Romans 9:4-5 - The Privileges of Israel

Romans 9:4-5 - 4 who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Message: The Privileges of Israel

Time: Romulus founded ancient Rome about 753 BC. By 600 BC it had become a wealthy, flourishing city with a monarch. Around 500 BC, the monarch was overthrown. A republic resulted and after war, Rome became the only great power in the Mediterranean, succeeding the empire of Alexander the Great. Before and after the birth of Christ, Rome's dominion continued to expand to about two thirds the size of the continental US. At the time Paul wrote, Rome had a population of about 1,000,000. Most were slaves. It was a vast empire, but had many religions present. It is unknown how the church started in Rome, but Gentiles and Jews both were involved. Paul was writing to address a problem, but he wanted to be there and perhaps, make Rome his base for his missionary journey's

What the Lord is Saying:

Verse 4

...who are Israelites – descendants of Abraham through Joseph. God changed their name, as recorded in Genesis 32:28, He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” Paul identifies himself as an Israelite as well in Romans 11:1. - I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

to whom belongs the adoption as sons. –Adoption here is not a new term. Paul previously used this word in the last chapter, as an encouragement to believers in Christ, to affirm their place with God. They were regenerate, born again individuals. Romans 8:15 - For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” However, I don’t think this is how this word is being used here for Paul does not refer to the Jews as adopted Sons of God or children of God, but instead simply ‘sons.’ It is simply a statement that refers to God selecting the entire nation of Israel to receive His special calling, covenants, and blessings. Exodus 19:6 - and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” 

And so as sons, Paul lists what belongs to them:

• The Glory
• The Covenants
• The Giving of the Law
• The Temple Services
• The Promises 

1. The Glory of God expresses all that God is in His being, nature, character, power and acts. It repeatedly speaks of a presence of God that is unique. Exodus 24:17 - And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. And so it is the Israelites that have been given that glory.

2. And they have also received covenants. Covenants were made with Israel because they were to be the channel used by God to bring about salvation to the human race. The thing about the Jewish people that has always surprised me is they seem to be this secret club and they often have this persona of "just leave us alone and let us be." Maybe that is because they have been the butt of so many people's joke and assaults over the years, but there doesn't seem to be any desire on their part to convert society. But, the covenant was meant to be an agreement between God and man. And what God did here was based upon His character not on the individual receiving the covenant promise.

3. And the giving of the law that Paul has already expressed so many times in this book. The law is expressed so many times in the chapter 2 and 3, but always in the context of it not being a means to salvation. And yet later on in chapter 7 the idea is conveyed that we are to fulfill the Law. The bottom line is that the Jews "were entrusted with the oracles of God (Romans 3:2)." And Nehemiah 9:13,14, "13  “Then You came down on Mount Sinai, and spoke with them from heaven; You gave them just ordinances and true laws, good statutes and commandments. “So You made known to them Your holy sabbath, and laid down for them commandments, statutes and law, through Your servant Moses."

4. And they were given the privilege of temple service, however, the word temple is not in the original Greek. So, it is really to perform service. But, Paul is referring to the service as seen in the tabernacles, offerings and priesthood.

5. And promises. Promises were made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Verse 5
Obviously, much has been written about the translation of verse 5 since it brings together the idea that Jesus is God. Many have played around with the punctuation in this verse.

The conclusion of these two verses is really to express that the Jews have been given special privileges. Paul is clearly wanting to show that they are special. The Lord has granted great blessings to Israel.

Promise: From Tabletalk, July 8, 2014, "If we have faith in Jesus, the blessings of adoption, glory, covenants, the law, worship, promises, patriarchs and Christ are all ours as well."