Romans: He's Holding On Even When We Let Go-Romans 11:11-12

Romans 11:11–12 CSB

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. 12 Now if their transgression brings riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness bring!

Introduction:

A few things:

What about Israel? Did God reject them? What about the promises God made to Israel?

Paul takes 3 chapters to explain this.

God make a covenant with Abraham (will be the father of many nations)

God chooses Israel as His people (God’s chose is just Romans 9:14-15

Romans 9:14–15 CSB

14 What should we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not! 15 For he tells Moses, I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Israel rejects God (the message that righteousness is by faith, not by works [law]) Romans 10:17-21

Romans 10:17–21 CSB

17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. 18 But I ask, “Did they not hear?” Yes, they did: Their voice has gone out to the whole earth, and their words to the ends of the world. 19 But I ask, “Did Israel not understand?” First, Moses said, I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that lacks understanding. 20 And Isaiah says boldly, I was found by those who were not looking for me; I revealed myself to those who were not asking for me. 21 But to Israel he says, All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and defiant people.

Not all of Israel have rejected the message (Israel within Israel [remnant]) Romans 11:2-5

Romans 11:2–5 CSB

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.

Paul as weaves in an out of talking about Israel as a whole and Israel a remnant (there were promises to Israel as a whole and as a remnant)

Israel’s rejection is not forever

Lessons learned from this passage:

God's Plan of Salvation: These verses emphasize God's sovereign plan for salvation. Paul is addressing the relationship between the Jewish people (Israel) and the Gentiles. He explains that even though some Jews rejected Jesus as the Messiah, this rejection allowed salvation to come to the Gentiles. It shows that God's plan for salvation is inclusive and extends to all people, regardless of their background.

God's Purpose in Israel's Stumbling: Paul clarifies that Israel's stumbling or rejection of Jesus was not a permanent fall. It was part of God's plan to bring salvation to the Gentiles. This teaches us that God can use even the disobedience or rejection of certain individuals or groups to accomplish His greater purposes.

Making Others Jealous: Paul suggests that one of the outcomes of Gentiles receiving salvation is to make Israel jealous. This highlights the idea that when others see the blessings and benefits of a relationship with God, it can provoke a desire for the same relationship in those who have not yet believed. EVANGELISTIC

Riches for the World: The passage suggests that Israel's trespass and failure had a positive impact on the world. This implies that God can bring about good from even difficult situations or human failures. It reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and He can work all things for the ultimate good.

God's Inclusion: The passage ends by expressing the anticipation of Israel's "full inclusion." This teaches us about God's mercy and His desire to bring people back into His fold, emphasizing reconciliation and restoration.