QT 12/17/2024 Rom 11:6-10, Intimacy relates to our obedience

Romans 11:6–10 (ESV) —

6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8 as it is written,

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,

eyes that would not see

and ears that would not hear,

down to this very day.”

9 And David says,

“Let their table become a snare and a trap,

a stumbling block and a retribution for them;

10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,

and bend their backs forever.”

 

NOTE: Israel, like many other people, desire righteousness based on personal merit. It is part of our nature to earn something. We want to be able to take pride in our accomplishment of good deeds. But God says that righteousness is by faith, and so all those who continually seek righteousness by good deeds are disobedient to God and fall farther and farther away from God. As Mounce (1995) writes,

"Obedience draws the believer into an increasingly intimate relationship with the Lord, but disobedience separates and hardens. The tragic aspect of hardening is that disobedient people are increasingly unable to grasp the serious nature of their spiritual apostasy."

Mounce was talking about righteousness by faith as the obedient action and righteousness by works as continued disobedience. Until Israel repents, that stupor remains over them and many other religious people.

 

As believers by faith in Jesus, this has application to us as well. If we want to grow into a more intimate relationship with Jesus, we must be doers and not just hearers of the word. We have our righteousness by our faith, but the relationship grows through obedience. Obviously I am quoting the familiar James 1:22 "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." But, there is another verse which says the same thing. John 15:10 says "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love." Abiding in Christ, that is growing in the relationship, is dependent upon our obedience.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I just listen to sermons and podcasts, or do I listen to change, and to do things differently?
2. Am I filled up with knowledge or am I filled up with love for others?

 

PRAYER: Father, as you teach me from your word, may my behavior be affected as well. Help me to see how it applies and give me opportunities to be obedient.