John Piper: Romans 1:16 (3)

Jun 10, 2024

Romans 1:16 - Jew First, then Greek

Speaker: Pastor John Piper

Desiring God Ministries: www.desiringgod.org

Introductory Remarks

  • Romans 1:16 as context: **"I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."_
  • Observations on God’s providence and timing in sermon topics.
  • Introduction of guest preacher, Moshi Rosen of Jews for Jesus, highlighting the relevance.

Exaltation in the Gospel for Everyone Who Believes

  • Emphasis on everyone: All backgrounds & sins can come to Christ through belief.
  • The only barrier to salvation is unbelief.
  • Assurance of inclusion in salvation for all who believe, countering feelings of exclusion due to various "wrong" aspects of life.

Priority of Jews in Salvation - Verse Breakdown

  • Jews First, Then Greeks: Greek is symbolic of all Gentiles.
  • Questions explored:
    1. What is the priority of the Jews?
    2. What priority don’t Jews have?
    3. Why did Paul mention this priority?

Jews' Priority in Salvation: Six Points

  1. Chosen People of God:
    • Historical: Genesis 12, Nehemiah 9:7, Deuteronomy 14:2, Amos 3:2, Romans 11:28-29.
    • God’s choice was free, not based on merit.
  2. Guardians of Special Revelation:
    • Romans 3:1-2 - Entrusted with the Oracles of God.
    • The Old Testament scriptures, given uniquely to Jews.
  3. Messiah Came as a Jew:
    • Romans 9:5 - Christ born as a Jew.
    • Jesus’ earthly ministry was predominantly to Jews (Matthew 10:6, 15:24).
    • The shift to include all nations post-resurrection.
  4. Salvation is From the Jews:
    • John 4:22 - Salvation described as originating from Jews.
  5. Paul’s Pattern of Evangelism:
    • Acts 13:46 - Paul's priority to evangelize Jews first in every city.
  6. Final Judgment and Blessing:
    • Romans 2:9-10 - Jews first in judgment and blessing in the end times.

Jews' Lack of Priority in Certain Aspects

  1. Not in Righteousness or Merit:

    • Romans 3:9, 3:22 - Both Jews and Greeks are equally sinners.

  2. Not in How They Are Saved:

    • Romans 3:29-30, 10:12-13 - Same method of salvation through faith for both Jews and Gentiles.

  3. Not in Participation in Covenant Blessings:

    • Ephesians 2:12-13, 2:18-19 - Gentiles brought near and made fellow heirs through Christ.

Purpose of Stating Jew First, Then Greek

  • To humble all and remove ethnocentrism.
  • Jews must acknowledge inclusion of Gentiles; Gentiles must recognize the Jewish roots of salvation.
  • Paul’s intent was to unify the church under a common need for Christ's mercy.

Conclusion and Prayer

  • Call for humility, unity, and rejection of anti-Semitism and ethnocentrism.
  • Embrace Christ-centered and God-exalting lives.

Desiring God Ministries Contact Info:

  • Website: www.desiringgod.org
  • Phone: 1-888-DG-BOOKS
  • Mailing Address: 2601 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."