For I testify to them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Truth to Learn Zeal and devotion are good if they are not misplaced. Behind the Words Paul starts off this verse with “For I testify to them.” This is translated from the...
Romans 10:1 – Hate Sin, Love Sinners
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is for their salvation. Truth to Learn Paul loved his lost brothers and prayed for them while he proclaimed the Gospel message to them. Behind the Words The word translated “brothers” is adelphos, which is made up of the...
Romans 9:33 – Little Stone or Massive Rock
As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and the one believing on Him will not be put to shame." Truth to Learn To the Jews Jesus is merely a stumbling stone in the pathway of life. To Christians He is a...
Romans 9:32 – Seeking God’s Favor?
Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. Truth to Learn Works don’t produce God’s favor, only faith can do that. Behind the Words “Stumbled” is from the Greek word proskoptō,...
Romans 9:31 – Faith, not Obedience
but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not attain to a law of righteousness. Truth to Learn God does not reward obedience, he rewards faith. Behind the Words The word “pursuing” is diōkō, the same root word as was translated pursue in the previous verse. “Attain” is phthano,...
Romans 9:30 – Not Attained by Pursuing
What shall we say then? That Gentiles, not pursuing righteousness, have taken on a righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; Truth to Learn Righteousness comes as a result of faith, not works. Behind the Words “Pursuing” is from the Greek verb diōkō, meaning “to actively and intentionally go after...
Romans 9:29 – General God the Merciful
And as Isaiah said before: "Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and we would have become like Gomorrah." Truth to Learn The leader of Heaven’s army chooses to save only a few. Behind the Words The words “said before”...
Romans 9:28 – God’s Determined Actions
For He is finishing the work and has cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth." Truth to Learn God has already determined what He is going to do with regard to mankind. Behind the Words “Is finishing” is from the...
Romans 9:27 – His Choice, Then and Now
Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: "If the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant will be saved. Truth to Learn God chooses who will be saved from spiritual death just as He chooses who will be saved from physical death. ...
Romans 9:26 – Everywhere His Children
And it will be in the place where it was said to them, You are not my people, there they shall be called sons of the living God. Truth to Learn God chooses people from around the world to be His children. Behind the Words “People” is translated from...