Salvation of the Gentiles




Romans 11:13~24 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. (13~14)





Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #516 We’ve a Story to Tell the Nation (#265 in previous version)





 Why did the Israelites have to suffer through repeated persecution and suffering when they were the chosen people? It was to relay the Gospel to the Gentiles in order to prevent an even greater disaster from coming upon the Gentile people. When did disasters occur and wars break out? They were all related to the salvation of the Gentiles. Where did the blessing of world evangelization arise? This too has everything to do with salvation for the Gentiles. Why do sufferings and problems continue to come to us when we have salvation? Through the Word, we must discover a most important answer today.






1. The mystery we must know first
 Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel; rather, he considered it to be his greatest pride. It was because both Gentiles and Romans alike received salvation through the Gospel. While we were still sinners, God promised to send us Christ. Whoever believes in this promise will gain the Spirit of sonship and can never fail. Whosoever calls out in the name of Jesus Christ will receive salvation and with it, the blessing of saving the entire world. Therefore, those who have received the Gospel and those who will relay the Gospel need never waver. God allows us to realize this even when we are to blame for our own mistakes, and at times, when difficulties arise through no fault of our own. All of these things will undoubtedly be changed into blessings. This is the amazing power of the Gospel. At times an evangelist or anyone who has the blessing of God upon them may find themselves falsely accused and face undue suffering (Matthew 24). Even then, there is no need to feel discouraged or anxious. The Gospel is not weak. Those who try to block or persecute the Gospel will one day find the full extent of the wrath of God upon them. Additionally, those who find themselves falsely accused because of the Gospel will end up becoming the main figures for blessings through the Gospel. God’s ultimate purpose was not to punish Israel, but rather to save the Gentiles.







2. Preparing a vessel to receive blessings
 What is the best way for us to prepare the greatest vessel for ourselves? The greatest way to prepare is not to calculate what will benefit us the most, but resolving to give all glory to God. We must also ask ourselves how the Gospel can continue on through us. How can we relay this Gospel to our children and their descendants for all eternity? If we attempt to raise ourselves above others, or possess any other ulterior motive aside from the Gospel, we will ultimately be unable to continue the Gospel movement and relay the Gospel to our children. We must absolutely prepare vessels fit to receive blessings. God works to the extent of our vessels. God will match His time schedule to us to the extent that we are prepared.





°Forum Topic - God’s greatest interest lies in the Gentiles. God has called us after preparing everything for the sake of the salvation of the Gentiles. Let us examine at this time where our own interests lie.





Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 2nd Service / 2009.9.27