The Re-formation of Paul III

and

The Rest of the Story

C. Arguments (cont.)

5. Salvation is still—in a roundabout way—to the Jew first and then the Greek (Rom 9—11)

(1) Introduction (9:1–5)

a. Paul's Oath (9:1–2)

 

b. Paul the Moses-like Mediator (9:3)

 

c. Paul's Praise of Israel (9:4–5)

 

(2) Thesis: "The word of God has not failed" (9:6a)

NB: The "word of God" here is the promise of many descendents to Abraham, 9:8–9; cf. 4:20–21.

 

(3) Argument One: The descendents are chosen by God from both Jews and Gentiles (9:6b–33)

a. Not all descendents of Israel are Israel (9:6–7)

 

b. Not the "children of the flesh" but the "children of the promise" are Israel (9:8–13)

 

c. God's Choice (9:14–18, esp. v. 18)

 

d. God's Rights (9:19–29, esp. v. 27)

 

e. The Surprising Result (9:30—10:3)

–Many Gentiles have attained righteousness (9:30)

 

–Many Jews have not (9:31–10:3)

 

(4) Argument Two: There is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles (10:4–13)

a. Christ is "the end" (or "goal"?) of the Law, for everyone who believes (10:4)

 

b. Righteousness is by faith, not by the Law, for everyone (10:5–13)

 

(5) Transition: But has Israel just not gotten the message?  No. (10:14–21)

 

(6) Refutation (refutatio) of a wrong conclusion: Then hasn't God rejected his people?  (11:1–24)

a. No! (11:1–2a)

 

b. The Remnant (11:2b–10)

 

c. God's Mysterious Methods (11:11–12)

 

d. Arrogant Gentile Believers Beware! (11:13–24)

 

(7) Conclusion: All Israel will be saved! (11:25–36)

a. The Deliverer will take away their sins (vv. 26–27)

 

b. They are temporarily "Enemies" for the sake of the Gentiles, but forever "Beloved" because of the Patriarchs (v. 28–29)

 

c. God's methods are mysterious (v. 30–32; cf. vv. 11–12)

 

d. God's mysterious and inscrutable mercy extends to everyone! (vv. 33–36)

D. Conclusion (chaps. 12:1—15:13): Appeal to be trans-formed, not con-formed

1. Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices according to the Measure of Faith (12:1–3)

 

2. Be One Body in Christ (12:4–8)

 

3. Fulfill the Law Through Love (12:9—13:10)

 

4. Do not Gratify the Flesh for Salvation is Near (13:11–14)

 

5. Welcome both Weak (Law-observant) and Strong (Law-less) Believers (14:1—15:13)