Audio Download

The Book of Romans, Part 22 – We Must Worship in Spirit and in Truth

[Study Aired December 19, 2023]

Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 
Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 
Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 
Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 
Rom 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 
Rom 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 
Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 
Rom 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 
Rom 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. 
Rom 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 
Rom 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
Rom 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
Rom 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 
Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 
Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

As we continue reviewing the book of Romans, Paul’s thoughts explain the deeper meaning of God’s sovereignty. In our last study, we reviewed the beginning of Romans 9, witnessing Paul’s fervent concern for the salvation of his fellow Israelites. We have the same concern for our “fellow kinsmen of the flesh” hoping they would see the things of the spirit as we do. Paul uses events from the past to show how God has always had a plan and how the people He chooses are part of His plan of salvation. As we progress to Romans 9:14-33, we will see further revelations from Paul that will describe the sovereignty of God.

Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

In Romans 9:10-13, Paul unfolded the story of Jacob and Esau, the twin sons born to Isaac and Rebecca. He emphasized that before the twins had a chance to do anything good or bad, God’s purpose in choosing was evident. The selection between Jacob and Esau was not contingent on their actions but on God’s sovereign will. Quoting from Malachi 1:2-3, Paul asserts, “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated”, underscoring God’s prerogative in making decisions and illustrating the concept of election. Jacob and Esau are types and shadows of the elect and the rest of mankind. Mankind (Esau) will be saved, but with the order God has chosen, the elect (Jacob) will experience salvation first.

Transitioning to Romans 9:14, Paul anticipates potential objections to the idea of God’s sovereignty in His decisions, asking, “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God?” This question serves as a prelude to Paul’s further examination of God’s actions and justice within the framework of His sovereign decisions. God’s actions are not determined by notions of fairness or unfairness as we might understand them. Instead, Paul is prompting a reflection on the nature of God’s justice, which transcends man’s standards and operates within the realm of His wisdom and purpose. We must recognize the limitations of man’s understanding when grappling with the ways of a sovereign and righteous God. 

Isa 55:8-11 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Psa 139:12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

Paul once again uses Old Testament stories to make his point.

Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 
Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 
Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 

Paul is mentioning the fact that God’s plan will be followed no matter what men wish or hope to take place. We cannot dictate our way of life, and just as God caused Pharaoh to be the enemy of Israel, He is causing us to “come out of her my people.” God chose Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, and God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to foreshadow our journey out of “Christianity.” God’s mercy will eventually come to all mankind.

Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Continuing with our verses.

Rom 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 
Rom 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 
Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 
Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 
Rom 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 
Rom 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. 

In Romans 9:19-26, Paul addresses a potential objection concerning God’s sovereignty. Faced with the question of why God still finds fault and who can resist His will, Paul uses the story of a potter molding the clay to underscore God’s supreme authority in shaping vessels according to His purpose. Rebuking man’s presumption in questioning God’s designs, Paul emphasizes the limitations of mankind’s understanding in the face of God’s sovereignty. He speaks of the concept of God enduring vessels fitted for destruction, having them to fulfill their appointed roles in demonstrating His justice, while simultaneously revealing the richness of His glory in vessels of mercy. Paul concludes by highlighting the inclusiveness of God’s call, extending beyond the boundaries of the Jews’ heritage, “my kinsmen in the flesh”, to embrace the Gentiles, as prophesied in Hosea. This passage highlights both His justice and His mercy in the unfolding of His plan of salvation.

Isaiah 29:16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

Jeremiah 18:6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

Proverbs 16:4 The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

Hosea 2:23 And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.

Moving forward from the discussion of Romans 9:19-26, where Paul confirms God’s control, we come to the next verses.

Rom 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 
Rom 9:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
Rom 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

In these verses, Paul continues explaining God’s plan, showing that it goes beyond “my kinsmen of the flesh.” As we read the above verses quoted from Isaiah, we see Paul illustrating how vast God’s mercy is and how He keeps His promises.

The remnant being saved are not the children of the flesh. The remnant are those who worship God in spirit and in truth.

Joh 4:19-24 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Jesus states “salvation is of the Jews.” Is he speaking of “his kinsmen of the flesh?” Yes, but only in type and shadow. Everything is changing from the flesh to the spirit. The flesh is no more able to please God through works than a withering plant can survive in arid soil without water. It is demanded that God be worshiped in “spirit and in truth.”

Rom 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 
Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 
Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 
Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 9:30-33 marks a pivotal moment in Paul’s discourse on salvation and righteousness. The passage begins by highlighting a significant shift in perspective – the Gentiles, who did not actively pursue righteousness, have attained it through faith. Meanwhile, Israel, who diligently sought after the law of righteousness, did not attain it because they sought it by works rather than by faith. This underscores a central theme in Paul’s teachings – salvation is not achieved through works or adherence to the law but is a result of faith in Christ.

Supporting this perspective, Paul draws on the prophetic words of Isaiah. In Romans 9:32-3, he quotes Isaiah 28:16 and Isaiah 8:14 to emphasize the stumbling stone and rock of offense which is Christ. The stumbling block signifies the challenge “the many called” face in accepting Christ as the cornerstone of salvation. The pursuit of righteousness through works became an obstacle, causing them to stumble over the simplicity of faith in Christ.

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation<: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Romans 9:30-33 emphasizes the critical importance of faith in Christ for both Jews and Gentiles. It underscores the danger of relying on works for righteousness and points to Christ as the cornerstone, highlighting the stumbling block that hindered “the many called” from recognizing Him as the path to salvation.

Mat 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

1Co 10:1-11 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

The true Israel of God are those worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.