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Romans 9:4-5 “Israel was Greatly Blessed!”
Kurt Steinbrueck
0

Romans 9:4-5 “Israel was Greatly Blessed!”

Romans Bible Study

Romans 9:4-5 "Israel was Greatly Blessed!"

They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 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.

Video Notes: 

  • Romans 3:1-2
  • Benefits:
    • Adoption – This is not a term we ever see in the OT or in Jewish writings regarding Israel, but we do see references to God choosing Israel (chosen people), and Israel being God’s son(s) and He, their Father. Adoption emphasizes that this relationship was of God’s action, not theirs.
    •  Glory – Contextually, this does not include the glory to come which was just referenced in chapter 8 regarding Christians since Paul is lamenting that these Jews are not saved. This is referring to the many times Israel experienced the glory of God, like on Mt Sanai, in the Temple, perhaps even the mighty works of God in Egypt and the wilderness, etc.
    • Covenants – The Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants and, perhaps the Davidic covenant.
    • Giving of the Law – This is a great blessing and was seen as a great blessing by the Jews, though they often misinterpreted the purpose of the blessing.
    • Worship (Temple service) – You may hear this and think it’s only or primarily referring to what the people did, offer sacrifices, pray, offerings, etc., however, the Old Testament often refers to the temple as the place where God promises to hear the people and respond to their needs…to bless them.
      • It’s much like our worship service today is not so much about what we do, but what God promises to do in the worship.
    • Promises – The promises of God.
  • In addition to the 6 benefits, Israel also has the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob’s sons) and Jesus came through Israel. The passage is quick to qualify the statement the Christ doesn’t belong to the Jews by their religion, but according to their physical people-group.
  • The passage is also sure to remind us that Jesus is the Christ (anointed one) and that He is God, something the Jews whom Paul is referring have rejected.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Romans 9:1-3 “Are You Concerned for the Lost?”
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Romans 9:1-3 “Are You Concerned for the Lost?”

Romans Bible Study

Romans 9:1-3 "Are You Concerned for the Lost?"

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

Video Notes: 

  • Why does Paul start this way? He has been an opponent of the Jews since his conversion, challenging them and arguing against their teachings. The Jews, in-turn attacked Paul. He was arrested, beaten, and much more. Anyone would expect him to be done with them, but he’s not. In addition, Paul’s missionary emphasis has been to the Gentiles. This could also cause people think he’s going to the Gentiles because he doesn’t care about the Jews. However, this is not true. He goes to the Gentiles because that’s the people whom he’s been sent.
  • He is in deep anguish over the state of the Jews who have rejected Jesus, their promised Messiah.
  • I would wish – Pray is probably a better word. Paul would pray to be cut off from Christ for the salvation of the Jews, but he says, “would”, because that would not work. Only Christ could and did give Himself for their salvation. They must receive it.
  • His brothers, kinsmen according to the flesh. – The Jews.
  • Paul understands the stark reality that outside of Christ, there is no salvation. Do we understand this? We bear this burden as well. Our neighbors, family members, co-workers, customers, students, teachers, friends, etc. If they are not in Christ, they stand condemned in their sins.
  • Our society says we should coexist, we shouldn’t try to force our beliefs on others. This is a lie.
  • I want to encourage you to pray and make this a daily prayer.
    • Pray that God would put the burden in your heart and mind as He did Paul, that you would not be satisfied to let people go without hearing the Gospel.
    • Pray for the people in your life who do not know Jesus. Pray for them by name.
    • Pray for opportunities to share God’s Word with them.
    • Pray for the boldness to speak and the Holy Spirit to give you the words to say.
    • Pray that they would hear God’s Word and receive it in faith.
  • Let’s pray now.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Romans 8:38 “Angels, Rulers, and Powers”
Kurt Steinbrueck
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Romans 8:38 “Angels, Rulers, and Powers”

Romans Bible Study

Romans 8:38-39 "Angels, Rulers, and Powers"

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Video Notes: 

  • This is a list of 4 sets of 2 merisms, two things that state the opposite extremes and include everything in between.
    • Death and life – This refers the physical death and life. Nothing in the human experience of life can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
    • Angels and rulers – This one is trickier and there is some leeway in what could be meant, however, the general concept is that of spiritual beings both good and evil.
      • Angels are generally spoken of in the Bible as from God and the rulers tend to be against God (Ephesians 6:12).
    • Present and future – Nothing throughout all time, neither things happening previously.
    • Powers – Seems to be another reference to spiritual beings, possibly angels, or to other powers or even earthly powers.
    • Height and depth – All of special existence, known and unknown. Nothing in the heavens. Nothing in the depths of the oceans. Nothing anywhere. Psalm 139:8
      • Ephesians 3:18-19 – This could also be seen to include all knowledge and love.
    • Any other created thing – Just in case you can come up with some other thing that doesn’t fit any of the preceding list, this covers it. Only God is uncreated. So, anything else you can think of, also cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
  • Who isn’t listed here? You. (Luke 8:13-14, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Peter 2:20-22, Hebrews 6:4-8, etc.) You can walk away, but this isn’t the point of the passage. Also, we should note that walking away from God is not something you can accidently do.
  • This passage is a passage of extreme assurance.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Romans 8:33-34 “Who Condemns You?”
Kurt Steinbrueck
0

Romans 8:33-34 “Who Condemns You?”

Romans Bible Study

Romans 8:33-34 "Who Condemns You?"

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Video Notes:

  • In our previous section, we are told that God is for us. There is a legal context to this, the idea of an advocate in our favor, even the judge, Himself, is in our favor. Here that legal language continues by asking who can charge God’s chosen people of anything?
    • They could if it were based on our own works. But no one can now because God has justified us, the Judge has already declared us righteous.
  • Furthermore, how can they condemn us since Jesus was already condemned for us and was raised from the dead.
  • He also continues to intercede for us, argue for us, advocate for us, before the Father from the Father’s powerful right hand.
    • This is not a literal physical place, but a statement of power. The right hand man is the man with the power of the one whom He serves.
    • 1 John 2:1
  • This passage once again shows the ongoing nature of your salvation.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Romans 8:31-32 “The Gift Giver”
Kurt Steinbrueck
0

Romans 8:31-32 “The Gift Giver”

Romans Bible Study

Romans 8:31-32 "The Gift Giver"

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Video Notes:

  • “What then shall we say to these things?” – This is clearly a response to something, but what are “these things”?
    • These things are at least everything in chapter 8.
    • It may even go all the way back to foundational statement of Romans 1:16-17.
  • “If God is for us, who can be against us?” – In a way, this is a statement of the Gospel.
    • Psalm 23:4, 56:9, etc.
    • Yes, there are many things against us, but they can’t defeat God and His purpose of salvation.
  • How do we know that God is for us? “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all,” Jesus was sacrificed for us. (Substitutionary atonement)
  • The question at the end isn’t really a question. It’s a rhetorical device used to emphasize and elicit the intended response, “Yes! He will graciously give us all things!”
  • This is a great reminder of the passive verbs that are constantly used when referring to all aspects of our salvation, being made righteous, being buried with Jesus, being raised to new life, being freed from slavery to sin, being given the Spirit, even being given faith. It’s all a gift. And here, we are reminded that God has graciously, without our earning a thing, given us everything we need for life and salvation and will give us all that is part of our inheritance with Christ. Amen!!

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Romans 8:29-30 “What Is Predestination?”
Kurt Steinbrueck
0

Romans 8:29-30 “What Is Predestination?”

Romans Bible Study

Romans 8:29-30 "What Is Predestination?"

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Video Notes:

  •  This further explains what is meant by working good for those who were called according to God’s purpose. It tells us both who this is and what the ultimate goal of the “working good” is.
  • There are five verbs and all are connected by also so they cannot be separated. It’s all one continuous action and purpose.
  • Foreknew (knew beforehand)
    • At times, when used in conjunction with people as the subject, this can mean “to be aware of beforehand.”
    • However, the Bible often uses the word, “know”, in a deeper, more intimate, relational way.
    • It is this relational concept that is in mind here.
    • God is omniscient and is aware of all things before they happen, so there’s no need to include that in the sequence unless it somehow then refers to some aspect of the person that distinguishes them from God having been aware of everyone else beforehand. People have often tried to take that leap here.
      • God was aware of who would be worthy of salvation.
      • God was aware of who would believe.
      • Neither of these are actually expressed in the text here. Additionally, the concepts put the cart before the horse and they go against the passivity we see on man’s part in every aspect of salvation.
    • God entered into a relationship with us before we did anything.
  • Predestined (appointed beforehand)
    • For God, love is an action. Having entered into the relationship with us, God then appoints us to be conformed to the image of His Son. The relationship and the appointment go hand in hand and happen together beforehand.
      • Ephesians 1:3-6
        • “Beforehand” – This happened before the foundations of the world, before creation. God chose us (entered into a relationship with us) and appointed us.
        • We also see “to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers,” echoed here. We are “in Christ”, “holy and blameless” like Christ, and we are “adopted through Christ”, making us brothers and sisters with Christ.
        • The firstborn reference also points to Christ’s resurrected form and the resurrection and new body we will also receive.
  • Called
    • Here we shift in time from beforehand to what has happened to us in time in our lives.
    • God calls us by His Word.
    • This can be resisted (Acts 7:51, John 3:18, Matthew 10:14, Matthew 23:37)
  • Justified (declared righteous)
    • God has made you righteous not by anything you have done. His pronouncement makes it so.
    • This has already been done at your baptism.
  • Glorified
    • Heaven, no more suffering, no more sin, etc.
    • New immortal bodies
    • The new life and righteousness you already have and being reconciled to God.
    • Isn’t this in the future, why in past tense? This has already been accomplished, even though we don’t experience it yet. 
  • We need to recognize a few other things in regards to election and predestination. 
    • Election and Predestination are always spoken of in these kinds of praise-statements. They are always related to salvation and never condemnation.
    • Election and Predestination are always spoken of in concrete, personal, historical, and knowable ways, not as an intellectual concept.
    • Election and predestination are spoken of for your benefit and assurance, not for doubt.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Romans 8:28 “All Things Work for Good?”
Kurt Steinbrueck
0

Romans 8:28 “All Things Work for Good?”

Romans Bible Study

Romans 8:28 "All Things Work for Good?"

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Video Notes:

  • Keep in mind this is preceded by all the groaning and suffering caused by sin in the world.
  • This time Romans uses the imperative rather than the passive that has been used regarding every aspect of our salvation.
  • What does “for those who love God” mean? All who have been called by God and responded with love for Him, a qualification met by all who have been called
  • Those who love God are those who have been called by God.
    • 1 John 4:19
    • These are the people this passage is talking to.
  • All things?
    • Genesis 50:20
    • This isn’t just physical or financial things, though it can include those things. (Psalm 145:15-16, James 1:17). However, the ultimate focus is our freedom and glorification (vs 30).
    • Sometimes lacking in the physical or financial benefits us by strengthening our faith. Suffering produces endurance.
    • This isn’t saying that all things ARE good or that all things are from God. There is evil. There are bad things, but God works even those things for good.
  • While the “those who love God” was descriptive of an action people take, we finish with the passive concepts that we have been called according to God’s purpose.
    • God purpose is salvation.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Romans 8:26-27 “Is Romans 8 Talking About Prayer Languages?”
Kurt Steinbrueck
0

Romans 8:26-27 “Is Romans 8 Talking About Prayer Languages?”

Romans Bible Study

Romans 8:26-27 "Is Romans 8 Talking About Prayer Languages?"

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because[a] the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Video Notes:

  • Notice it’s the Spirit groaning, not us. There’s no indication that the person is speaking in this groan/language at all or that the Spirit is groaning through the person.
  • Mark 16:15-18
    • Not in the earliest manuscripts.
    • No reason to think this is anything different than tongues in Acts.
  • Matthew 6:6 – Don’t pray to get attention and impress people. (actually, this is similar to the tongues issue in 1 Corinthians where people were lifting themselves up with the gift and Paul tells them to stop.)
  • Acts 2:6-8 – First instance of speaking in tongues. It was the apostles speaking in known languages that they did not know.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:1-4, 10
    • So, there’s the gift of speaking in an language you don’t know and there’s a gift of interpreting a language you don’t know.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:1-17
    • Corinth was a trade hub and would have had people from many nations who spoke different languages.
    • Vs 1-5 – What are the mysteries? It’s that no one understands except God…this is not good. This is still a real human language, but no one in the room understands it.
      • The one who speaks in tongues builds himself up (edifies himself) – This is not being spoken of as a good thing.
    • Vs 6-12 – It becomes even more obvious that 1 Corinthians 14 is talking about speaking real human languages.
    • Vs 13-19 – Still the same concept of tongues. This is being rebuked, not praised, both on a personal level and a congregational level.
      • It also speaks of praying in tongues, but there’s no reason to think this is different from the speaking in tongues except that speaking that was happening was a prayer.
    • Vs 20-25 – Still the same concept of tongues.
      • It’s not a sign for believers (This speaks against the teaching that speaking or praying in non-human tongues is a sign of receiving the Holy Spirit)
      • It’s a sign for non-believers, but if no one is interpreting, visitors will think you’re crazy!
    • I Corinthians specifically says they shouldn’t speak in a tongue unless it is interpreted as that is only self-gratifying.
  • Acts and Mark both use the word glossais (glossa). In 1 Corinthians glosson is used but that’s a matter of grammar, describing that people were given and, thus, possess (genitive) the gift of tongues vs a description of what the people were doing (Acts), thus the indirect object (dative) of a verb. In both cases it’s morphological changes of glossa. It would be strange to use the same word to describe two completely different gifts from the Holy Spirit.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:1 (1-3) – Not a prescription and not even a description. This is an intentional exaggeration to make a point, you need love.
  • In the Spirit
    • Ephesians 6:18 (armor, 18-20)
    • Jude 20 (17-21)
    • Other uses…
      • Matthew 22:43
      • Acts 18:25
      • Act 20:22
      • Rom 2:29
      • Rom 8:9
      • Gal 5:25
      • Eph 3:5
      • Col 1:7a-8
      • 1 Pet 4:6

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Romans 8:27 “The Spirit Intercedes for Us”
Kurt Steinbrueck
0

Romans 8:27 “The Spirit Intercedes for Us”

Romans Bible Study

Romans 8:27 "The Spirit Intercedes for Us"

And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Video Notes:

  • In our last video, we talked about how we are weak. We are weak due to sin as well as our limits in knowledge, faith, wisdom, and knowing the will of God. We are so weak that we don’t what to pray for, how to pray for it, what resolution to pray for and more.
  • Thankfully, the Spirit helps us in our weakness by interceding for us in prayer. He knows what we should pray for and how to pray for it. He knows the will of the Father and knows the Father intimately.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:10 – The Spirit searches the depth of God.
  • The Spirit know us better than we know ourselves. He knows what we need to be praying for, whether for ourselves or for others.
    • Have you ever felt like you weren’t sure what to pray? We don’t, but the Spirit does! Do you ever wonder if you are using the right words? Don’t worry, the Spirit is coming alongside you and praying the right words. Do you wonder what result to pray for? The Spirit knows and is interceding for us always in accord with the Father’s will. And He is pleading on your behalf! This gives us great assurance!
    • This also should give us great humility. We pray “not my will but thine be done.”
    • This should also cause us to realize the foolishness of the “name it and claim it” movement.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Romans 8:26 “The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness”
Kurt Steinbrueck
0

Romans 8:26 “The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness”

Romans Bible Study

Romans 8:26 "The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness"

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Video Notes:

  • The whole of creation is groaning and we are groaning, waiting for Christ’s return and the renewal of all creation. For now, we wait in our weakness.
  • What is our weakness? We are sinners? Sure, but more than that. We don’t know the future, we don’t know God’s will, we aren’t all that wise. As the verse says, we don’t even know what to pray for, let alone what should be done about it or what outcome to pray for.
  • What is the solution? The Holy Spirit. He helps us in our weakness. In this case, He intercedes for us before the Father. We’ll talk more about that intercession tomorrow when we look at vs 27. Today, I want to focus on that concept of the Spirit helping us in our weakness.
  • The language used here gives the image of someone walking alongside you helping you to carry your burdens, helping you to walk.
  • In this case, He intercedes for us in prayer. However, the other passages in the Bible indicate other ways the Spirit helps us in our weakness.
    • John 15:26 – He testifies to us about Jesus.
    • John 16:8 – He convicts us of sin.
    • John 16:13 – He guides us into all truth.
    • 2 Timothy 1:7 – Gives power, love, self-discipline, and helps us to witness.
    • Ephesians 1:17 – Gives us wisdom.
  • Notice, once again, our utter reliance on God. We don’t become powerhouses faith, we are reliant on the Spirit. The growth that we experience is to learn to rely more and more on the Spirit.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

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