30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith;
31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.
32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.
33 As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
Romans 9:30-33
1. The Gentiles
a) They can attain the righteousness of faith
b) They did not pursue salvation through works of righteousness
c) They understand that works cannot result in salvation
2. Israel’s problem
a) It pursued the law of righteousness
b) But it has not been able to attain the law of righteousness
3. What was the problem?
a) They pursued righteousness that comes from works
b) They did not pursue righteousness by faith but by the works of the law
c) In this, they stumbled
d) Israel continues to seek salvation by works
4. A prophecy concerning the stumbling stone
As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 9:33
5. Comparison of text I
13 The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread.
14 He will be as a sanctuary, But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense To both the houses of Israel, As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Isaiah 8:13-14
a) The Lord of hosts
i) He is to be hallowed
ii) He is to be feared
b) He can be
i) A sanctuary
ii) A stone of stumbling
iii) A trap and a snare to Jerusalem
6. Comparison of text II
Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.
Isaiah 28:16
a) Messianic text
b) A stone for a foundation
i) A tried stone
ii) A precious cornerstone
iii) A sure foundation
BEARING WITNESS FOR THE LORD JESUS
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—
23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;
24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
25 For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’
Acts 2:22-28
1. Peter’s declaration concerning the Lord Jesus
a) Life of the Lord Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— Acts 2:22
b) Death of the Lord Jesus
Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; Acts 2:23
c) Resurrection of the Lord Jesus
Whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. Acts 2:24