Bible Study 6/11

Proverbs 12:1-14

It seems like one can begin putting all of these smaller proverbs into a few categories:

1) The righteous vs. the wicked man. One obtains blessing, the favor of the Lord, and walks a steady path. The other is under condemnation, will be found out, and walk on shaky ground. The effects of one on others are positive, the other negative.

2) The wise man receives correction well, versus the fool who doesn't.

3) The hard worker will be rewarded for his diligence, while the lazy will come to poverty.

4) The one with wise speech reaps benefits for himself and others, while the one with rash speech does damage.

More to come.

These, of course, raise the following questions:

First, how does Christ embody these wise sayings?

Second, how do I?

Do I live a righteous or wicked life?

Do I receive correction with gratitude?

Do I work hard or am I lazy?

Do I speak wisely or rashly?

Romans 9

In this passage Paul addresses the question "What about ethnic Israel? Did not all the promises of God belong to them?" His answer is, first of all, a statement of compassion for his race. But he clarifies that true Israel, true children of Abraham, are children of the promise through faith. Not all ethnic Israel, probably not even a majority, fits this category. This has been true ever since there has been an ethnic Israel.

Paul also uses this opportunity to talk about a difficult subject - the election by God of his children. The link to this topic seems to be the implicit question,'why does God not save all of ethnic Israel?' You could extend the question today to 'why does God not save everyone?' Paul's response is to focus on God's right as God to choose on whom to have mercy. Implicitly there is the reminder that all are guilty before God ( by the word 'mercy'). None deserve to be saved, but God chooses to have mercy on some.

But by far the most difficult part of this section comes from the idea that he hardens

whomever he wills - that is, God is the one hardening the heart of the unbeliever. The reason

given for this is that this is the way that God will demonstrate his glory - through pouring out

his wrath on some in order to sharpen and heighten the riches of his glory for those on whom

he has mercy. It is difficult to think about, and if we think about it in merely human terms, we will not be able to understand it without trusting in God's greater wisdom.

What is clear is that this passage should never be used as an excuse not to do evangelism when put in context with the majority of Scripture. What is also clear is that anyone who chooses to put their faith in Jesus Christ will be saved. It is also clear that in some way "God desires all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth."

Difficult thoughts, but our faith is in God's wisdom and not our own.