Provoking Jews to Jealousy
Richard Owen Roberts challenges believers to embrace the unity of the Old and New Testaments as one divine revelation and calls for a revival grounded in the true understanding of God's consistent character and kingdom.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding God's plan for salvation and the need for true holiness to provoke others to jealousy. It challenges individuals to focus on being transformed into Christ-likeness and living out their faith authentically to draw others to Christ, especially the Jewish people. The message highlights the significance of having sagacity, discerning God's purpose, and aligning one's life with Christ's mission of saving people from sin.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The misconception of two separate books from God
- The importance of understanding the Old and New Testaments as one
- The personal struggle with accepting the Old Testament
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II
- The danger of believing in two gods or a changing God
- The biblical reality of God's consistent character including judgment
- The folly of a God who is only 'nice' and not to be feared
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III
- The misunderstanding of Christ's mission and hell
- The necessity of repentance in Christianity
- The problem with short sermons and superficial faith
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IV
- The present and future reality of the kingdom of God
- Faith as the evidence of unseen realities
- The call to prioritize the kingdom of God over the world
Key Quotes
“God gave us one book, and what we need is not a revival of the nonsense that's thinking of two books, but a revival of the one-book understanding.” — Richard Owen Roberts
“Faith gives substance to things that are hoped for. It provides the evidence of things not seen.” — Richard Owen Roberts
“Do you want a contradictory God who is so stupid as to create hell and then send His Son to live there and save us from hell, but leave us with the problem?” — Richard Owen Roberts
Application Points
- Seek to understand and embrace the Bible as one unified revelation from God, not divided into separate 'books.'
- Prioritize the kingdom of God in daily life, recognizing its present reality and eternal significance.
- Reject superficial faith and be willing to engage deeply with Scripture and spiritual truths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Richard Owen Roberts mean by 'two books'?
He refers to the mistaken belief that God gave two separate and conflicting revelations—the Old Testament and the New Testament—rather than one unified Bible.
Why is revival important according to the sermon?
Revival is needed to restore a correct understanding of Scripture and God's nature, moving away from errors that divide the Bible or misrepresent God.
How does the sermon describe the kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope, vastly more important than the earthly kingdom.
What is the danger of thinking God is only 'nice'?
It leads to a misunderstanding of God's holiness, justice, and the reality of judgment, which are essential biblical truths.
Why does the speaker criticize short sermons?
Because they often fail to address deep spiritual truths adequately, and the speaker values thorough teaching that reflects the seriousness of the kingdom of God.