In Rome we have a mixture of Christians, who form the church. Some are Jewish converts and others gentiles who have come to faith. Many Jews struggled with Paul’s message. Some even saw him as a traitor because he ministered to the gentiles and taught freedom from the law of Moses. Paul wants them to know how much he loves them and how far he would go to bring them to Christ. Let’s take a look as we begin chapter 9.

Romans 9:1-4a 

¹ I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— ² I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, ⁴ the people of Israel.

Have you ever watched a loved one making bad choices and suffering because of those choices? Paul was watching many of his Jewish brothers and sisters turn their backs on Christ and he loves them so much he is willing to be cursed and cut off from Christ for their sake. If only they would turn to him.

Like the apostle Paul, we need to love those who don’t know Christ sacrificially. We must understand that our salvation comes only through the mercy of God. We do not earn it, it is a gift. We must also realize that God is sovereign over all creation. He extends his mercy and grace as he chooses, He is fully in control.

Blessings, Pastor Chad