Jonathan Williams with Word of God, Speak

Paul wants everyone to know that though most of God’s covenant people have not believed, that though most of God’s people have been unfaithful, God has not been unfaithful. God has been true to his word. God’s word has not failed.

Israel was a unique nation. They had been entrusted with the most noble task in the world – to be a light to the nations and to restore all that mankind had lost because of sin. And Paul encapsulated these privileges with six words and phrases. 

In Romans 9:1-5, Paul refuted the charges of apathy, defended his apostolic authority, and exemplified the attitude gentile Christians should exhibit toward unbelieving Jews. He was gaining a foothold in the minds and hearts of readers who might have doubted his love for Israel. After all, remember, Paul was slandered. Evil reports circulated about him, and he must set the record straight about how he felt about his people.

Paul was slandered by many. In 2 Corinthians 6:8 he talked about evil reports that circulated in the world about him. He talked about being dishonored and being accused as a deceiver. Many viewed him as a traitor to the ancestral traditions of his people and more gentile-like than kosher in his behavior. Paul had to set the record straight – theologically and personally. Romans 9 is not just expressing his theological views. It is expressing his passion for his people. He must let others know how he felt about his people. “I am telling the truth! I am not lying!"

As we continue to learn why Paul wrote Romans, we will also discover the importance of God's people updating their story to show how God was at work in their day. 

For centuries, many thought Romans to be primarily, a theological treatise. But that wasn’t the case. Paul had three reasons for writing Romans, and in this broadcast we will begin examining them. His purposes were: ·        Missionary – his forthcoming trip to Spain ·        Apologetic – setting forth the true gospel ·        Pastoral – uniting Jew and gentile in one body

Romans 9 has become a deeply dug mine full of precious gems. Scholars have delved into this mine, excavating words, phrases, and sentences to find precious material to build and adorn their theological houses. It has especially been a favorite for the Calvinist position of unconditional election.  But as I continued learning God’s word, I discovered that Paul had something different in mind. What many talk about when they read Romans 9 is different from what Paul was talking about. The centuries brought a major disconnect in understanding the subject matter. We have forgotten or never learned the story Paul was telling.  This teaching series is my understanding of what Paul wrote in Romans 9 based upon the larger context of his letter, his ministry, and the biblical storyline – thus, its title Romans 9 and the Story Paul Was Telling.

Jesus makes a final appearance on the Mount of Olives near Bethany. He gives instructions to take the good news of his life, sacrificial death, and resurrection to others. He then ascends to the right hand of God and is enthroned as the true Lord of heaven and earth.

Jesus is making his final appearances to his disciples. He appears to his brother, James. Then to seven of his disciples who are fishing in the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus is now revealing himself to others; ten of the original 12 are in a room, but Thomas is absent and does not believe the report. Then Jesus appears to Thomas and tells him to examine his hands and side. But what does the resurrection of Christ mean?

The empty tomb reports begin to circulate among Jesus' disciples as Mary Magdalene and the other women tell them they have seen the risen Christ. Then, Jesus appears to Peter and to two others walking to Emmaus.

Women arrive at the tomb to anoint the dead body of Jesus. But the stone is rolled away from the tomb and Jesus body is not there. Angels appear and tell them the glad news. Jesus has risen from the dead! The women run to tell the disciples. But one woman remains, Mary Magdalene and she is the first to see the resurrected Jesus.

Jesus is buried. A Roman guard seals the tomb and stands watch, but on Sunday strange sounds come from within the tomb. Resurrection life enters the body of Jesus. He breathes and lives! Angels approach the tomb. Roman soldiers quake with fear and run for their lives. 

Jesus continues to suffer on the cross, but he sees his mother and entrusts him to John. He cries out in anguish, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Darkness covers the earth. Jesus thirsts. He comes to the end. He says, "It is finished." He commits his spirit to God, and dies.

Jesus is led to Golgotha where he is crucified. He prays that his Father will forgive the ones who nail him to the cross. He promises a thief that he will be with him in paradise.

Jesus is sent to Pilate, then Herod, then back to Pilate. The verdict is in. He is guilty and the sentence is crucifixion on a Roman cross.

Jesus is led to the temple authorities and stands trial for blasphemy. The Jewish assembly votes to condemn him and take him to the Roman authorities.

In Gethsemane, the climax quickly comes. Jesus finishes praying. He resolves to follow his Father's will. The authorities come, Jesus is arrested and led to trial.

As they enter Gethsemane, Jesus struggles with what is before him. His disciples sleep but he prays on in agony.

As they depart the room where they ate the Passover, Jesus and his disciples head to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus continues to instruct his disciples not to fear but to maintain their trust in him. He then prays his high priestly prayer that we find in John 17.