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"A stumbling stone and rock of offence."

Text: Romans 9:33

THE STUMBLING OF ISRAEL

Paul hoped to prove to fellow Jews that he loved his nation just as well. He certainly proved that he knew the history of his beloved nation extremely well. Nevertheless he had to conclude that Israel stumbled badly when it came to the matter of understanding God’s plan of salvation.

“Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by
the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.
As it is written:
‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone
and rock of offence, and whoever believes on Him
will not be put to shame.'”
Romans 9:32-33

1. Wherein did Israel actually stumble?

a) They did not seek the salvation of God by faith.

b) Instead they sought to find their salvation by the works of the law.

c) Their biggest problem was in God’s provision for salvation:-

i) Many could not accept Jesus as the anointed Saviour (Messiah).

ii) Many could not accept that faith in Jesus as the One would bring about salvation.

iii) Many could not bring themselves to believe that Christ could be the Perfect Lamb of God.

iv) Many could not believe that just through faith in Jesus there was forgiveness and redemption from sin.

v) Those who trusted the Lord Jesus would never be put to shame.

2. In the profound sovereign will of God

a) Christ became the Saviour of all Gentiles who turned to Him in faith.

b) Christ became for Israel:-

i) A stumbling block

ii) A rock of offense