Before entering a discussion
of the rejection of the Jews, Paul expresses his
deep concern and love for them and his respect for their national privileges.
•
Paul loves his
fellow Jews so much that he would wish that he could be cursed and cut off from
from Christ if this would mean salvation for them!
–
Romans 9:1-4a - I speak the truth in
Christ-- I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit-- I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my
heart. For I could wish that I myself
were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my
brothers, those of my own race, the
people of Israel.
•
Paul reviews
briefly
–
Romans 9:4b-5 -
•
Theirs is the adoption as sons;
•
theirs the divine glory,
•
the covenants,
•
the receiving
of the law,
•
the temple worship
•
and the promises.
•
Theirs are the
patriarchs,
•
and from them
is traced the human
ancestry of Christ,
–
Who
is God over all,
–
Forever
praised! Amen.