Make Me An Outcast!

“Make me an outcast!!”

Romans 9:1-3, 10:1

Paul’s words in Romans 9 clues us in one his prayer life. He prays for the salvation of the Jews. He believes that it will happen (Romans 11:1) and that he is taking part in that.

What does he have to say about his prayer life and his prayers for Israel?

I. HIS PRAYER IS URGENT & SERIOUS (verses 9:1-2, 10:1)

A. He does not pray superficially— “I speak the truth in Christ”

B. He prays continually from his heart— this prayer request was for Israel which was a burden on his heart which is a result of sorrow

C. His request is far from trivial— that Israel might be saved

II. HIS PRAYER WAS SELFLESS (verse 9:3)

A. He prayed as Moses did à Exodus 32:31-32

B. He prayed as Ezra did à Ezra 9:6ff

C. He prayed and was ready to sacrifice himself

1) to pray, to wish = I was on the point of wishing… I could wish…

2) “accursed from Christ” – anathema or abomination – Joshua 6-7

III. HIS PRAYER WAS VERY SPIRITUAL

A. He prayed in accordance with God’s will for Israel à Exodus 4:22; Jeremiah 31:9; Matthew 15:24

B. He prayed in accordance with God’s will for the triumph of the Gospel

WHAT DO WE NEED TO TAKE AWAY FROM PAUL’S ATTITUDE?

1) Be concerned about the salvation of others

2) Other things are secondary to the lost souls we know

3) Winning people to Christ should be the substance of our prayers