lesson five Israel s past election Romans 9:1 29 Memory Verse: So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. Romans 9:16, NASB Background: Romans 8 presents one of the most beautiful and endearing passages in Scripture. God assures us of our security in Him (Romans 8:1) and of His sovereignty in calling us to salvation (Roman 8:28 29). And who can forget the amazing promise of Romans 8:38 39. Now, in chapter 9, Paul addresses the question, What about Israel? If the body of Christ, the Church, is secure in her election, is Israel also secure in God s promises to her? Reflection: How did last week s lesson clarify your role as a prayer warrior? What is one specific takeaway to implement to strengthen your prayer life? Israel s Past Election The blessings and privileges of Israel [11x in Romans 9 11] in the past include their adoption by God as a special nation, their reception of the covenants [Abrahamic Covenant, Davidic Covenant, and New Covenant], their possession of the Mosaic Law, and their service in the temple (as the only means to worship God and the location where God would dwell among His chosen people). God made numerous specific promises to Abraham and his descendants: God promised Abraham a literal and unconditional land [the land of Israel], seed [descendants], and blessing forever. God reiterated these promises specifically to Isaac and Jacob, patriarchs of the 12 tribes and of the nation of Israel. God promised that Israel will not cease being a nation before Me forever, even citing the permanence of the cycles in nature of the sun, moon, stars, sea, and waves as proof. The Mosaic Law (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) given by God through Moses to the nation of Israel concluded with the promise of God s blessings for Israel s obedience, as well as a promise of God s curses for Israel s disobedience. The Old Testament has recorded many prophecies by God through His prophets regarding the nation of Israel. All have been fulfilled with 100 percent accuracy. Exodus 3:12; Deuteronomy 7:6; Genesis 15; 2 Samuel 7; Jeremiah 31:31 34 Genesis 12:1 3; 13:14 15; 15 Genesis 17:19, 21; 28:4, 12 15; 35:9 12 Jeremiah 31:35 37 Deuteronomy 28 30 Prophecies Regarding Israel Fulfilled in the Past Prophecy Fulfillment 1. Abraham would father a great nation. Genesis 12:2 Numbers 23:10; 26:51 2. Israel will exist forever. Jeremiah 31:35 37 Testimony of history 3. Israel s kings would be descendants of the tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:10 1 Samuel 16:1 2; 1 Chronicles 28:4 4. Israel s kings would come from the line of David. 2 Samuel 7:12 16 1 and 2 Kings; Luke 1:26 27 5. Israel would be afflicted in Egypt for 400 years. Genesis 15:13 Exodus 12:40; Acts 7:6; Galatians 3:17 6. God would judge Egypt for their oppression of Israel. Genesis 15:14 Exodus 7:14 12:29 continued on next page... 38
Prophecies Regarding Israel Fulfilled in the Past Prophecy Fulfillment 7. Israel would depart Egypt with many possessions. Genesis 15:14 Exodus 12:35 36 8. Those (over 20 years old) who rejected God at Kadesh-barnea Numbers 14:32 34 Numbers 26:63 65 would wander 40 years in the wilderness, die, and not enter the promised land. 9. Israel would conquer Canaan gradually. Exodus 23:29 30 Judges 1:19 36 10. Israel would possess the land of Canaan forever. Genesis 13:15 Partial: Joshua 21:43 45 Future: Isaiah 60:21; Ezekiel 37:25 11. Israel would demand a king. Deuteronomy 17:14 20 1 Samuel 8:10 22; 10:24 12. Solomon s death would be followed by civil war and the split into the northern kingdom of Israel [ten tribes] and southern kingdom of Judah [two tribes]. 1 Kings 11:9 13, 31 40 1 Kings 12:16 20 13. The northern kingdom of Israel would be taken captive by Assyria. 14. The southern kingdom of Judah would be taken captive by Babylon. 1 Kings 14:15 16; Hosea 1:4 5; 10:1 2 Jeremiah 13:19; 20:45; 21:10 2 Kings 17:6 23 2 Kings 24:10 14 15. Jerusalem would be burned and destroyed. Amos 2:4 5 2 Kings 25:8 10; 2 Chronicles 36:18 19 16. The Babylonian captivity would last 70 years. Jeremiah 25:11 12; 29:10 Daniel 9:2 17. Israel would return to the land after the 70 years in Babylon were completed. 18. Israel would be conquered by four World Empires: Babylon, the Medes and Persians, Greece, and Rome. 19. God s timetable for Israel would be 483 years from the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the coming of Messiah. Jeremiah 29:10 Ezra 1; Micah 4:10 Daniel 2, 7, 8 Babylon in 605 BC; Medo-Persia in 539 BC; Alexander the Great in 330 BC; Rome in 63 BC Daniel 9:24 26 Nehemiah 2:1 8; John 12:12 19 20. Israel would reject her Messiah. Isaiah 53:1 9 Matthew 27:27 66; Luke 23:13 25 21. Israel would be dispersed worldwide among the nations. Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 4:27 28; 28:25, 64 67; Hosea 9:17 22. Israel would abide many days without a king, Levitical Hosea 3:4 offerings, priesthood, or temple. Roman destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, and Roman dispersion of Jews from the land of Israel following the Bar Kokhba revolt in AD 136 Testimony of history 23. Israel would be persecuted. Deuteronomy 28:65 67 Testimony of history, Holocaust 24. Israel would retain a separate identity while scattered among the nations and would not be destroyed. 25. Israel will return to the land as a nation prior to Christ s Second Coming. Leviticus 26:44; Jeremiah 46:28 Deuteronomy 30:3; Ezekiel 36 37 Testimony of history Israel has been established in the land since 1948 Daniel 11 has over 100 specific prophecies regarding Israel that have been fulfilled in history. God has blessed His chosen people in the past. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He continues to bless the obedience of His children and to provide consequences for disobedience. Which will you choose in your life? To obey? Or to disobey? That is the question. Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. Deuteronomy 28:1, NASB 39
differing views on Romans 9 11 and the future of Israel Romans 9 11 is a passage over which theologians disagree. There are godly men and women on both sides of this discussion. As such, it is a discussion within the body of Christ between brothers and sisters who love and worship God. The purpose of this document is to explain two different viewpoints respectfully. 1 Each viewpoint may be represented in your small group. It will also help you understand the assumptions behind the writing of these lessons. Different views on the meaning of Scripture often result from the different lens through which we read the Scriptures. Two people can read the same verses and come away with completely different opinions about their meanings. (This is not the same as seeing different applications in one s life.) Unfortunately, this can lead to disagreements within the body of Christ. It is sometimes necessary to step back from the verses themselves and identify the lens or assumptions through which we view the passage. Replacement Theology and Dispensational Theology 2 are two main ways of viewing Scripture. Replacement Theology believes that the biblical covenants were conditional and that Israel removed herself permanently from a place of spiritual blessing because of disobedience. The name Replacement Theology comes from the idea that the Church has replaced Israel as the heirs of all spiritual blessings and the covenants. Replacement Theology sees Paul s remarks in Romans 9 11 about the spiritual Israel and the remnant as referring to the Church. Some Replacement Theologians do believe that a national repentance will occur in Israel, resulting in salvation, but this repentance only allows them to be included into the Church. They do not believe that this national repentance will result in the fulfillment of the national promises anticipated based on a literal reading of the Old Testament prophets. On the other hand, Dispensationalists see the Church and Israel as two separate entities throughout Scripture. They would say that during the Church Age, which goes from Pentecost in Acts 2 to the Rapture of the Church, God s focus is on the Church. The Church is made up of both Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2). They see the Church as partakers of God s promises but not usurpers of God s promises. When the Church is removed at the Rapture, God will focus on Israel. At the end of the Tribulation, those Jews who are remaining will collectively realize whom they have crucified (Messiah) and will repent as a nation and beg Messiah to return. At this point, the entire nation will be saved and be grafted back into the place of spiritual blessing. The promises of the Old Testament prophets will be realized literally as written. Dispensationalists see the remnant in the Church Age as the believing Jews in the Church. They see Paul s reference to spiritual Israel in Romans 9 as referring to those Jews throughout history who believed God and followed His will. This study is written from a Dispensationalist perspective. 1 This is a brief overview of the differences and does not delve into minute details. 2 Theology simply means the study of God. Whenever you think about God or Scripture, you are doing theology, and it should not be limited to seminary professors in dusty libraries. The question is not whether you are capable of doing theology. Rather, are you willing to do it well? 40
day one read Romans 9:1 29 Chapters 9 11 of Romans are critical passages in our understanding of Israel s role in God s eternal plan. However, theologians hold some very different views of what these passages say about Israel s future position within the kingdom of God. Today will cover foundational issues, so that we are all on the same page as we proceed through the passage. 1. Read the Word Box on Israel s Past Election at the beginning of this lesson. What stood out to you from the Word Box? What did you learn about God s promises to Israel concerning her election as a nation? 2. Read Differing Views on Romans 9 11 and the Future of Israel. What did you learn concerning the different views on this passage? How did this help you sort out your own assumptions concerning the future of Israel in God s eternal plan? 3. Read appendix E, God s Plan for the Nations, Israel, and the Church. What did you learn about how Scripture differentiates between these three groups? How does this help you understand Israel s future role in God s eternal plan? 4. The relationship between God and the nation of Israel is based on covenants. Unfortunately, our culture does not understand the depth of covenant relationships. Read appendix F, Covenant and the accompanying charts. What did you learn about covenants in general? What did you learn about the relationship between God and Israel because of their covenants? 5. Sharing: There may have been a lot of new information for you to work through today. What did you learn about your own assumptions in reading Scripture? Memory Verse: So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. Romans 9:16, NASB 41
day two read Romans 9:1 5 Today we will see Paul s passion and ultimate sorrow for his people, Israel. 1. How does Paul describe Israel in verses 4 5? 2. In order to understand the significance of these descriptions, read the following verses and note what they say. Also look back over the table describing the covenant promises in appendix F. If you are not familiar with the history of Israel, Psalms 105 and 106 provide an overview of the history. Exodus 4:22 Deuteronomy 7:6 Exodus 16:10 Exodus 40:34 Exodus 19:16 20:17 Matthew 1:1 3. Within the context of everything that Israel had received, seen, and experienced, why do you think Paul is so grieved over Israel s choices? 4. Sharing: Think of people you love who are not saved. How does your grief concerning their spiritual condition help you relate to Paul s statement in 9:3? 5. Sharing: List the names of people you love that are not saved. Commit to pray for their salvation this spring. Also, join with Paul s grief and pray for the salvation of Israel. 42
day three read Romans 9:6 18 On day two, we looked at Paul s grief over Israel s spiritual state. Today, we will look at the comfort that Paul receives from understanding God s sovereignty and His promises toward Israel. He reminds the reader of God s sovereign election and purpose of choosing one physical descendant over another. 1. Read Romans 9:6 14. These verses contain examples from the Old Testament (OT) to support Paul s argument. In order to understand Paul s argument and examples, fill in the following table: OT Reference (if needed) Romans 9:7 9 Genesis 21:9 13; 25:1 6 Romans 9:10 13 Genesis 25:19 34; Malachi 1:2 3 Person Chosen Physical Seed? Y/N Person(s) Rejected Physical Seed? Y/N 2. Based on these examples and what we learned in days one and two, how would you describe the difference between the children of the flesh and the children of the promise referred to in Romans 9:8? 3. Sharing: God chose Jacob over Esau while they were still in the womb (Romans 9:11). Spend some time wrestling with the ramifications of what this means. What is your honest gut reaction to this fact? Many people have a very strong reaction against the idea of predestination, which is God choosing us before the foundation of the world. Many think that God was unfair. If that was your response to the last question, you are obviously not alone because Paul spends the next several verses dealing with the issue. He is adamant that God is not unfair or unjust. In the Greek, Paul uses the strongest language possible to negate the idea that God is unfair in His dealings with mankind. 4. Read Romans 9:14 18. How would you describe this passage to a new believer? 5. According to Romans 9:17, what is God s purpose when He chooses someone or rejects someone? 43
days four and five read Romans 9:19 29 Yesterday, we wrestled with some difficult, challenging, and perhaps unpopular concepts, namely that God has the right to choose or reject any person sovereignly in the process of manifesting His glory. In this section, Paul deals with another aspect of this issue man s accountability. If God is sovereign, are we still accountable for our actions? 1. In your own words, explain the concern addressed in Romans 9:19. 2. In your own words, summarize Paul s answer to this concern from Romans 9:20 21. Digging Deeper: Paul s answer in Romans 9:20 21 references two Old Testament stories where God reveals His sovereignty over man. What was the ultimate result of God displaying His sovereignty in Daniel 4:28 37? Summarize God s response to Job s question of why he was suffering in Job 38:1 42:6. How does this challenge you to respond to suffering? 3. Sharing: How does acknowledging God as Sovereign Creator affect the way you view and live your life? 4. Give examples of how God shows patience toward the vessels that are prepared for destruction. How does He make His glory known through His vessels of mercy? 44
5. Sharing: How have you seen God s glory and patience revealed in your own life or in the life of those you love? 6. We do not blink when an author throws tragedy or suffering into a favorite movie, book, or television show. Often we consider those episodes the most moving. Using this analogy, how would you explain to an unbeliever God s ability as Creator to write His story of human history as He pleases? 7. Sharing: Read 9:25 26 aloud, putting your name in the verse. Express what these verses mean to you. 8. Reread Romans 9:6, 23 29. In your own words, explain how verses 23 29 prove that the word of God has not failed. 45
9. In Romans 9:27, Paul quotes a passage from Isaiah concerning God s faithfulness to maintain a remnant within Israel. Read the following verses and note what you learn about the remnant. 1 Kings 19 2 Kings 19:29 37 Ezra 9:8 15 Jeremiah 23:3 10. Sharing: Think back over this week s lesson. What is something meaningful you learned about God? personal response to God As you finish this week s lesson, take some time to meditate on God s sovereign rule as the Creator of all creation. Read through Job 38:1 39:30. As you read, take time to thank God for His beautiful creation, His faithful protection, and His sovereign rule. From time to time, we all behave like the clay that questions the Potter s right to mold it as He sees fit. Ask God to show you where you are unwilling to be sculpted. Put yourself in His hands. Memory Verse: So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. Romans 9:16, NASB 46