Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 13
The grace provisions given to Israel (Rom 9:4-5). "Israel" means a prince who has power with God. Jacob's name was changed by God to Israel denote His intent with the Jews - national status adopted as "a son" (Exo 4:22, Hos 11:1). We are sons individually in a brotherhood of Jesus Christ (Rom 8:15, Eph 1:5). Paul's love for his unbelieving Israelite brothers (who were trying to kill him -- was intense compared to ours for our brothers -- this ought not to be. Israel had the shekinah glory (Rom 9:4); what they had in old testament cannot compare to the fact that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1Co 3:6). We are the "temple" now -- the Kingdom on earth. Israel had the covenants: land, seed, and blessing. In applying the new covenant (blessing) to us, God has applied it to a higher degree. Israel was a priest nation -- a missionary nation. We are called individually priests (Rom 12:1, 1Pe 2:5-9) forever. Christ means bringing together the nature of God and man in one (Rom 9:5). Romans chapter 8 has two great truths: no condemnation, no separation. Romans chapters 9-11 explains God's plan for Israel, even though they had rejected the word and got into apostasy (Rom 9:6). Paul warned Timothy to preach the word because the same problems had started to occur with the early church (2Ti 4:1-3). There's always a remnant (Rom 9:27-30) which explains the Grace of God even to us -- faith is the key (Rom 10:11-17). We shouldn't boast; God has not set Israel aside. He took another tree (gentiles) and grafted us in (Rom 11:17-20). God won't spare us if He didn't spare Israel (Rom 11:21-22). We must continue under God's Grace provisions. He will restore the Jewish nation (Rom 11:23-25). How can you love braham and hate his descendants (Rom 11:28-29). There is coming a judgement to the Church -- the Rapture could be a removal of the church in disgrace.
Scripture References: Ephesians 1:5, Romans 10:11-17, Romans 8:15, Romans 9:27-30, Hosea 11:1, Romans 9:6, Romans 11:28-29, Exodus 4:22, Romans 9:5, Romans 11:23-25, Romans 9:4-5, Romans 12:1, Romans 11:21-22, Romans 9:4, Romans 11:17-20
From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.