Israel's Position

This twenty-third message from Romans begins a series of nine sermons on the nation of Israel. Paul begins with his CONCERN for his brethren, who are Israelites. He honestly reveals his heart, exposing his heartache over their rejection of the Messiah, and his loving holdout as he wishes to trade places with them, taking their curse on him. Their CREDENTIALS reveal special privileges that should have led them to salvation. These privileges involved: (1) unique relationships - they were God's chosen, God's children and had God's presence; (2) unique responsibilities - they were to obey God's warranties, follow God's wisdom and only worship God; and (3) unique rights - they were given God's pledges, God's patriarchs and God's pre-eminence through the Christ.