Romans: A Remnant of Grace
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1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Or don’t you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he pleads with God against Israel?
3 Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and they are trying to take my life!
4 But what was God’s answer to him? I have left seven thousand for myself who have not bowed down to Baal.
5 In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace.
6 Now if by grace, then it is not by works; otherwise grace ceases to be grace.
7 What then? Israel did not find what it was looking for, but the elect did find it. The rest were hardened,
8 as it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that cannot see and ears that cannot hear, to this day.
9 And David says, Let their table become a snare and a trap, a pitfall and a retribution to them.
10 Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and their backs be bent continually.
11 I ask, then, have they stumbled so as to fall? Absolutely not! On the contrary, by their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous.
Introduction:
Title: "God's Faithfulness: Keeping a Remnant"
Introduction:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to explore the profound message found in Romans 11:1-11. This passage speaks to us about God's unwavering faithfulness in keeping a remnant for Himself. In a world filled with uncertainty, God's promise to preserve a faithful remnant shines as a beacon of hope. Let us delve into this passage and discover the significance of God's faithfulness in our lives.
I. God's Unchanging Covenant (Romans 11:1-2)
The Question:
1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.
The very words of this question ought to do something to us. Here we have a people that belong to God and we are asking the question “has God rejected His own?”. More questions to ask: Would it be fair for God to reject his people? Or even better yet who are His people?
Let us remember where we are in the letter to the church in Rome. In Romans 8 Paul makes this statement, Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is nothing that can separate us for the love of God found in Christ Jesus. Knowing his audience, Paul understood that the people’s minds would begin to wonder about how this statement would play out with the people of Israel. (remember that God had said to them that you will be my people and I will be your God). So, Paul spends the next few chapters laying this out for them.
Israel had rejected God on many occasions (Idolatry, disobedience, doubt, etc.). This brings up another question: Is Israel’s disobedience greater than God’s grace? Well, Paul answers this for us here in verse 1:
1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.
Absolutely not!
Do you think that your disobedience is greater than God’s grace? Absolutely not! Paul says if you want a picture of this just look at me. I am an Israelite and God has not rejected me. (what an example). Are there any “look at me” examples in the house today?
The Example of Elijah
2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Or don’t you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he pleads with God against Israel?
3 Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and they are trying to take my life!
4 But what was God’s answer to him? I have left seven thousand for myself who have not bowed down to Baal.
After Elijah’s spectacular victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Jezebel’s threats sent him fleeing for his life. Hiding in a cave on Mount Horeb, he complained to God against Israel. They had killed the prophets and demolished the altars. “I am the only one left,” he complained, “and they are trying to kill me” (1 Kgs 19:10, 14). And what was the divine response, asked Paul? God answered, “I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal” (1 Kgs 19:18)
Robert H. Mounce, Romans, vol. 27, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995), 215.
God is still working His plan despite what we see.
God’s Remnant (His keeps His covenants)
In the same way that God had a remnant in Elijah’s day, He also had a remnant in Paul’s day. So even though it looked as if Israel was separated for God, He had a remnant. One thing that we must also remember is that God can do a lot with a little. (Gideon, Israel, the disciples, a remnant, two fish five loaves of bread).
A Remnant by Grace
5 In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace.
6 Now if by grace, then it is not by works; otherwise grace ceases to be grace.
1. God preserves a remnant not based on works but by His grace.
2. It's a reminder that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned. (God chose them out of His will)
III. The Purpose of the Remnant (Romans 11:7-10)
The Bible Knowledge Commentary 11:7–10
The Jews zealously sought to be accepted by God on the basis of works and the righteousness of the Law
2 I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
3 Since they are ignorant of the righteousness of God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness.
Romans (1) The Rejection Is Not Total (11:1–10)
Israel as a nation failed to obtain what it still was searching for. The longing for righteousness based on personal merit is deeply embedded in human nature. It is not that people wish to live exemplary lives because that is the right thing to do but that such conduct is thought to provide the basis for commendation when compared with the achievements of others. When an absolute standard is removed, the goal is more readily achieved. What’s more, it allows for the pride of accomplishment. All of this has no place in God’s plan for setting people right. What Israel sought and could not obtain had been achieved by the chosen remnant.
A. Blindness and Hardening
7 What then? Israel did not find what it was looking for, but the elect did find it. The rest were hardened,
8 as it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that cannot see and ears that cannot hear, to this day.
1. Some of Israel has experienced spiritual blindness and hardening.
2. Their unbelief was not a surprise to God, and it serves a purpose in His plan.
There comes a point and time where we came become numb to the things of God. Romans 1:28
28 And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a corrupt mind so that they do what is not right.
B. Salvation for the Gentiles
1. The hardening of Israel has allowed the gospel to spread to the Gentiles.
2. God's plan includes bringing salvation to all nations.
IV. The Call to Faithfulness (Romans 11:11) (this leads into next week)
11 I ask, then, have they stumbled so as to fall? Absolutely not! On the contrary, by their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous.
A. A Warning and an Opportunity
1. Paul issues a warning to the Gentiles not to become arrogant.
2. Their faithfulness should serve as a reminder to Israel of God's faithfulness.
B. Mutual Blessing
1. Both Jews and Gentiles have a role to play in God's plan.
2. Through mutual blessing and understanding, God's purposes are fulfilled.
Conclusion:
In Romans 11:1-11, we are reminded of the unchanging faithfulness of God in keeping a remnant for Himself. Just as He preserved a faithful remnant in Paul's time, He continues to do so today. We must recognize that God's plan is far greater than our understanding. It encompasses both Jews and Gentiles, and it invites us all to share in His grace.
As we reflect on this passage, let us remember that our faith is a gift from God. It is by His grace that we are part of His remnant. Let us also be humbled by the fact that God's faithfulness extends to all nations, and our faithfulness can serve as a testimony to His enduring love.
May we strive to live faithfully, not out of arrogance, but out of gratitude for God's unwavering commitment to His people. And as we do, may we be a living testament to His love, extending His invitation of salvation to all who are willing to receive it. Amen.