Romans 9: Part Two

Paul's Teaching Methods
Ok! Back to our study. The longer that I'm a youth pastor the more I have come to expect that certain objections to come up when we discuss certain subjects in youth group. I can almost predict their questions. This helps me to have a better handle on the class. And as we study Paul's writings, we should notice that he'd had a great deal of experience facing objections and questions about the gospel. At this point in his life, Paul had spent up to twentysome years proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ. Throughout the book of Romans, we can observe this dialogue between Paul and an imaginary objector. Paul will present a point and then he anticipates a possible objection from his imaginary opponent. Then Paul gives his argument to answer that particular objection or question.

The Map
Throughout Romans 9, we can see this technique. By pointing out these objections, we can map out Paul's argument to see where it's heading.

• But it is not as though the word of God has failed (v. 6).
• What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? (v. 14).
• You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?" (v. 19).
• What shall we say then? (v. 30).
• Why? (v. 31).

So as we follow these questions, we can have a guided tour of where Paul is going.

The Word =The Purpose
I want to bring an important observation to our attention from the get-go: the connection between v. 6 and v. 11b-12a. In v. 6, Paul says, "It is not as though the word of God has failed." And in v. 11b-12a, Paul writes, "In order that God's purpose according to his choice might stand not because of works, but because of Him who calls." Here we must realize that in v. 6 Paul says negatively what he says positively in v. 11. As John Piper says in The Justification of God, "The remaining of God's electing purpose is the opposite of the falling of God's word (49).

In other words, Paul uses these terms in ch. 9 interchangeably. God's word is identical to His electing purpose, since God's word is the verbal expression of His purposes. Now what is this purpose? The answer is the privileges promised to Israel that are listed in v. 4-5.

• The adoption as sons
  
• the glory
  
• the covenants
• the giving of the Law
• temple service
• the promises
• the fathers
• the lineage of Christ
  

The problem is that these privileges seem to guarantee the salvation of Israel. And yet, at the present time, the majority of Jews continue to reject Christ. Has God's Word failed? Does God's purpose in electing Israel still stand? That is the question of Romans 9.