorical question; how can they (the Jews) ask the Christ who they denied, anything. In the same manner, the atheist, when facing certain death, may call out for God to save them. They deny God’s existence, and yet when death is eminent they cry out to someone who had not existed in their lives. Paul expands the dilemma in 14b to include the Gentiles by asking a series of logical questions. Paraphrasing verse14b and verse 15: How are they, who have never heard of the Christ to be saved, if they are not told of Christ Jesus? And who is to tell them of the gospel, unless a preacher is sent? And who is this preacher? The preachers are those God calls and sends forth into the world to preach the gospel to all who will listen. To recap verses 14-17, unless we who call ourselves Christians take up the great commission (Mat 28:18-20 NKJV), then who will? And if no one goes forth, then how will the lost be saved?
13. 12. Scripture Reading Romans 10:18-21 10/4/2019 Produced by Bill Fritz for Adult Sunday School 12 I stand with arms open wide.
14. 13. 10/4/2019 13 In verse 17, Paul says: “So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” In verse 18, Paul begins with the conjunctive Hebrew word “alla” translated as “But” (G235). Verse 17 is therefore connected to verse 18. Paul once again is talking about the Jews stating they have not heard. Although the word “hear” or “heard” usually means the physical act of hearing, in this case, it is used transitively (G191). The Jewish people had the Torah as the written word, in which Jesus the coming Messiah is prophesied. The Jews were blinded to the prophecies and did not recognize Jesus as the suffering prophet of Isaiah 53. They were told but did not hear (understand).
15. 14. 10/4/2019 14 Paul poses a rhetorical question once again, saying “…did Israel not know?” Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:21 in verse 19. In Deu 32 God, speaks to Moses, regarding the misbehaving Jews, saying “they have provoked me;...” Jamieson, Fausset and Brown write the following commentary on Deuteronomy 32:21: “those which are not a people--that is, not favored with such great and peculiar privileges as the Israelites (or, rather poor, despised heathens). The language points to the future calling of the Gentiles (Jamieson, Fausset & Brown) .” Therefore Paul is saying that what was told to Moses by God has come to pass now through Paul’s commission (Acts 9:15 NKJV).

CREDITS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. 15. Bibliography "G191 - akouō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NKJV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 30 Jul, 2019. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexi con/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G191&t=NKJV Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, . "Commentary on Deuteronomy 32 by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown." Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 19 Feb, 2000. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb /Deu/Deu_032.cfm (10:9-10) Holman Bible Staff, Blum, Edwin, Howard, Jeremy Royal & The HCSB Translation Team (2010). HCSB Study Bible. B&H Publishing Group. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com. 10/4/2019 Produced by Bill Fritz for Adult Sunday School 15
2. 16. 10/4/2019 Produced by Bill Fritz for Adult Sunday School 16 "G235 - alla - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NKJV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 30 Jul, 2019. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon. cfm?Strongs=G235&t=NKJV All art work has been taken from what this writer believes to be free domain (Bing search engine).
3. 17. Notes Jewish Law “Halacha” – meaning ‘the path’ or ‘the way’. Telos - Greek Pronunciation [TEHL ahss] HCSB Translation end; Uses in Romans 5 Uses in the NT 40; Focus passage Romans 10:4 transitively when the object is expressed, sometimes in the accusative case, sometimes in the genitive. Commission of Paul. [Act 9:15 NKJV] 15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 10/4/2019 Produced by Bill Fritz for Adult Sunday School 17

Romans Chapter 9 - Calling of the Gentiles

Number links in blue correspond to slide numbers if clicked will reveal information in the slide presentation format.

1. 1. The Calling of the Gentiles
2. 2. Romans 9 Verses 1-5 
3.  What was the reason for Paul’s sadness?
4. 3. 3 Paul was deeply saddened by the rejections of his Jewish brethren, to the point of self- deprivation. The nation of Israel was God’s first adopted children, with whom He made everlasting covenants.  Paul’s sorrow stemmed from his love for his Jewish brethren, who had rejected God’s greatest gift to them -Jesus. Jesus, who was sent from God to be born in Jewish flesh, lived as the son of man, saving mankind as the Son of God, the perfect sacrifice. Paul was consistently being called a traitor to the Law by the Jewish establishment. The Jewish establishment was all who held fast to the belief that they were God’s chosen and through the Law they alone were righteous children of God.  Throughout Paul’s letters, he speaks of salvation through Jesus the Christ, not the Law, as the only path to salvation. Although understandably saddened it was no surprise to Paul to see his brethren reject his preaching.
5. 4. Romans 9 Verses 5 - 9 
6. 5. Who were the children of promise? The children of promise were of Abraham and Sarah. The firstborn of Abraham and his descendants are not included in the promise. The promise for Ishmael was that his seed would be multiplied greatly (Gen 17:20). God fulfilled His promise, and Ishmael is the father of the Islamic nation. Ishmael was not God’s promised child and therefore the blessing could not be his. Abraham and Sarah’s child, Isaac the promised one, would inherit the covenant promise.  Israel, God’s chosen nation, rejected God’s gift of salvation, thereby opening the door for the Gentiles.  The Jewish nation was adopted by God as a nation while the Gentiles are adopted through Jesus. Jesus as the son of man, that is, born in the lineage of Abraham, was a Hebrew.  However, by blood, He is the Son of God, creator of all that is.
7. 6. Concerning the blood of Jesus Dr. Dhaan MD writes: “Conception by the Holy Ghost then was the only way the Virgin Birth could be accomplished. Mary contributed the body of Jesus and He became the "seed of David according to the flesh." The Holy Spirit contributed to the Blood of Jesus. It was sinless blood. It was Divine blood. It is Precious Blood for there has never been any other like it (Martin R. DeHaan, M.D. (1891-1965).”
8. 7. Romans 9 Verses 10 - 13  
9. 7 The older will serve the younger.
10. 8.  Although it was customary for the firstborn to receive the birthright promise, it was not law at that time. The birthright became Law Long after Abraham. God chose Jacob, the younger of the twins, to receive the blessing. God knows the heart of man and He knows all eternity past present and future. Because He is not bound by the constraints of time.
11. 9. God chooses people and nations, knowing who will serve Him best. We do not understand because our thoughts are not God’s thoughts (Isiah 55:8). Because God’s ways are not our ways, it should not be surprising that we do not understand why God does things.  God’s ways, therefore, remain a mystery to us and must be accepted by us on faith.  Holman and staff comment. 
12. Romans 9:12-13, 
13. “The divine purpose was revealed from the beginning of the Hebrew nation when God chose one twin over the other. The prophet Malachi traced God's differing treatment of two nations to this divine choice (Mal 1:1-5). Both nations were punished for their sins, but only one received grace.” (Howard, Jeremy Royal, Holman Bible Staff & Blum, Edwin (2010).
14. 10. The use of the words love and hate found in verse 13, may not mean what they seem to mean.  Holman, states that the word “hate” indicates God’s rejection, whereas the word love indicates God’s selection. (Howard, Jeremy Royal, Holman Bible Staff & Blum, Edwin, 2010).  There is no scripture reference given to substantiate the statement made by the Holman staff, that hate means rejection.  However, because God did not punish Esau, there is some credence in believing that the word “hate” means God’s rejection.  God chose Jacob (Israel) over Esau whose decedents became the Edomite.  God used the decedents of Esau for his purpose. The Edomite's became enemies of Isreal’s king Soloman (1Kings 11:14).  Esau had passed his aggressive earthly nature to his descendants, who became unwitting tools in God’s purpose.
15. 11. Romans 9 Verses 14 - 18 
16. 12. Why does God show favor to one and not the other? Choosing one person or nation over another, without apparent reason, may sound biased or unjust. However, In verse 14, Paul tells us that God cannot be unrighteous. God is perfection, and therefore, he is just in all He does. God is the definition of righteousness. Any parent knows that each of their children is different. What actions or words work with one child will not necessarily work with all of them. Because a mortal parent teaches and disciplines one child differently than the other, does not mean they love one more than the other or is biased of one over the other. If as parents, we treat our children differently, is it then so difficult to understand why our heavenly Father treats his adopted children differently? God is sovereign and as such can do as He wills for His own purpose.
17. 13. Why does God raise some people to power who do not love or honor him?  In verse 17, Paul gives the example of Pharaoh to answer this question.  God knows the heart of man, and He uses this knowledge to show the masses His omnipotence.  There are many times when God used a person he placed in authority, one such time was when Israel was captive slaves in Egypt.  God heard the cries of his children (Exodus 3:17).  God used Pharaoh (Rameses II), to bring Israel to the deepest point of despair before they would, as a nation, cry out for deliverance.  God hardens the heart of rulers to bring about the situation which shows His sovereign, supreme authority (Exodus 9:12).  When God hardens the heart of someone it is not done to be cruel. The hardening of the heart is accomplished by God, allowing sin, which is within the heart, to have its way (Psalms 81:10-12).
18. 14. Romans 9 Verses 19 - 21 
19. 15.  Paul uses the analogy of the potter and the clay in verses 19 and 20. Paul takes this analogy from Isiah 29:16; 64:8, and Jeremiah 18:6. The potter is in control, not the clay, so, therefore, how can the clay (metaphorically speaking) complain of its shape, or use to the potter? The potter decides how large and for what purpose the vessel will be used. It is the potter, who creates the vessel to serve his needs. And if for any reason, the potter is not satisfied with the vessel, he then reshapes or destroys the vessel. God also recreates or reforms us to be vessels for His purpose, each one unique from the other. Paul answers the questions asked in verses 19-20, in verse 21 by saying, God has the right and choice of accepting or honoring one over another.
20. 16. Romans 9 Verses 22 - 24 
21. 16 Wrath of a long-suffering God
22. 17.  Even with the evil of Sodom and Gomorrah God showed his willingness for mercy. See also mercy in Eph 2:1-7. God was willing to withhold the destruction of Sodom for the sake of 10 righteous (Gen 18:16-33 NKJV). God showed His wrath with Israel several times. The following are just two examples of God’s wrath tempered with mercy (Exo 32:10, 12, 14, 27, 33-35 ESV). When Israel worshiped the golden calf they could have faced total destruction (Exodus 32). God spared a remnant from being swallowed up. God allowed King Nebuchadnezzar to capture the city of Jerusalem and to ransack the temple, saving several young Jews for his service (2Chr 36:7, 10). Some young Hebrew men were set apart to serve God while in servitude to King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 3).
23. 18. God does not desire to destroy. Rather God’s desire is to show the magnitude of His mercy in the face of destruction. God allows mankind to come to the brink of total annihilation, waiting for repentance, so that He can demonstrate the magnitude of His mercy. Can a single voice of a righteous man convince God to quiet His wrath? Yes, Abraham bargained for mercy for the sake of the righteous (Sodom and Gomorrah).  Abraham dared to bargain for others, not himself.  “And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy--that "glorious exuberance of Divine mercy" which "was manifested in choosing and eternally arranging for the salvation of sinners” (Jamieson, Faucette, Brown, 1871).
24. 19. Romans 9 Verses 25 - 26 
25. 
    
26. 20.  Who were/are the people who were not Gods people?  “I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved-- quoted, though not quite to the letter, from Hosea 2:23 , a passage relating immediately, not to the heathen, but to the kingdom of the ten tribes; but since they had sunk to the level of the heathen, who were "not God's people," and in that sense "not beloved," the apostle legitimately applies it to the heathen, as "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise“ (Jamieson, Faucette, Brown, 1871).  However Holman and staff state: “Drawing from Hosea's marriage, Paul compares Gentile salvation to mercy bestowed on an undeserving adulterous wife (see the book of Hosea)”. Had Israel accepted Jesus as their Christ, God would have made them a nation of priests to the world (Exo 19:6; Revelation 1:6, 5-10).
27. 21. Romans 9 Verses 27 - 28 
28. 22.  Paul quotes Isaiah 10:22 in verse 27.  God made it known to King Cyrus that he was to build Him a house in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4 NKJV). To this end, King Cyrus set free all Israelites who desired to do so, to return to Jerusalem. Not all Israelites remembered their roots and did not return to Jerusalem. Only a remnant remembered the old times, and these were delivered from captivity.  This remnant was to rebuild the temple foundation. But more importantly, to rebuild the nation of Israel’s spiritual foundation. Verse 28 has a prophetic ring. The Revelation of John speaks symbolically of the remnant of Israel being saved in the final days from Satan’s wrath (Rev 12:14 NKJV).
29. 23. Romans 9 Verses 29 - 33 
30. 24.  Paul is speaking mainly to the Jewish proselytes. The seed being spoken of here is the seed of David Jesus the Christ. Sodom became a nation corrupted by all manner of sin. Paul is saying Jesus was the salvation which would prevent the same judgment to fall on Israel that fell on Sodom and Gomorrah. Jesus citing Isaiah refers to Himself as the cornerstone on which a true and righteous foundation is built (Isa 28:16; Mar 12:10,11). King David prophetically speaks of the same symbolic reference to Christ Jesus. (Psa 118:22,23) The picture of Jesus symbolized by the cornerstone reference became the stumbling block for the Jew. The reference made of Jesus as the cornerstone, flew in the face of their belief that adherence to the Law was the only way to God. The Jew thought they were justified because of their works through the Law. The Gentile were justified, not by works, but faith alone (Romans 3:28).
31. Credits and Sources
32. 25. 8/17/2019 Produced by Bill Fritz for Adult Sunday School 25 Bibliography DeHann, Martin R., Dr. "The Chemistry of the Blood." The Chemistry Of The Blood - by M.R. DeHaan, M.D. Accessed July 24, 2019. https://www.jesus-is- savior.com/BTP/Dr_MR_DeHaan/Chemistry/04.h tm. "H6083 - `aphar - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (NKJV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 16 Jul, 2019. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/le xicon.cfm?Strongs=H6083&t=NKJV Jamieson, Robert , A.R. Fauseset, David Brown. 1871. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Accessed May 04, 2018. https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentarie s/.