Romans 11:28-32

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Romans 11:28 “As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.”

Gospel - Good News of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.

The Gospel is the message of Christ to which we are unashamed.

Romans 1:16“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

2 Timothy 1:8“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,”

The Gospel is the message which we are all participants

Philippians 1:5“because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Philippians 2:22“But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.”

Philippians 4:3“Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

Enemies - passively, hated, an enemy in opposition.

Enemies to the Gospel in relation to their overt opposition against its spread.

Matthew 21:43“Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.” ;

Acts 13:45–46“But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.” ;

Acts 14:2 “But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.”

Acts 18:6 “And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”” ;

1 Thessalonians 2:15 “who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind” , 1 Thessalonians 2:16“by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!”

“For your sake” often opposition serves as the benefit for the Christian. We are strengthened in opposition, persecution, and distress.

Who, when they exercise, does not put their body through strenuous tension, hardship, and physical toil in order to gain more strength? How much more then should we not recognize the benefits of enduring hardship as they strengthen us. The strongest trees with the deepest roots are those who have endured the storms and prevailed. Likewise, the strongest Christian is they who are rooted in the soil of God’s Word, nourished by the living waters of Christ, and grounded in the roots of Christ who withstand the storms and prevail.

Election - those who are receipients of divine grace.

Romans 9:11“though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—”

Romans 11:5“So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.”

1 Thessalonians 1:4“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,”

2 Peter 1:10“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.”

Here, Paul is contrasting between those who are enemies with respect to the Gospel. Those who have rejected the grace given. Those whom God has hardened like that of Pharaoh. But now, regarding election, Paul is referring to those who are of the seed of faith, in relation to the forefathers.