Trina Hofstetter
11.20.2020
Romans 9-11
Summary: In these three chapters in Romans, Paul outlined God’s plans for the Jews. In chapter 9, Paul began with a brief history lesson about God’s covenant with Abraham and his children. Paul then explained how God bestows His mercy on His children, but also hardens the hearts of those of His children who refuse to listen. God is extra patient with the children He is angry with for following a path of destruction. In looking at how the Gentiles were made right with God as compared to the people of Israel, Paul told the Romans that the key was that they just had to trust in Him.
In Chapter 10, Paul then explained to the Romans why the people of Israel failed in following God: they tried to continue following the law, even after Jesus Christ. Paul gave the Romans very simple instructions for salvation, which many of us have verbalized during our baptisms: believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God, that God raised Him from the dead, and then declare that Jesus is Lord.
In Chapter 11, Paul discussed God’s grace. His grace has kept the faithful. His grace is free and undeserved. Paul even told the Romans that no child of God could ever stumble and fall beyond recovery. God made salvation available to all. Paul went on to explain to the Romans that God appointed him to spread His Word in order to make the Israelites jealous and long to make things right with Him.
What is one key verse? I couldn’t pick just one! Romans 9:11 reiterates 8:28 by reminding us that “God chooses people according to his own purpose.” Romans 9:16 states that “…it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.” Romans 10:9 says “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:13 states that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 11:16 ends with “For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.” Romans 11:36 ends the chapter with “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.”
How does what you read change your vision of God? I don’t know that my vision of God has changed, but I definitely saw more of a fatherly side to Him in these chapters. He wants all of His children to be faithful and believe. He wants what is best for us. Even when we have sinned and angered Him. He will try anything to save us, even harden our hearts until we are ready for Him.
How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? My vision of myself has changed in the sense that I see how I need to be more faithful and have a stronger relationship with God so that my children will be too (Romans 11:16).
How will you Go With God because of this reading? I will go with God by trying each day to remember that God has a purpose for me and my life. I may not see that now, but I need to trust in Him to lead me on His intended path.
Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? I saw Jesus in chapter 9, verse 22, where Paul explained that God is extra patient with those that He is the most angry with. I can’t imagine how angry Jesus might have been through every trial that he faced, every horrible person who did him wrong. But he was always patient and kind. He really emulated his Father.
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