THE TRUE JEW

Romans 9:6-13

 

Introduction: The Bible talks about God's people being Jews today. Is it any wonder since the church is described in terms with which the Jewish mind would be familiar (Heb. 12:22-23).

A.     In this lesson we will consider what makes God's people today the true Jews

B.     We will learn why we ought to appreciate our status as Spiritual Jews

C.     We will learn what it takes to become a true Jew

 

I.        Consider the fact that all who say that they are Israelites are not really Israelites

A.     Paul makes the point that fleshly ties to Abraham do not make one a child of God (Rom. 9:6-13)

1.      Ishmael had a fleshly tie to Abraham as well as Esau

2.      In regard to Ishmael God says that Abraham's descendents will come through Isaac (v. 7)

3.      In regard to Esau God says “Jacob I loved and Esau I have hated” (v. 13)

4.      Conclusion is that the children of flesh are not children of God but children of promise (v. 8)

B.     This point is established with other Scripture

1.      God's children are those so because of spiritual birth (John 3:3-7)

2.      They are those who were born by the will of God (John 1:12-13)

3.      John the Baptist warned the Jews not to trust in their fleshly birth (Matt. 3:1-9).

4.      No fleshly connection exists between the people of God today and God

 

II.     Why ought we appreciate our status as spiritual Jews today?

A.     We are free from bondage (Gal. 4:21-31)

1.      Those who are tied to the bond woman are of the fleshly birth

2.      Those who are tied to the free woman are of the spiritual birth

3.      The free woman's children are children of promise

4.      If it was a matter of fleshly birth we would be lost

B.     The bond woman brought persecution to the free (Gal. 4:29)

1.      The true Jews will be delivered and rewarded (Rev. 2:8-10)

2.      Those who are not true (claim to be Christians) will be punished

 

Conclusion: How does one become a true Jew? Comes by doing God's will (Rom. 2:25-29).  Keeping the Lord's commands would characterize the true Jew. It is not a matter of fleshly rituals and observances, but a matter of the heart; one must be circumcised in the heart. As we saw earlier, must be born again (John 3:3-7). Such is a spiritual birth. Involves a spiritual circumcision (Col. 2:11-13). New birth puts us in relationship with God and Abraham (Gal. 3:26-29).