God Has Always Had A Remnant
Romans: Unashamed - Building the Church through the Gospel • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Carpet industry - A carpet remnant. What is it?
Main Idea: God Has Always Had A People and He Wants You to be His!
1. God Has Not Rejected His People (vs. 1-2a)
Romans 11:1–2 (ESV)
1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.
Explain - Paul starts this chapter with another rhetorical question like he has done many times in this book. In fact, ten times in Romans Paul asks a question and answers it in the same way.
And his question has to do with the fate of the children of Israel. In chapters 9-10, Paul has been quite frank about them...
33 as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
Does this mean that God is finished with the Jews?
Paul says it this way...
“I ask, then, has God rejected his people? BY NO MEANS!”
Why does Paul ask this question in the first place?
Because in chapters 9-10 he has been pretty hard on the Jews while simultaneously being very open to the gentiles as followers of Christ. This idea of the gentiles following God was way outside the mindset and even theology of the Jew.
So Paul worked overtime in these two chapters beating the drum that the Jews were just as lost outside of faith in Christ as the Gentiles because they had rejected the Messiah.
John D. Barry - “Paul has spent the previous two chapters addressing the problem of the Jews’ rejection of Jesus as Messiah and the implications of that rejection for salvation. Paul now emphatically insists that, while Israel may have rejected God’s gift of salvation in Christ, God has not rejected Israel in return. Despite present appearances, Israel still plays a role in God’s plan of salvation, and His promises to Israel have not been invalidated.”
John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ro 11:1.
To prove that God is not done with the Jewish nation, Paul gives a very personal example - himself - that God is not finished with the Jews.
“For I my self am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.”
Paul was not shy about his heritage. He did not try an hide it.
4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Paul shows himself as the first proof that God is not finished with the Jewish Nation.
He not only mentions that he is an Israelite, but that he is from the Tribe of Benjamin. A small but significant tribe nonetheless. Saul, the first King of Israel was from Benjamin.
In Acts 9; 22; 26 Luke describes Paul’s salvation or conversion event.
And Paul’s point here in Romans 11? Certainly if God could save a Jew like him, He could save any Jew that would repent and trust Christ as the King!
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
In fact, Paul makes it super clear at the begining of verse 2.
This is his second proof that God has not rejected his people.
Look at the text...
“God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.”
God’s foreknowledge guarantees a remnant! (POSBKJV)
In its base form, foreknowledge means “To know beforehand.” This is an attribute of God’s omniscience.
Never forget, God had chosen the nation of Israel, starting with Abraham, as His COVENANT people from eternity past. He entered into a relationship with them that will NEVER be destroyed - (BKC 11:1-6).
37 Thus says the Lord: “If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth below can be explored, then I will cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, declares the Lord.”
Of course the heavens cannot be measured and the foundations of the below cannot be explored, so then the Jews will not be cast off!
God has not rejected his people.
This should be a great encouragement for the Jewish nation. Sadly, en masse they are still looking for their redeemer. They are hoping for their Messiah. They have rejected the one that promised to not reject them!
Illustrate - Rejection stinks Prom - My date broke up with me the night of prom. Boo!
Argue - We have a God who will never break up with His people.
Romans (King James Version) F. The Callous on Israel’s Heart Is Not Total—There Is a Remnant, 11:1–10
God’s promises to Israel did not mean that all Jews were locked in to salvation no matter how sinful and disobedient they were. It did not mean that an unbelieving and disobedient Jew was acceptable to God simply because he had been born a Jew. God’s promises were intended for those who believed and obeyed Him. The people who believed and obeyed Him have always been “His people.”
Who are his people? Those who by faith accept that Jesus Christ is their Savior and Lord.
It is a great grief that Jews today in large part, reject Jesus as Messiah/King. It is their choice to do so to their eternal peril. If they would accept the one their fathers killed they could enjoy forgiveness and the relationship with God they long for.
Apply - Do you?
Review - God Has Always Had A People and He Wants You to be His!
God Has Not Rejected His People
2. God Proves He Has Not Rejected His People (vs. 2b-5)
Romans 11:2–5 (ESV)
...Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.
Explain - Paul has already given two proofs that God has not rejected His chosen nation - himself. But now he gives three more proofs that God has not rejected them.
9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
Elijah thought he was only one serving the Lord. God assured him there were others on “Team God.”
God did not have only depressed prophet at his disposal to accomplish His will.
Paul brilliantly uses the story of Elijah to demonstrate to the church at Rome, that there has been a remnant and there is still a remnant of believing Jews who understand God’s plan of redemption.
This whole discussion by Paul in Romans 11 is a powerful argument against replacement theology - Israel is replaced by the church. This text shows clearly that while we are one in Christ, the promises for the Jews will be fulfilled for the Jews.
In every generation of the church “a remnant chosen by grace” has been called from among the Jews. Paul added that this choice is totally by God’s grace (cf. Eph. 2:8–9) and he emphasized the antithesis between grace and works (cf. Rom. 4:4–5; 9:30–32).
God proves over and over throughout the Scriptures that He has not rejected his people!
Romans God’s Faithfulness to Israel Seen in the Remnant (11:1–6)
God’s Word affirms a continuing role for Israel in salvation history. But Israel cannot claim this role as a matter of right, for it is due solely to the working of God’s grace.
God draws his people to Himself and it is by His grace that He saves them.
By the way, God never promised to save the entire Jewish people.
22 For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. 23 For the Lord God of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth.
What did the Jewish people deserve? Eternal separation from God. But God in his GRACE gave salvation to a remnant who, by faith believed that Jesus was and is the Messiah.
And I believe the Bible teaches that God will draw many more Jews to himself in the great Tribulation. I fact, I believe that is part of the purpose for the Great Tribulation.
Listen, It is not, nor has it ever been about human effort that someone can have the assurance if eternal life. It’s always about God’s purposes in His salvation for humanity.
Allisar Begg argues that if one is asked the question from God “why should I let you into my heaven?” And if the answer begins with “I” then that person is off from the start. “Because I...” “Because I believed,” “Because I have faith.” I went to church,” I made profession of faith.”
“NO! Your answer to that question must be, “Because of Him!” “It is what HE has done!”
… Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
Illustrate - My brothers rejection and my dad’s proof of none rejection.
Argue -
Romans Contemporary Significance
Some Jews made the mistake of assuming that God’s election of Israel virtually guaranteed spiritual benefits to every member of the nation. Birth into that nation, circumcision (for males), and a reasonable faithfulness in observing the law were all that was needed to ensure one’s salvation. Some segments of the church have much the same kind of attitude. People assume that they will go to heaven as long as they can claim such external credits as baptism, confirmation, church attendance, participation in the mass, and acts of service.
Friends, God may seem distant from you at times. Perhaps even now. But please understand that if you are truly his, you are being saved and you will ultimately be saved. It may seem like there are not many Christians in this day, but the truth is, God always has a remnant. He always has a people. He is always at work drawing people to himself.
Apply - Perhaps He is drawing you right now? How do you know? Maybe for the first time in your life you actually care about the things of God. What His Word says. That you belong to his people. That you desire to be with Him, praise Him, love Him, serve Him. You are warming up to the idea that you are actually a sinner and in need of a savior.
He has not rejected the Jewish nation and he has not rejected you.
Review - God Has Always Had A People and He Wants You to be His!
God Has Not Rejected His People
God Proves He Has Not Rejected His People
3. God Will Not Reject You (vs. 6)
Romans 11:6 (ESV)
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
Explain - Can you imagine being raised in a religious system that taught you must do all kinds of ritualistic activities to prove you love and commitment
Illustrate -
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? [Refrain]
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
“We cannot present a reason for Christ to finally close off his heart to his own sheep. No such reason exists. Every human friend has a limit. If we offend enough, if a relationship gets damaged enough, if we betray enough times, we are cast out. The walls go up. With Christ, our sins and weaknesses are the very resumé items that qualify us to approach him.” - Dane Ortland
Argue -
Apply - Share the gospel
Review - God Has Always Had A People and He Wants You to be His!
God Has Not Rejected His People
God Proves He Has Not Rejected His People
God Will Not Reject You