After Jonathan had exposed his father’s wicked intentions beyond all doubt, David knew it was time to go. From now until the end of the book, David will be on the run as a fugitive, as an exile. Like Israel, who escaped from Pharaoh yet had to wander through the wilderness before entering the promised […]

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Paul’s point in Romans 11 is that God is not done with Israel. If they do not continue in their unbelief, they will certainly be grafted back into their own olive tree, “for God has the power to graft them in again” (Rom. 11:23). But Paul is convinced not only that they can be grafted […]

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In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that God’s people are marked by faith that continues in humble reliance on his kindness. Whether Jew or Gentile, true Israel doesn’t presume on the grace of God but clings to Christ and bears much fruit. This is what it means to belong to God’s beautiful olive tree, […]

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Having considered Israel’s past and God’s sovereign purpose in Romans 9, and then Israel’s present situation and God’s continued patience in chapter 10, one crucial question remains: Is God done with Israel? Has he rejected his people for good? This is what Paul begins to address in chapter 11 as he focuses on Israel’s future […]

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The Word of Him Who Calls (Romans 9:6-13)

As Paul begins Romans 9, he is grieved because the large majority of his fellow Jews have failed to respond to the gospel with faith. But his ultimate concern is God’s faithfulness to his promises. If Israel is “accursed and cut off from Christ” (Rom. 9:3), then have God’s purposes for them been frustrated? Paul’s […]

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His Own Did Not Receive Him (Romans 9:1-5)

After unpacking the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel (chs. 1-4) and the blessings of salvation provided by the gospel (chs. 5-8) Paul begins to explain the plan of God vindicated in the gospel in chapters 9-11. Here he aims to show how God’s plan for Israel and the nations reveals his saving righteousness, […]

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