Here is the problem that Romans 9 deals with: the Hebrew Scriptures, the First Testament, are filled with promises that God made to Israel. The nation was uniquely chosen by God to be blessed and to be a source of blessing to the whole world.

It was to Israel that God revealed Himself, it was Israel that received the Messianic promises. They were God's chosen people. The word "chosen" is translated from the Hebrew: "yada," and is better translated: "know." It indicates an intimate love relationship. God knows every single individual, but He knew Israel in a special way. They had a very privileged position.

In the first couple of verses of Romans 9 we saw Paul expressing his sorrow for his countrymen and his readiness to suffer for them. Paul was implying by this that they were no longer the people of God. Paul was saying that Israel was no longer blessed, but they were, in fact, now cursed. He says he wished he could take the curse for them.

If God's chosen people were now cursed, had God gone back on His promises? Has He rejected His chosen people? Was Israel really cursed, or was Paul just bitter because of all the beating he had received from them?

View the transcript: http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org/transcripts/romans_new/9_6_video.php

01/22/2012 - Pastor David B. Curtis - Berean Bible Church - http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org - Message #586