Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Looking at a long portion of Scripture
• We must interpret Scripture in the light of other Scripture
• 2 Tim 3 and other examples of Scripture
• The Kingdom of God is increasing despite the changing times
• Quotes from Spurgeon
• The Roman Christians that Paul was writing to did not have the right perspective
• They though that judgment had come upon the Jews to the uttermost
• Although Israel may have rejected God, He still has purposes for His people
•  11:1
• Paul develops his argument and says that God has purposes in everything
• The Jewish people were cast off so that the Gentiles may be brought in
• Consider the example of the olive tree
• We are to fear that if we also come to unbelief, we also will be cut off
• My ministry to the Gentiles is partly that I will provoke the Jews to jealousy, that they also might be saved
• There will come a time where there is the fullness of the Gentiles and then the Jewish people will be saved on mass
• When will this be?
• The end days will be like Noah
• Millennial rule vs pre-millennialism vs amillennialism
• Jonathan Edwards
• Overview:
• Hope for the Gentiles
• Hope for the Jews
• Implications for us

Hope for the Gentiles

• In Old Testament days some people were saved but not many
• Rahab, Ruth, Naaman, the City of Nineveh
• Jesus came to His own, but they rejected Him
• Jesus sent the 12 into "all the world"
• The Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost
• The Gospel has gone so far, to so many countries
• The fall of the Jews is "riches for the world" (v11-12)
• We are to sow the hope of God to all people
• We are never to look down on anybody (especially the Jews)
• v16
• Israel is holy
• The root is Abraham
• We are the children of Abraham (because we live by faith)
• Isa 51
• v17
• The Jews were broken off
• We have been grafted in
• v18-21
• We must be careful of not being cut off
• What does this say to different groups - examples
• God will complete any good work He has started in us
• A lot of hope for Gentiles, but also some warning
• v12 & 15
• What is it going to be when the Jews are restored?
• It will be wonderful for the world

Hope for the Jews

• 2 Cor 3:15
• A veil lies on the hearts of the Jews
• God will restore His ancient people
• v13-14
• Paul is hoping to provoke some of the Jew to salvation
• Example of witness to the Jews in Aberystwyth
• v15
• There is coming a time when the natural branches will be grafted back in
• Zech 12:10, 13:1
• Quote: Spurgeon
• Zech 2:10-11
• These prophecies do not just speak of spiritual people but of the Jews
• Quote: Charles Hodge
• v14
• There will be life from the dead
• This will encourage the Gentiles to salvation
• Quote: John Piper
• v26-27
• We should look to God to work amongst the Jewish people

Implications for us

• Let us see that God's plans and ways are so much bigger than our plans and ways
• Turn you discouragement and despair into prayer
• Let us be staggered that God uses unbelief and disobedience to His purposes
• v28-32
• God is sovereign
• Do not get caught up in debates
• Pre-millennial vs post-millennial vs amillennial views
• We are not to argue over such things
• We should stand in awe over this (v33-36)

Closing Remarks