Romans - March 29, 2009

SECTION --- Five: Vindication of God (9:1 -- 11:36) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

12. (9:10) If the receiving of Abraham’s promise is only family tree what is the problem with Jacob’s children being the receiver of Abraham’s promise?
a. Jacob (Israel) had a twin brother, Esau, thus, why was Jacob chosen over the first born Esau? (Gen 25:25)
13. PONDER: What reason could the Jew give to justify Jacob being the receiver of Abraham’s promise and not Esau.
a. Esau, as seen in his selling of his birthright for something to eat, was not as good a man as was Jacob — Esau was only interested in the here and now.
14. (9:11) What was God’s criteria for choosing Jacob over Esau?
a. All we are told it was not of works, thus, it was according to God’s choice to fill His purpose — it is by promise not Family Tree.
15. (9:12) Did Esau the man serve Jacob the man, i.e., did God promise Esau the man would serve Jacob the man?
a. No. If any thing the man Jacob serve Esau the man (Gen 32:3-12). God was talking nations not persons (Gen 25:23).
b. The nation of Esau did serve the nation of Jacob (Israel) 1Ch 18:12-13.
16. (9:13) By this action did God love the man Jacob more than he love the man Esau?
a. No. God preferred the nation of Jacob more than the nation of Edom (Esau) (Mal 1:2-4) to carry out his purpose.
17. PONDER: Why did God prefers Jacob over Esau?
a. God does not state he had a reason for God did not need a reason. God’s plan only required, or could use, one nation. Mankind could look back in history and say perhaps because Edom would not allow Israel pass over his land (Num 20:14-22). and Edom also became a worshiper of false gods. Israel was not allow to destroy Edom as they did others who blocked their way from Egypt. (Num 21:1-4; Deu 23:7). The nation of Esau did serve the nation of Jacob until the nation of Edom revolted. However, the fact remains God chose because God chose and a reason that is reasonable to us is not required.
b. CONSIDER: It is speculation without foundation to suggest if God had called Esau Esau would still have gone bad and Jacob would have remained good. Perhaps the one God called was good because God the Creator and Sustainer called him.
18. PONDER: Can this passage (6-13) be used to support the position God chose certain people to be saved by the gospel or lost by rejecting the gospel? Why that answer?
a. No, all that can be proven is God did chose certain nations to be the means for the fulfilment of Gen 3:15, i.e., the means to provide the power of salvation, the gospel (Rom 1:6) to all mankind. Individuals still had the power and right to chose or reject God.

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What is the proof who is God’s people is a matter of God’s purpose and not what one is due because of their family tree?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD
1.
E. Conclusion —


III. {Rom 9:14-18} 2nd of 3 Arguments — Example of God choosing as fits God’s purpose
A. Introduction
1. Review — Paul has established the physical decedents of Abraham (the Israelites) have reason to be proud and deserve respect for their “family tree” for they have been blessed by God, as their history clearly shows. However, God’s choosing is not based on one’s “family tree” but as the Creator He chooses, i.e., God’s as the creator can make decisions without human input and His decision are correct.
2. Preview — Our merciful God did not require human input as to what is fair or unfair to make a decision that is correct — God chooses whom he chooses to provide the fulfillment of Gen 3:15.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. How did God justify His decision regarding Pharaoh?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (9:14) Based on context what is the significance of the rhetorical question, “There is no injustice with God, is there?”
a.
2. (9:14) Considering the reason for this Section (Vindication of God [9:1-11:36]) what should the listeners learn?
a.
3. PONDER: What could the readers say to prove Paul’s reasoning is not valid?
a.
4. (9:15) Paul quotes Exodus 33:19. What light does this shed on Paul’s position.
a.
5. (9:16) What is the difference between “the man that wills” and “the man that runs”
a.
6. (9:16) What does this have to do with Jacob and Esau?
a.
7. (9:16) What is the significance of “So then...”
a.
8. (9:16) What is the conclusion the non- prejudicial reader should draw regarding Paul’s position on the Jew’s means of salvation.
a.
9. (9:17) What is the significance of the 1st and 2nd “for” in this verse?
a.
10. (9:17) What are your thoughts on the phrased “I raised you up...”
a.
11. (9:17) PONDER: In light of what Paul has said, was God unfair in His dealings with Pharaoh, i.e., could Pharaoh let God’s people go after the water turned to blood, or did Pharaoh have to continue rejecting God’s will?
a.
12. (9:17) PONDER: What do you feel would have been the results if Pharaoh had let the people go when Moses first ask?
a.
13. (9:18) What does this statement do to the Jew’s concept, “God owes us salvation?”
a.
14. (9:18) Does this verse support the TULIP doctrine God has determine specific individuals who are saved or not saved? Why that answer?
a.

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How did God justify His decision regarding Pharaoh?
1. God (creator of Time, Space, and Mass) does not seek to justify His actions. God, who is the example of real mercy and compassion, does what is best for the salvation of mankind, even if mankind (who does not understand real mercy and compassion) does not agree.
E. Conclusion — Based on history the Christian, who are influenced by the LOM, have just been told they do not have the ability, knowledge, or wisdom to suggest or say God’s plan of salvation through Christ, thus, replacing the LOM, is not the right thing to do.

IV. {Rom } 3rd of 3 Arguments

Romans - March 22, 2009

SECTION --- Five: Vindication of God (9:1 -- 11:36) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

2. (9:6) If this is not “double talk” , and it is not, explain Paul’s statement?
a. The readers are under the impression if one is part of the nation of Israel then they are God’s special people and such is not the case — proof to follow.
3. (9:6) PONDER: Considering the way Paul begins v.6 what do you think is the problem he is addressing?
a. If the LOM is not the final word and we must accept Christ to be saved then God has failed, i.e. God’s promises to us have failed.
4. (9:6) PONDER: Do you think the targeted readers would agree with the position things mentioned in 9:4-5 is limited, i.e. not all of Israel’s descendants are Israel? Why that answer?
a. No they would disagree with vigor for their mind set is Israelites are a tribe or nation. According to the family tree all of Israel’s (aka Jacob’s) physical decedents would be Israelites, thus, receivers of the promise made to Abraham and all things noted in 9:4-5.
5. (9:7) What is the significance of “neither” or “nor” as the first word of 9:7
a. Not even, not either; Not all Israel is Israel any more than all Abraham’s is Abraham.
6. (9:7) PONDER: How does this verse refute the argument a physical family tree determines who is of Abraham, thus receiver of the Abraham’s promise and the things note in 9:4-5.
a. Abraham’s first born was name Ishmael and if family tree determines who was of Abraham the Arabians would be, based on rights of the first born, recipients of the promise to Abraham, thus, not the readers.
b. If they admit all of Abraham’s children are not Israelites, because of Ishmael they must admit it is possible more than flesh may be involved — i.e., God may make choices not based on the family tree of Jacob (Israel) who is of Israel.
7. (9:8) PONDER: This verse clearly support the doctrine God chooses who will be saved and who will be lost (TULIP). If not why not?
a. Paul is not addressing who is saved and who is lost, but correcting the position God still choose based on a family tree after Christ became King (Act 2:1)
8. (9:8) How does verse 8 build on verse 7?
a. Ishmael’s (Abraham’s first born) decedents are not part of God’s promise to Abraham for God chose sons of Isaac to receive the promise, thus, it is by promise (God’s choice) not flesh.
9. (9:7) PONDER: What is the relationship of this statement with the statement of 9:6?
a. If they admit all of Abraham’s children are not Israelites, because of Ishmael they must admit this, then they must also recognize it is possible more than flesh may be involved — i.e., God may make choices not based on the family tree of Jacob (Israel) who is of Israel.
10. (9:8) PONDER: What could the Jews say that would in their mind justify Isaac over Ishmael to support it was not of promise but the logical way things operate?
a. Ishmael was rejected on the basis of illegitimacy, not promise, thus, Isaac was the first born and had the rights of the first born. Salvation then is based on authorized family tree not promise as Paul is suggesting.
11. (9:9) How does this verse support Paul’s position salvation is based not on a family tree but on God’s promise?
a. Sarah gave birth to a man child (Isaac) in her old age as God promised her (Gen 18:10). The birth was natural but the age of Sarah and Abraham was beyond the normal age of producing a child. It was family tree but God also had some input, i.e., God made and kept a promise. It is not Family Tree alone that determines who is of Israel.
12. (9:10) If the receiving of Abraham’s promise is only family tree what is the problem with Jacob’s children being the receiver of Abraham’s promise?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD

a.
13. PONDER: What reason could the Jew give to justify Jacob being the receiver of Abraham’s promise and not Esau.
a.
14. (9:11) What was God’s criteria for choosing Jacob over Esau?
a. .
15. (9:12) Did Esau the man serve Jacob the man, i.e., did God promise Esau the man would serve Jacob the man?
a. .
b. The nation of Esau did serve did serve the nation of Jacob (Israel) 1Ch 18:12-13.
16. (9:13) By this action did God love the man Jacob more than he love the man Esau?
a.
17. PONDER: Why did God prefers Jacob over Esau?
a.
18. PONDER: Can this passage (6-13) be used to support the position God chose certain people to be saved by the gospel or lost by rejecting the gospel? Why that answer?
a.

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What is the proof who is God’s people is a matter of God’s purpose and not what one is due because of their family tree?
1.
E. Conclusion —

III. {Rom 9:14-18} 2nd of 3 Arguments — Example of God choosing as fits God’s purpose
A. Introduction
1.

Romans - March 15, 2009

SECTION --- Five: Vindication of God (9:1 -- 11:36) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

23. (9:5) What is the significance of the statement following the source Christ’s humanity, i.e., “who is over all”?
5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. KJV
5 whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. ASV
5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.NASB
5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. ESV

a. He is also deity — 100% human and 100% God.
(1) He is over all and also blessed by God forever;
(2) Or, (cf. ESV) He is God over all and this is followed with the normal doxology “blessed forever” usually added by Jewish writers after the mention of the name God, as an expression of reverence.
24. PONDER: What does “who is over all” (9:5) imply?
a. Christ is currently over all, no where is it suggest Christ is to be exalted to the high state of being over all at some point in the future. Not saying Satan is without influence today, but it is only because Christ allows Satan to have an influence for awhile, i.e. until Christ returns and time, space, and mass ceases.
25. PONDER: Would it be correct to say because we do not have a record of God making a covenant with or giving laws to any other people God did not care about them as much as He did Abraham descendants? Why that answer?
a. The Bible’s main function is to record the efforts of God to fulfill the promise of [Gen 3:15]; this does not mean God is not concerned with all humans, i.e., the descendants of Noah’s other boys. Compare Melchizedek’s meeting with Abraham (Gen14:17-20; Heb 7:1) and Jonah’s involvement with Nineveh’s repenting (Jonah 1:2; 4:11). To say God only cared about the descendants of Abraham is to draw a conclusion without evidence [cf. Num 14:11-12]. God’s love for humans in giving of Christ is based on physical relationship with Adam and Eve and Noah.
OBSERVATION (9:4-5)
Paul acknowledges the fact the Israelites, as a group of people as a tribe, are God’s special people, thus, are worthy of respect because of their history and family tree.

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — Why should they believe, much less listen to, Paul’s teachings about Christ?
1. The only way the Jews who are Christian can refute Paul is to show what Paul is teaching about Christ makes Paul, thus Christ, their enemy and also the enemy of God. Paul is making the point he is not a renegade but one devoted to and emotionally concerned about his own people, God’s special people — Paul is not their enemy but of them.
E. Conclusion — In this passage Paul agrees the nation of Israel is a special nation made up of special people seeking to serve God. Paul is not saying what he is saying to get on the Jews right side so they will listen to what he has to say (being political). Paul believes what he is saying and he preaches such as truth. Paul’s statement are true, yet, the Jews are not saved — the physical Jews, as individuals, need Christ if they expect to receive the Messianic blessings. They are not saved because they are part of a special nation or because of their physical relationships.

II. {Rom 9:6-13} Argument 1st of 3 — God chooses as serves His purpose
A. Introduction
1. Review — Paul as established the physical decedents of Abraham (the Israelites) have reason to be proud of and deserve respect based on their “family tree”. It is because of their “family tree” Jews have been blessed by God.
2. Preview — Salvation is not determined by one’s family tree — i.e. one’s relatives does not determine one’s spiritual relationship with God — but promise based on God’s choosing.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. What is the proof who is God’s people is a matter of God’s purpose and not what one is owed because of their family tree?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. {PSA 105:6-15} With this passage, one of many, as a foundation how would Paul’s target audience (Law of Moses Christians) see their relationship with God?
a. Because of their physical relationship (family tree) they are God’s chosen people.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A LOOK AHEAD

2. (9:6) If this is not “double talk” , and it is not, explain Paul’s statement?
a.
3. (9:6) PONDER: Considering the way Paul begins v.6 what do you think is the problem he is addressing?
a.
4. (9:6) PONDER: Do you think the targeted readers would agree with the position things mentioned in 9:4-5 is limited, i.e. not all of Israel’s descendants are Israel? Why that answer?
a.
5. (9:7) What is the significance of “neither” or “nor” as the first word of 9:7
a.
6. (9:7) PONDER: How does this verse refute the argument a physical family tree determines who is of Abraham, thus receiver of the Abraham’s promise and the things note in 9:4-5.
a.
7. (9:8) PONDER: This verse clearly support the doctrine God chooses who will be saved and who will be lost (TULIP). If not why not?
a.
8. (9:8) How does verse 8 build on verse 7?
a.
9. (9:7) PONDER: What is the relationship of this statement with the statement of 9:6?
a.
10. (9:8) PONDER: What could the Jews say that would in their mind justify Isaac over Ishmael to support it was not of promise but the logical way things operate?
a.
11. (9:9) How does this verse support Paul’s position salvation is based not on a family tree but on God’s promise?
a.
12. (9:10) If the receiving of Abraham’s promise is only family tree what is the problem with Jacob’s children being the receiver of Abraham’s promise?
a.
13. PONDER: What reason could the Jew give to justify Jacob being the receiver of Abraham’s promise and not Esau.
a.
14. (9:11) What was God’s criteria for choosing Jacob over Esau?
a. .
15. (9:12) Did Esau the man serve Jacob the man, i.e., did God promise Esau the man would serve Jacob the man?
a. .
b. The nation of Esau did serve did serve the nation of Jacob (Israel) 1Ch 18:12-13.
16. (9:13) By this action did God love the man Jacob more than he love the man Esau?
a.
17. PONDER: Why did God prefers Jacob over Esau?
a.
18. PONDER: Can this passage (6-13) be used to support the position God chose certain people to be saved by the gospel or lost by rejecting the gospel? Why that answer?
a.

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What is the proof who is God’s people is a matter of God’s purpose and not what one is due because of their family tree?
1.
E. Conclusion —

III. {Rom 9:14-18} 2nd of 3 arguments

Romans - March 8, 2009

SECTION --- Five: Vindication of God (9:1 -- 11:36) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

13. (9:3) To whom is Paul addressing this section of Romans (9:1- 11:36)?
a. The physical offspring of Abraham — not the nation of Israel nor all baptized believers, per se, but the people (individuals) who are part of the nation of Israel.
b. Perhaps to a lesser degree Christians who have been influenced by Jews to think Christ was the means to enable non-Jews to obey the Law of Moses.
c. Abraham’s children have cruelly persecuted Paul, but he is not bitter or vindictive, but he is concerned.

OBSERVATION (9:3)
Paul makes it clear he has logically become emotionally concern about the physical children of Abraham and their relationship with Christ and the gospel plan of salvation.

14. (9:4-5) According to these verses how is an Israelite (covenant name of God’s chosen people) defined — i.e., what are the eight unique set apart characteristics of an Israelite?
a. Adoption as sons; have the glory; have the covenants; the giving of the Law; serving God; the promises; their fathers; physical brother of the human side of Christ.
15. (9:4) What does “adoption as sons” tell us about an Israelite? (cf. Deu 7:6)
a. They were the descendants of Jacob who God named Israel, thus, were God’s most special people from all the special people coming from the loins of Abraham.
16. (9:4) What does “have the glory” tell us about an Israelite? (cf. Exo 13:21-22; 25:22)
a. Symbol of divine presence accompanying them from Egypt and also the Shekinah in the Holy of Holies
17. (9:4) What does “have the covenants” tell us about an Israelite?
a. Compacts or promises made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the nation; including the pledges of divine protection conditioned with “if’s”.
18. (9:4) What does “giving of the Law” tell us about an Israelite?
a. (Rom 3:2) The oracles of God; that recorded in Exodus and given at Mount Sinai.
19. (9:4) What does “serving God” tell us about an Israelite? (cf. Heb 9:1,6)
a. The temple service, regarded by them as the pride and ornament of their nation.
20. (9:4) What does “the promises” tell us about an Israelite?
a. That beginning at Gen 3:15 and explained at Gen 12 to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ.
21. (9:5) What does “their fathers” tell us about an Israelite? (cf Act 3:13;7:32)
a. (Act 3:13; 7:32) The patriarchs, those having a special relationship with God
22. (9:5) What does “physical brothers of Christ” tell us about an Israelite?
a. Christ was of their family tree, also informs the looked for Messiah had arrived when Paul wrote this letter in Spring of 58 A.D.
23. (9:5) What is the significance of the statement following the source Christ’s humanity, i.e., “who is over all”?
5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. KJV
5 whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. ASV
5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. NASB
5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. ESV



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD

a.
24. PONDER: What does “who is over all” (9:5) imply?
a.
25. PONDER: Would it be correct to say because we do not have a record of God making a covenant with or giving laws to any other, people God did not care about them as much as He did Abraham descendants? Why that answer?
a.
OBSERVATION (9:4-5)

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — Why should they believe, much less listen to, Paul’s teachings about Christ?
1.
E. Conclusion —

II. {Rom 9:6-13} Argument 1st of 3 — God chooses as serves His purpose
A. Introduction
1. Review — Paul as established the physical decedents of Abraham (the Israelites) have reason to be proud of and deserve respect based on their “family tree”. It is because of their “family tree” Jews have been blessed by God.
2. Preview — Salvation is not determined by one’s family tree — i.e. one’s relatives does not determine one’s spiritual relationship with God — but promise based on God’s choosing.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. What is the proof who is God’s people is a matter of God’s purpose and not what one is owed because of their family tree?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. {PSA 105:6-15} With this passage, one of many, as a foundation how would Paul’s target audience (Law of Moses Christians) see their relationship with God?
a.
2. (9:6) If this is not “double talk” , and it is not, explain Paul’s statement?
a.
3. (9:6) PONDER: Considering the way Paul begins v.6 what do you think is the problem he is addressing?
a.
4. (9:6) PONDER: Do you think the targeted readers would agree with the position things mentioned in 9:4-5 is limited, i.e. not all of Israel’s descendants are Israel? Why that answer?
a.
5. (9:7) What is the significance of “neither” or “nor” as the first word of 9:7
a.
6. (9:7) PONDER: How does this verse refute the argument a physical family tree determines who is of Abraham, thus receiver of the Abraham’s promise and the things note in 9:4-5.
a.
7. (9:8) PONDER: This verse clearly support the doctrine God chooses who will be saved and who will be lost (TULIP). If not why not?
a.
8. (9:8) How does verse 8 build on verse 7?
a.
9. (9:7) PONDER: What is the relationship of this statement with the statement of 9:6?
a.
10. (9:8) PONDER: What could the Jews say that would in their mind justify Isaac over Ishmael to support it was not of promise but the logical way things operate?
a.
11. (9:9) How does this verse support Paul’s position salvation is based not on a family tree but on God’s promise?
a.
12. (9:10) If the receiving of Abraham’s promise is only family tree what is the problem with Jacob’s children being the receiver of Abraham’s promise?
a.
13. PONDER: What reason could the Jew give to justify Jacob being the receiver of Abraham’s promise and not Esau.
a.
14. (9:11) What was God’s criteria for choosing Jacob over Esau?
a. .
15. (9:12) Did Esau the man serve Jacob the man, i.e., did God promise Esau the man would serve Jacob the man?
a. .
b. The nation of Esau did serve did serve the nation of Jacob (Israel) 1Ch 18:12-13.
16. (9:13) By this action did God love the man Jacob more than he love the man Esau?
a.
17. PONDER: Why did God prefers Jacob over Esau?
a.
18. PONDER: Can this passage (6-13) be used to support the position God chose certain people to be saved by the gospel or lost by rejecting the gospel? Why that answer?
a.

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What is the proof who is God’s people is a matter of God’s purpose and not what one is due because of their family tree?
1.
E. Conclusion —

III. {Rom 9:14-18} 2nd of 3 arguments

Romans - March 2, 2009

SECTION --- Five: Vindication of God (9:1 -- 11:36) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

I. {Rom 9:1-5 } Introduction to Three Arguments
A. Introduction
1. Review — Paul has established the value and purpose of the gospel, salvation for all through Christ. Paul begins a new thought, specifically aimed at those holding on to the Law of Moses as the means or at least part of the means making them a special people, i.e., to be a child of God because they are of Abraham.
2. Preview — It is important for the target audience to know Paul is of the same family tree as they, thus, it is not lack of “proper linage” that drives him to teach what he teaches about the Law of Moses not being the means or proof of justification (Chapter 4).
B. Question For Discussion?
1. Why should they believe, much less listen to, Paul’s teachings about Christ?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. PONDER: What is required for one to know another is giving the correct facts — i.e., telling the truth about something and not lying?
a. (Mat18:16; 1Ti 5:19) Must have witnesses to the facts that have been stated.
OBSERVATION: “in” (en) G1722; a prim. prep. denoting position and by impl. instrumentality.
2. (9:1) What is meant by “in Christ” as it is use here? (Same expression used at 8:1,39.)
a. As used here “in” (en) denotes a fixed position where something takes place — i.e., the sphere where something happens rather than the instrument or channel something happened.
b. As a Christian, a person in Christ’s sphere, Paul is telling the truth.

OBSERVATION: Some writers suggest "in Christ" is an oath where Paul is calling upon Christ to be his witness, see no reason for this to be the case considering his usage of "in Christ" in chapter 8.

3. (9:1) What is Paul’s conscience? {cf. Act 24:16; 9:1-4}
a. “conscience” (G4893); 1) the consciousness of anything; 2) the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other.
b. It is not being used as a moral or religious word[#2] , but of one knowing themself [#1], i.e., what he knew about himself within himself — his inward man.
4. (9:1) What is meant by “in the Holy Spirit” as it is used here?
a. The instrument or channel by which Paul who is in Christ speaks is the Holy Spirit.
5. (9:1) How can the readers know Paul is not in error, i.e., his conscience (knowledge) can be mistaken or he is faking it?
a. “in the Holy Spirit” — Paul did not speak the of words men (Gal 1:11, written before Romans) and he did the signs of an apostle (2Co 12:12, written before Galatians), thus, the Holy Spirit is Paul’s source for his words, i.e., doctrinal truth.
b. As a Christian (“ in Christ”, position) and as one inspired by God (“in the Holy Spirit”, instrument) he speaks truth — not of the world’s, “Be Sincere Whether You Mean It Or Not, type of speaking.
6. PONDER: Does this verse (9:1) suggest Paul could not be in error in any thing he says?
a. Peter, who was also in Christ and spoke in the Holy Spirit did fail to walk correct doctrine (Gal 2: 11-14). Did he talk the way he walked? Perhaps (Gal 2:16).
b. When Paul spoke doctrine and its application he did not speak error, however, He may have inadvertently spoken error on day by day things.
7. (9:2) What is Paul’s heart?
a. “heart” = (G2588); 2b1) the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavours; 2b2) of the understanding, the faculty and seat of the intelligence
b. Not #2b2 the part using the tools of thought (Memory, Reason, Contemplation, Perception, Judgment) but #2b1 feelings, i.e., empathy.
c. OBSERVATION: In English we have consciousness and conscience; the Greeks have but one.
8. (9:2) Why makes Paul feel the way he feels?
a. He is filled with sorrow and grief because he knows of what he speaks, he knows the spiritual situation, and future, of these good moral people — his kin in the flesh.
b. It is not issue of marriage/divorce, drinking, smoking, cursing, worshiping, serving, and etc.; it is a case of rejecting Jesus as the Christ and their Lord.

OBSERVATION (9:1-2)
Paul is telling the truth because he knows he is an inspired follower of Christ, thus, they can know for sure he is not lying and he is very concerned about them.

9. (9:3) What does “wish” as used here mean?
a. “wish” = (G2172); 1) to pray to God; 2) to wish, to pray, to pray for.
10. (9:3) What does “accursed or anathema”mean?
a. “accursed” (G331); A thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if an animal, to be slain
b. Therefore, a person or thing doomed to destruction.
11. (9:3) Why is it impossible, or as least improbable, for such to happen to Paul?
a. Only Christ could die so others may live, thus, Paul’s death would be meaningless for the most it could do would be to put the readers on a guilt trip not a conversion to Christ as Lord.
12. PONDER: Since Paul could not be accursed so others might live what does Paul mean?
a. Paul’s mission was to carry the gospel message, thus, if he died the Gentiles and his kin would not have heard the gospel message (also 7 letters would not have been written). This is a hyperbole to show the emotional extent of Paul’s concern for his kin.
b. Paul is showing he is not a renegade, he still cares about these people who are special people even as Gen 3:15 was being fulfilled.

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A LOOK AHEAD

13. (9:3) To whom is Paul addressing this section of Romans (9:1- 11:36)?
a.

OBSERVATION (9:3)


14. (9:4-5) According to these verses how is an Israelite (covenant name of God’s chosen people) defined — i.e., what are the eight unique set apart characteristics of an Israelite?
a.
15. (9:4) What does “adoption as sons” tell us about an Israelite? (cf. Deu 7:6)
a.
16. (9:4) What does “have the glory” tell us about an Israelite? (cf. Exo 13:21-22; 25:22)
a.
17. (9:4) What does “have the covenants” tell us about an Israelite?
a.
18. (9:4) What does “giving of the Law” tell us about an Israelite?
a.
19. (9:4) What does “serving God” tell us about an Israelite? (cf. Heb 9:1,6)
a.
20. (9:4) What does “the promises” tell us about an Israelite?
a.
21. (9:5) What does “their fathers” tell us about an Israelite? (cf Act 3:13;7:32)
a.
22. (9:5) What does “physical brothers of Christ” tell us about an Israelite?
a.
23. (9:5) What is the significance of the statement following the source Christ’s humanity, i.e., “who is over all”?
5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
KJV 5 whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
ASV 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
NASB 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
ESV

a.
24. PONDER: What does “who is over all” (9:5) imply?
a.
25. PONDER: Would it be correct to say because we do not have a record of God making a covenant with or giving laws to any other, people God did not care about them as much as He did Abraham descendants? Why that answer?
a.
OBSERVATION (9:4-5)

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — Why should they believe, much less listen to, Paul’s teachings about Christ?
1.
E. Conclusion —