1/7/24 - God Is Working His Plan - Romans 9 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In this message, we will be reading from Romans chapter nine. It’s a stark contrast to the end of chapter eight where Paul ends on a high note. He gives a mountain top experience but when you arrive at the summit and look ahead you see storm clouds approaching. After turning the page, you find distress in what Paul writes next. Consider the change in tone... For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 This is the crescendo moment as Paul speaks of the overwhelming love of God. However, it is quickly followed by anguish in chapter 9 verses 1-2… I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. What happened? Well, Paul’s mind turns toward those who have not accepted God’s love in Christ. Specifically, his Jewish brothers and sisters. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. Romans 9:3-5 These are intense emotions spoken out of love for those who have had every advantage and yet, they have rejected the good things God has blessed them with. Paul goes so far as to say that he is willing to give up his seat on the bus to heaven so that his kinsman can take it. Many of us have gathered with friends and family for the holidays. Some of them don’t yet know Jesus and while we laugh and enjoy each other’s company, we have a deep sadness and underlying pain because they are far from God. Luther said it well, “Love is not only pure joy, and delight, but also great and deep heaviness of heart and sorrow.” Like Paul, our hearts break for those who are lost. One more thing to note about Romans chapter nine. It contains one of the more challenging and hard to follow issues in the entire Bible. Paul speaks of God’s sovereign and unconditional election. I hope to show this gives the believer great peace in knowing God has a plan and has been working that plan from eternity past. When God works, nothing will stop Him!