Thoughts on Romans 9:1-2 (click here for Net Bible)

Paul begins by qualifying what he is about to say. He states in no uncertain terms that he is telling the truth. Even the Holy Spirit confirms this in his conscience. Apparently Paul was accused of turning his back on his fellow Jews. Since he was a missionary to the Gentiles he obviously could care less about Israel. Or so the argument would go.

I find it interesting that when Paul is attacked he doesn't go into self-preservation mode. He doesn't focus on himself. Rather, he keeps his attention on others and their needs. As a result, his heart aches for his fellow countrymen. This isn't natural. It is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

This is a mark of a servant leader - one who is following in the footsteps of Christ.

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:3-8 NET)