Introduction to Romans 9-11

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INTRO
A. Introduction (1:1-15).
B. Theme (1:16-17).
C. Justification (1:18-8:39).
1) Human depravity and divine wrath on all (1:18-3:20).
2) Justification by faith alone (3:21-5:21).
3) Justification and sanctification (6:1-8:39).
D. Vindication (chapters 9-11).

I. THE PROBLEM OF ISRAEL’S REJECTION OF THE GOSPEL AND CONSEQUENT LOSS OF SALVATION AND PROMISED BLESSINGS.

A. The connection with Romans 8:35-39.

B. The problem of Israel’s unbelief and rejection of the gospel.

Chs. 9-11 Paul is seeking to resolve the tension between Israel being God’s chosen people in the Old Covenant, recipients of so many privileges, having the adoption (9:4-5), and yet THE MAJORITY ARE NOT EXPERIENCING THE NEW COVENANT BLESSINGS OF SALVATION IN CHRIST JESUS DUE TO THEIR UNBELIEF.

Paul has been laying the foundation behind this objection:

1) He taught that the gospel is "first for the Jew" (1:16),
2) He taught that judgment was also "first for the Jew" (2:9).
3) He taught that the law and circumcision do not save the Jews.
law condemns the Jew – 2:17-24.
circumcision is nullified by their sin – 2:25.
4) He taught that all Jews and Gentiles were both sinners (3:9).

If the LAW and CIRCUMCISION will not save, then what will? Paul explains in 3:28-29.

II. THE PROBLEM OF THE GENTILES ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOSPEL AND THEIR CONSEQUENT ENJOYMENT OF SALVATION AND ISRAEL’S BLESSINGS.

A. The Gentiles now enjoy the covenant blessings of Israel.

1) The Gentiles who believe are true Jews (2:26-29).
2) The Gentiles who believe are children of Abraham (4:10-11; 16-17).
3) The Gentiles who believe are being forgiven and justified (4:6-7).
4) The Gentiles who believe receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (5:5).
5) The Gentiles who believe are God’s adopted children (8:14-16).
6) The Gentiles who believe are heirs of God and glory (8:17-18).

B. Paul must explain the relationship between Israel and the church.

III. THE OVERRIDING PROBLEM OF GOD’S COVENANT FAITHFULNESS TO HIS PROMISES TO ISRAEL.
A. Paul defends the gospel against one of the biggest objections raised by the Jews: What about God’s promises to Israel? Rom. 9:6 "But it is not as though the word of God has failed."

B. Paul’s answer must give a correct interpretation of Israel’s promises in the OT.

C. Paul’s aim is to unite and reconcile the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome.

IV. AN OUTLINE OF CHAPTERS 9-11.

Ch. 9 – vindication from God’s perspective
Ch. 10 – vindication from man’s perspective
Ch. 11 – vindication from God’s overall plan for Israel

Personal lament over Israel’s lost condition (9:1-5).
1) 9:6-24 - God’s word to Israel has not failed but is fulfilled in His sovereign choice of a remnant. Election is not given just to teach election, but to help understand how to interpret Israel’s covenant promises in the OT.
2) 9:24-29 - The remnant includes both Jews and Gentiles.
3) 9:30-10:21 – Faith is the critical means of salvation for the remnant. Israel must take responsibility for her unbelief.
4) 11:1-10 – Israel’s current condition both in hardening and in the salvation of the remnant.
5) 11:11-32 – Israel’s future hope. Olive tree. What does 11:26 mean?
Doxology (11:33-36).

CONCLUSION