Preparing to Worship

The Depths of His Mercy: Worshiping God for His Glory

Bible Passage: Romans 11:28-32

Summary: In Romans 11:28-32, Paul reflects on God's unwavering mercy towards Israel despite their disobedience and rejection, highlighting His sovereign plan that includes both judgment and grace.

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever been someplace that just took your breath away? Some place which was just so beautiful that you were just astonished, gobsmacked, blown away by it? I remember going out camping with some coworkers of mine before I finished college. We were living on the Island of Oahu and there was this mountainous area on the western edge of the Island that was part Nature Preserve and part satellite station. You had to get a pass to go there. One of the guys had a good four wheel drive Jeep or something and we drove up into the mountains pitched our tents, built a fire and did some hiking. I remember waking up before most of the others and hiking out to this point that was several thousand feet above the beaches below. I sat down and just couldn’t help but begin to praise God. This was at a time in my life where I had no relationship with Him. We didn’t have really anything to do with Him. I wouldn’t say I hated him or thought He didn’t exist. He just wasn’t part of my life. But this experience is one that makes me wonder about when the real conversion point was in my life. Did I actually get saved when I was young and just wander off, I don’t think so. But his experience was so real and so vivid still in my mind. This was more than 30 years ago. 

[Romans 11:28-29] 28 “As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

Paul continues his thought from early in this chapter regarding the unchanging nature of God’s mercy towards sinners. If we chose to put our trust in Jesus, He will have mercy on us forever. Fundamentally, we must each of us make a choice. What should be our response to His mercy? What should be our response to knowing Him. I can tell you though I certainly didn’t understand it at the time, the particular glimpse at the beauty of God’s creation caused me to worship Him in that moment. Again, I can’t even tell you the last time before that moment where I’d actually talked to God. But in that moment, seeing that beautiful sunrise over the mountains and beaches and oceans, I just started to worship God. I wish I could tell you I was changed on the spot. The truth is it was another 8 years and a lot of heartache and pain before I really came to Him. In that moment, I confessed my stupidity and I praised His glory. There was just no other way to describe it. 

1. Why does God have Beloved Enemies?

Romans 11:28 ESV

As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.

Israel became His Enemies for Our Sake

Allowed to become God’s enemies

For Gospel sake so we could become His

Enemies often fulfill God’s purpose

Think of David and Goliath—Goliath was the ultimate enemy, but it was his defiance that propelled David into his purpose. Goliath didn’t just challenge David; he challenged the entire army and pushed them to seek God more earnestly. Sometimes, we face 'Goliaths' in our lives that, while they seem like direct enemies, can lead us to stronger faith and boldness in sharing the Gospel.

Beloved Because of the Patriarchs

Still beloved as His own

Because of His promises (remnant)

Beloved because He chose them

Our Uncle Bill always had this habit of greeting us with “how’s my favorite niece or nephew?” His favorite was always the one he’s talking to at the moment. Despite being caught more than once, by a niece just out of sight, he remains beloved because of the kindness he shows all of us. Similarly, Abraham is beloved because of his relationship with God and his overwhelming faith in God. His story shows that being beloved is tied to the connection we nurture, even while navigating life’s ups and downs with a bit of humor and kindness.

He controls history so we will trust Him

God uses enemies to call us to Him

God uses enemies to draw us to Him

God uses enemies so we trust Him

Over the past few months, I’ve become a little less disciplined in my training and workouts. I was struggling with some aches and pains, so I stopped my strength training. But the pain and discomfort are necessary for growth. Pretty early on in my race with Ben, he was jogging right along and my legs just gave out on me. In our spiritual lives, if we never face difficult people or situations, we won't develop spiritual muscles. God sometimes places these challenges in our path so we learn to rely on Him, like 2 Corinthians 12:10 says we embrace weakness to experience His strength. Trusting Him amidst our ‘enemies’ allows us to grow stronger in faith.

2. Immutable Gifts and Calling

Romans 11:29–30 ESV

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience,

Maybe highlight God's irrevocable gifts and calling, demonstrating His faithfulness despite human disobedience. This could reveal the constancy of God's grace, contrasting our unfaithfulness with His unwavering purpose. Encourage believers to worship in acknowledgment of their own need for grace and constancy, understanding that God’s mercy is not based on our merit but on His steadfast nature. This realization should motivate us to worship as a humble response to His incredible faithfulness.

God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable

He remains faithful to us despite our disobedience

He allows us to choose to accept or reject Him

He will not abandon those who chose Him

When I was about 10 and it was hot likes it’s been we all went to the Keyser pool to swim and cool off while Mom and Dad when golfing. When they got back they told us to get out and get ready. I was a little slow I thought and when I came out of the locker room and they were gone. Scared me to death. I eventually started walking towards Carscadon Mansion because I knew Dr. From lived there, but before I got very far, I saw the station wagon coming back. I ran back around to the pool and Mom and the girls were just coming out of the locker room. I was safe and Dad had a bucket of KFC. In the same way, God reminds us, that choosing Him means we’ll always find our way back home and never be abandoned.

God’s mercy is not based on our merit, but His immovable nature

His mercy doesn’t depend on us

His mercy doesn’t wait for us to get things right

His mercy is based on His immovable nature

Lighthouses stand unyielding against the crashing waves and fierce winds, guiding sailors to safety. They’re built on solid ground not moored on floating platforms that might move or change positions. No matter the conditions, their lights shine. God’s mercy operates similarly; it is a beacon of hope, grounded in His constant nature. Regardless of our failings, His mercy remains always accessible and true—never faltering, guiding us back home to His embrace.

Worship Him knowing our need for grace and constancy

His constant nature calls us to worship

Reminds us of our need for grace

Anchors us regardless of the storms

Have you ever played tetherball? You know the ball is fixed to the pole and can only swing around it. No matter how hard you hit it, the pole—the anchor—remains the same. God’s grace is like that pole, unchanging and steadfast. No matter how we swing through life, God’s grace is our constant. Just as we know the ball will always come back to the pole, we can rely on God’s unchanging grace.

3. Mercy’s Inclusive Plan

Romans 11:31–32 ESV

so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

Perhaps focus on the purpose of disobedience leading to mercy, as God consigned all to disobedience to have mercy on all. This point could illustrate the encompassing scope of God’s redemptive plan, showing His mercy extends beyond borders and cultures. Encourage the congregation to reflect on Christ’s role in this redemption, prompting worship that acknowledges the salvation available to all. This collective mercy should inspire believers to actively participate in God's global mission with gratitude and awe.

God used Israels disobedience to lead us to mercy

Israels rejection led apostles to us

God used the fall of His people to bless us

God’s mercy allowed us to chose to follow Him

I will never forget Ashlee toddling her way over to the oven in Rusty’s house and put both hands right on the glass. Her refusal to listen ended in two bad burn and a little bit of learning the hard way. Similarly, Israel often disobeyed God, but through their mistakes, they unknowingly paved the way for God’s incredible mercy that would eventually be revealed in Christ. Just like a child learns from a burn, we learn about God's grace from our own missteps!

Now using our mercy to draw them out of disobedience

Using the Gentiles mercy to call to Israel

Jealousy over our relationship will draw them home

They will now receive mercy because of their former disobedience

Remember the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who, through her loyalty and compassion, became part of the lineage of David and ultimately Jesus. Her inclusion demonstrates how God's mercy extends beyond Israel, inviting Gentiles into His family. Ruth’s devotion showcases how God can use those outside His chosen people to draw the hearts of His own back to Him.

God’s plan of redemption extends to all

God’s plan always include everyone

He used disobedience of Israel to reach us

He sent Jesus to the cross so all could be redeemed

Consider the story of the prodigal son. When he squandered his inheritance and found himself destitute, he felt unworthy of his father's love. Yet, his father saw beyond his mistakes. Instead of rejecting him, he received a warm welcome and a celebration. This parable shows us that God's redemptive plan extends even to those who feel they have gone too far. Regardless of our choices, redemption is always within reach for everyone.

Martin Niemoller came out of Hitler’s prison saying, “It took me a long time to learn that God is not the enemy of my enemies. He’s not even the enemy of His own enemies!”

Anonymous

Love God, Love People, Share Jesus

God doesn’t hate those who don’t decide to trust in Him. He may in time withdraw their opportunity to come to know Him. But the truth is He can and will use them to grow His kingdom. One day soon, he will bring about a great awakening among the people of Israel and the movement will sweep across the world. Better to be ready now.