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.