<H3>Chapter # 9  Paragraph # 5  Study # 2<BR />February 10, 2009<BR />Lincolnton, N.C.</H3>

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1769 Translation:
<BR />32 Wherefore? Because <i>they sought it</i> not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
<BR />33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1901 ASV Translation:
<BR />32 Wherefore? Because <i>they sought it</i> not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling;
<BR />33 even as it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame

<ul><li>I. Paul's Explanation. 
	<ul><li>A. The astounding conclusion that Paul drew in <b>9:31-32</b> -- that the Gentiles got what Israel failed to get, and that without effort -- needs some explanation. 
	<li>B. Why did Israel fail to obtain a right standing before God even after having been given a clear declaration of what that would look like in real life (the Law of Moses)? 
		<ul><li>1. Paul's answer begins with his declaration that there are two sources for a "right standing". 
			<ul><li>a. There is an "out of faith" righteousness. 
			<li>b. There is an "out of works" righteousness. 
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		<li>2. Paul's answer continues with his declaration that a "stumbling stone" had been set in place in "Zion" and Israel "stumbled over it". 
			<ul><li>a. The "stumbling stone" is re-identified as "a rock of scandal". 
			<li>b. The issue of "shame" is put front and center as a promise of what happens when a person believes/disbelieves.  This is directly related to the issue of "boasting" that was put front and center in <b>3:27</b>, which has the very same contrast in mind. There is a "law of works" that inescapably leads to boasting (and, thus, to "shame"), and there is a "law of faith" that inescapably destroys "boasting" (and, thus, also "shame" -- one can hardly be put to shame over something about which he made no boast). 
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		<li>3. Paul's answer concludes with his focus upon the promise that "faith" leads to an absolute escape from "shame". 
			<ul><li>a. This "promise" is probably more crucial than most of us realize. 
				<ul><li>1) How crucial <u><b><i>is</u></b></i> the promise that an absolute escape from "shame" is possible? 
				<li>2) <u><b><i>Why</u></b></i> would such a promise be made in the setting of a deliberate placement of a "rock of scandal" in "Zion"?  What in the world would cause God to deliberately put a stone in Zion which has, as its essential identity, the intent to trip people?  The answer seems to be that there is a malignant evil loose in the midst of the people of God that simply cannot be ignored;  it must be surfaced, exposed, and destroyed.  That evil is the intention of self-elevation for the purpose of undercutting God and it is best exposed by the placement of its nemesis in the path.  The nemesis of self-exaltation is humiliation.  Making a pompous person fall flat on their face in public is humiliating.  Hence, a stone of stumbling is the method for dealing with arrogance. 
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			<li>b. "Faith" in this promise is also of a high level of importance.  It is not "lip-service", nor is it some kind of manipulative device.  It is resting oneself upon Truth so that there is no legitimate basis for fear. 
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