Introduction: In Romans 11, the apostle Paul explains the mystery of God’s plan for Israel and the Gentiles. Paul points out that God has not rejected His people Israel, but rather has allowed them to experience a hardening of heart so that the Gentiles may also receive salvation. When we read through this chapter, we are encouraged to have hope and trust in God’s sovereign plan for all people.
I. God’s Faithfulness to Israel (Romans 11:1-10)
Paul begins the chapter by asking if God has rejected His people, and he answers with a NO. He uses himself as an example of a faithful Jew who has found salvation in Christ. Paul explains that there is a remnant of Israel that God has preserved, just as He did in the days of Elijah, and in the Babylonian captivity. The rest of Israel has experienced a hardening of heart, but this is not permanent. Other verses that cross reference this is in 1 Kings 19:18, where Elijah is told about the remnant of Israel, and God’s plan concerning them. Also in Isaiah 29:10, which speaks of the spiritual blindness that has come upon Israel, which happened in Jesus’ days in the world.
II. The Inclusion of the Gentiles (Romans 11:11-24)
Paul continues by explaining that Israel’s rejection of the Messiah has led to the salvation of the Gentiles. This is part of God’s plan to provoke Israel to jealousy and eventually bring them back to faith the faith, make no mistake, Israel is still God’s chosen people. Paul uses the example of an olive tree to show how the Gentiles have been grafted in, but he warns them not to become arrogant towards the natural branches, Israel. Some other verses that ross reference this include Ephesians 3:6, which speaks of the Gentiles being included in God’s plan, and in Jeremiah 11:16, which uses the same olive tree example.
III. The Future Restoration of Israel (Romans 11:25-36)
Paul reveals the mystery that all Israel will be saved when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. He assures believers that God’s gifts and calling for Israel are binding throughout time. Paul ends this chapter with a psalm, praising God for His wisdom, knowledge, and unsearchable judgments. We read in Zechariah 12:10 about the prophecy of the future repentance of Israel, when the gentiles time of salvation is fulfilled. Finally in Isaiah 54:7-8, we can see that the Bible speaks of God’s everlasting love for His people, they will always be his chosen people.
Conclusion: Romans 11 teaches us that God has not abandoned His chosen people Israel, but rather has a plan for their future restoration, when they finally realize Jesus is their true messiah. Through the inclusion of the Gentiles, God is working to bring all people to salvation, He would that all men would be saved (2 Peter 3:9). We can trust in God’s faithfulness and be encouraged by His sovereign plan for the entire world. Let us praise Him for His wisdom and unsearchable judgments, just as Paul did in his psalm.
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