Message Notes

SENIOR SUNDAY SCHOOL 7 July 2024

Text: Romans 9

Subject: “In Isaac your seed shall be called”

6 But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel,

7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.”

8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.

Romans 9:6-8

1. The word of God

But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel

Romans 9:6

a) In this context, this is not just a general reference to the Scriptures

b) It is a special reference to the word of God given to Abraham

c) God had given a special word to the patriarch Abraham concerning his descendants

d) God had promised to bless his offspring

e) But who were Abraham’s spiritual offspring?

2. Had not the word of God taken effect?

a) The argument of Israel was that God’s word of promise must result in Israel being blessed

b) If Israel is blessed then the word of God has taken effect

3. Paul rejects this line of thought

a) The question must be raised

b) Were all who are the physical descendants of Israel truly the children of Israel?

c) Paul presents a different perspective

NOT ALL THE CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM

1. There was an offspring from his wife Hagar

Ishmael was an offspring of Abraham

2. Abraham had other wives after the death of Sarah

They too were offspring

3. The line of Isaac was singled out for mention

“In Isaac your seed shall be called.” Romans 9:7

CONCLUSION OF THIS LINE OF REASONING

That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.

Romans 9:8

1. The children of the flesh

a) From Hagar

i) Ishmael was born (Genesis 16:15)

ii) Ishmael and Hagar were sent away Genesis 21

b) From Keturah and concubines

Many children (Genesis 25)

2. The son of promise

From Sarah

Isaac was the son of promise (Genesis 18:1-15)

3. Children of God

a) Not all are of Israel

i) For they are not all Israel who are of Israel (Romans 9:6b)

ii) Not the children of God (Romans 9:8)

b) Counted as the seed

i) But the children of the promise are counted as the seed (Romans 9:8)

ii) The word of God had taken effect!

OUR CHALLENGE

1. A general approach

a) Inadequate

b) Insufficient

c) It can lead to erroneous conclusions

2. A correct approach is needed

a) A comparison of texts

b) A clearer understanding

c) This would lead to a correct conclusion

3. This approach was necessary

a) Many Jews had a wrong comprehension

b) They had assumed that they are the seed of Abraham

c) This was presumptuous