Reflecting on the Sermon: 6/5/11

Rod preached from Romans 10:1-3 this past Sunday.  In chapter 9, Paul answers the question of why Israel is in unbelief by appealing to divine sovereignty (not all Israel is individually elected to salvation).  In chapter 10, Paul holds up the complementary truth of human responsibility. 

Two things stuck out to me in this sermon.  First, Paul had such a love and a passion to see his kinsmen, according to the flesh, saved.  It makes me ask myself, do I have such a love and compassion for the lost around me?  Second, God ordains the ends (salvation) and the means by which people are saved (prayer, sharing the gospel).  So, God is sovereign, yet this does not mean he doesn't use means.  We have a responsibility (and joy) to share the gospel and pray for the those who do not know Christ.  The doctrine of election should not result in a cold or callous outlook when it comes to evangelism.  Instead, we, like Paul, should affirm God's sovereignty in salvation and have a genuine compassion for those separated from Christ.  "You can say you care, but if you don't pray you don't care."