v.1-10
1 . Overview of v.1-4 (BKC) A godly Jew who trusted Yahweh and followed the Levitical system, including the sin offering and the trespass offering, would most likely be inclined to respond to Christ by faith and would receive God’s righteousness (i.e., be justified; Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:24; 4:3, 5). He then could meet the requirements of the Law by the indwelling Holy Spirit (8:4). Conversely, a Jew who sought by works to establish his own righteousness would not recognize Christ as “the end of the Law” and would stumble over Him.
2. R.W. Not in line with the truth, ignoring the righteous (of God), seeking...to establish their own righteousness, did not submit to God's righteousness, For Christ is the end of the law (there is righteousness for those who believe in Him).
The Jews failed not because of they were not informed, but they did not submit. Christ has brought to the end of the dispensation of the Law and complete the requirement to the Law. Righteous is now available.
Reflection: In what way I am informed, but do not submit?
3. What does the quotation means in v.5-8?
The point of Moses’ exhortation (Deut. 30:11) is that the generation to whom he was speaking had the message (it was very near you and in your mouth, Deut. 30:14) and could respond by faith (in your heart, Deut. 30:14) and walk with God in obedience. Since the Israelites in Moses’ day had the message, they did not need to ask that it be brought down from heaven or that someone “cross the sea to get it” (Deut. 30:13). Instead, the word (Moses’ instructions) was “near” them (Deut. 30:14).
In effect, Paul indicated that the same truth applied to his generation, with the added fact that Christ had come in the flesh (John 1:14) and had been resurrected. Therefore there was no need for anyone to ask to bring Christ down (in His Incarnation) or to bring Christ up from the dead; He had already come and had been resurrected. The message of righteousness by faith in Paul’s day was “near” his readers (available to them) and this was “the word” (rhēma, “saying”) of faith he was proclaiming (rhēma, “the spoken word” is also used in Eph. 5:26; 6:17; 1 Peter 1:25). Thus the gospel, “the word of faith,” is available and accessible.
Questions
1. 9:2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart...for the sake of my people, my fellow countrymen
10:1 (He prayed) to God on behalf of my fellow Israelites is for their salvation
2. Religion, sense of belonging, etc
3. Cult. Pray for them.
4. They were willfully ignoring God because of they wanted to establish their own righteousness. They did not submit to God.
5. God's righteousness is given to those who believe in JC; Jews' own righteousness through obeying the Law.
6. When they believe the word that is near them (in their mouth and heart), not far away out of reach.
7. the Israelites in Moses’ day had the message, they did not need to ask that it be brought down from heaven or that someone “cross the sea to get it” (Deut. 30:13). When they still that they ignore the fact that Christ had already came and resurrection.
8. confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead
9.a/b. the one who believes accepts the righteousness of God i.e. JC, while the unbelief did not accept J had came and resurrected
10. I believe and confess that J is Lord and He was raised from the dead.
v.11-17
1. R.W. in v.11-14, everyone v.11,13, all, v.12x2
The condition of the salvation does not change in different kind of people, because "the same Lord is Lord of all" and His blessing is rich v.12. The OT quoted in v.11, 13 testified to what Paul said in v.9-10 even though the Jews might thought the "everyone" in OT only limited to "all the Jews."
Reflection: I need to ask the HS to remove my blind spot and humbly learn and listen to God.
2. However the Jews had someone to brought them the good news they did not accept it v.16. But, before that Paul had put the responsibility to all Christians to go out and share the good news v.14-15, 17. The responsibility did not stop by the rejection (see v.16 is sandwiched between v.14-17). The conclusion in v.17 is not changed by the reality in v.16.
The good news will be accepted because it is good.
PNTC-the messengers normally travelled on foot and the feet were the significant members. They might be dirty and smelly after a long, hot journey, but to those who eagerly awaited good news they were beautiful. Those who bring good news are always welcome
Reflection: Do I stop doing God's will when I face set back? If this is God's will it should go on. In the expansion of the church different kinds of people may come in. Gossip may increase. People who share the Gospel in different ways may not be liked by me. But it should not stop me to follow God's will.
Questions
1. 3:29 Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles too? Yes, of the Gentiles too! 30 Since God is one, he will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
There is only one God and He is the God of all. And He is just therefore the requirement for justification is the same for all people groups.
2. Abraham and Isaac built the altar and worshipped God.
3. People needed to believe/heard/the message preached/the messenger is sent out, before they can all.
4. word of Christ, the Bible
5. I need to pray for them and with love. But, I'm usually turned off by people's attitude. They thought they knew and even claimed they were Christian but they did not show any earnestness to come to church. Or they were some very noisy kids or disobedient. Or they did not care about God.
v.18-21
1. Since hearing is crucial in believing v.17 then perhaps Israel have not heard? Yes, they have v.18.
Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world
2. Then perhaps they heard but did not understand v.19
People who are senseless (will believe and) will provoke Israel to anger v.19.
Senseless=(BDAG) void of understanding, senseless, foolish
(BKC) Both Old Testament leaders wrote about God’s turning to the Gentiles, whom the Jews thought had no understanding (asynetō, “senseless”; cf. Rom. 1:21, 31)
Since Israel despise other people for their lack of understanding, they themselves are not lack of understanding.
3. What does v.20 mean?
20 And Isaiah is even bold enough to say, “I was found (passive) by those who did not seek me; I became well known (middle) to those who did not ask for me.”
God made Himself being found by those who did not seek (and lack understanding) and He made Himself well known.
(PNTC) If Moses predicted, somewhat obscurely, the calling of the Gentiles, Isaiah had foretold it very plainly, and placed it in a light most offensive to the Jews.” The Gentiles did not consciously look for God as the Jews did. But in the end they found him, because he revealed himself to people of faith
Summary: Israel might accuse God for not making them understand, but they certainly did understand. Plus, those they thought had no understanding God made them find Him. However, God did not just do that to the Gentiles, but also to them v.21. They were disobedient and stubborn, but God did not reject them totally.
Their excuse of not hearing and not understanding became an evidence to hold them accountable. Even those they despise will be saved.
Reflection: People not only need to hear, but they also need to understanding. But that's not all they need. They have the responsibility to believe. What I can help them is only to a certain extend.
Do I despise other people and see them as senseless or with no understanding? God can make senseless people find Him and He revealed to them.
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