Romans 9:32-33 - Homiletics

The rock of offence.

In one point of view it would seem all but incredible that the highest display of Divine wisdom and goodness should be regarded, by those for whose benefit it was provided, with indifference and even hostility. But in order to understand how this should be, it is necessary to bear in mind the distorting influence of sin upon the minds of men. True religion comes into conflict with men's errors, prejudices, and guilty conscience; and is a stone of stumbling, and rock of offence.

I. CHRISTIANITY HAS NO RESPECT FOR NATIONAL PREJUDICES AND PRIDE . Jew and Gentile, civilized and barbarian, stand before God, and his Law and gospel, upon the same footing. All alike are treated as guilty, as needing to repent in order to salvation.

II. CHRISTIANITY HAS NO RESPECT FOR PERSONAL RANK OR FAMILY REPUTATION . In the first age it was especially observed that not many great, or mighty, or noble were chosen. Such as were chosen were accepted upon the same terms as the lowly and the obscure.

III. CHRISTIANITY DOES NOT MAKE SPIRITUAL BLESSING DEPEND UPON EXTERNAL PRIVILEGE . Such advantages were enjoyed in abundance by the Jews; but the preachers of Christianity made no account of them. When Israelites counted themselves unworthy of everlasting life, the heralds of salvation turned to the Gentiles. No wonder that such a reversal of customary methods angered those who prided themselves upon their position of advantage.

IV. CHRISTIANITY DISPARAGES MERE EXTERNAL CONFORMITY AND OBEDIENCE . Most religions are content with words, gestures, gifts, etc. The new faith repudiated all such observances as in themselves valueless, laying stress upon the thoughts and intents of the heart. This was a paradox which was not unnaturally encountered with resentment.

V. CHRISTIANITY PRESCRIBES HUMILIATION AND REPENTANCE AS THE INDISPENSABLE CONDITIONS OF PARDON . And this in every case—a provision which is galling to the self-righteous and self-confident, who have little conscience of sin, and little pining for forgiveness. "The natural man" stumbles at this condition, which may, he thinks, be applicable to others, but has no appropriateness to him.

VI. CHRISTIANITY INCULCATES SPIRITUALITY OF CHARACTER AS ALONE SUFFICIENT AND ACCEPTABLE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD . Christ's own commands and counsels appeal to the heart—the inmost nature of man. A new nature, renewed dispositions, heavenly desires,—nothing less avails in his sight. "It is a hard saying," is the objection; "who can hear it?"