Q158_101226 Preview Of Romans 9-11Q158_101226 Preview Of Romans 9-11
How it Happens with Colin Cook
Colin Cook walks through Romans 9–11, explaining Paul’s teaching on Israel, election, and jealousy, and how it connects back to the assurance of Romans 8. The episode links this biblical big picture to faith-training for those working through addiction and other struggles.
14:33•12 Oct 2026
Salvation, Jealousy and Mercy: Romans 9–11 with Colin Cook
Episode Overview
- Romans 9–11 is presented as an essential continuation of Romans 8, not an optional add-on.
- Paul’s discussion of Israel raises the question of why a chosen people can appear to be "on the outs" while God’s love remains unbreakable.
- Colin explains that Israel’s rejection of the Messiah opened the door for Gentiles, whose faith in turn is meant to provoke Israel to jealousy.
- Jealousy is highlighted as a powerful force in both human society and spiritual life, which God can use to draw people back to himself.
- God’s gifts and calling are described as irrevocable, underscoring a steady foundation for anyone training their faith as part of recovery.
“"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."”
What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? This episode of "How it Happens with Colin Cook" shifts the focus to Romans chapters 9–11, showing how a deep grasp of the gospel can steady people who are wrestling with alcohol, drugs, or other compulsive behaviours.
Speaking calmly but with clear conviction, Colin explains that Romans 9–11 is "not a sidebar" or a biblical footnote, but "an explanation of Romans 8" and its bold claim that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ. From there, he walks through Paul’s burning question: if God’s love is so secure, "then why in the world is Israel still on the outs?" The episode traces Paul’s answer through the theme of election and the salvation of Israel.
Colin stresses that "God has not cast away his people" and that "the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." He shows how Israel’s rejection of the Messiah led to the gospel going to the Gentiles, and how the Gentiles’ response is meant to stir Israel to jealousy, with Colin remarking, "We very much underestimate the power of jealousy.
God is actually going to use that to lead his people back to him." Along the way, he uses everyday examples of national rivalry and envy to make this spiritual dynamic easier to grasp, even throwing in references to the British Empire and the United States to keep things grounded and slightly tongue-in-cheek.
For anyone using faith-training in the gospel as part of their recovery, this episode offers a big-picture reminder: God’s mercy works through messy human history, disobedience, and even jealousy, so no one’s story is beyond reach. It might leave you asking: if God can weave all that into mercy, what could he be doing with your own past and present struggles?
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