Romans 9
June 3, 2022
“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 people, those of my own race.” (v2-3)
Despite the fact that the Jewish people repeatedly rejected his preaching, beat him, and tried to kill him (Book of Acts), Paul still feels “great sorrow” (v2) for his spiritually lost kinsmen. In fact, he is so heartbroken about his fellow countrymen who are outside of Christ, that Paul hypothesizes trading places with them. What a picture of the depth of Paul’s love and longing for those who have rejected Christ to come to know Him.
Father, I praise You for this picture of heart change that You did in Paul, a man who went from being self-righteous and self-centered to grieving for those who are outside of Christ. Forgive me, Lord, for how many superficial things cause me more “sorrow” than the eternal destiny of the lost. When my Seahawks lost the Super Bowl, I was sad for days, until Your Spirit graciously convicted me about how my heart was more grieved that my team lost a game - than I was about loved ones who are lost. Lord, transform my heart so that I love people like You, and long for people to come to know You.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
