4.2. REASON FOR REJOICING CONCERNING ISRAEL (Romans 11:1-36)

Just as in Elijah's day there was a remnant of those who had faith towards God - Paul said there was a remnant still of those who receive the good news by faith.

Romans 11:5 "Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace."

The conversion of Jews in our day, those who are saved by grace alone, testifies to God's faithfulness to His Old Testament people.

Romans 11:7 "What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded."

And the rest were hardened. (Romans 11:7 ). (Isaiah 29:10; Psalm 69:22-23 ). God stiffened the already hardened attitude of those who chose their own rebellious way - to reject God's grace in Christ is to invite the hardening judgment of God.

Romans 11:11 "... salvation has come to the Gentiles."

The fall of the Jews, far from stopping God's merciful plan of salvation, only accelerated the salvation of the Gentiles. (Acts 13:46-48 ). When Israel nationally turns to righteousness by faith in Christ Jesus, it will bring even greater blessing to the world (Romans 11:12 ).

Paul was especially the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13-15 ), and his fondness of his kindred made him bring this to the Jews attention to provoke them to turn to Christ. And true faith in Christ among the Gentiles should have the same effect. When a Jew comes to Christ it is a cause for great rejoicing.

Romans 11:15 "... what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?"

Romans 11:16 "For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches."

The "firstfruit" refers to Abraham and the founding patriarchs of the nation - Abraham is the "root" of believing unto righteousness - the branches of believing Jews are holy. Because of faithful prophets and God-fearing and faithful witnesses, the whole nation is set apart to God. We dare not despise a people God has blessed, and that has so richly blessed the nations.

As believing Gentiles we need, with care, to give heed to the admonition of Romans 11:17-22. The old olive tree is Israel - the wild olive is the Gentiles - the wild olive branches have no right to glory over the old tree because it is through the old tree they get their strength - the gospel is the flowering of the law, the beauty of the Lord upon His people.

Romans 11:19-21 "You will say then, 'Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.' Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either."

Gentiles are not to be boastful (Romans 11:17-18 ) or full of pride (Romans 11:19-22 ) and in presumption (Romans 11:22 ) assume, like the unbelieving Jews who were cut off, they are safe just by being Gentiles alone whom God is blessing with a visitation of special favour in turning multitudes of hearts to Christ. Nationality saves no one - only by accepting Christ as Saviour and Lord can either Jews or Gentiles find salvation and acceptance with God.

Romans 11:24 "how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?"

God, by some special move of His Spirit will bring about a widespread turning back by the Jews to God, and their acceptance of Jesus as Messiah and Saviour. All believers should be excited about that and praying it into happening.

This will happen when the fullness of the Gentiles is come (Romans 11:25-26 ). Paul does not want believers to be ignorant of this now revealed truth. Israel has not been rejected forever. God's plan for them and His promises to them will be fulfilled. There is a time when the full number of Gentiles will have been gathered by the gospel - and the time of Israel being brought to faith in Christ. "And so all Israel will be saved." (Romans 11:26; Isaiah 59:17-21 ). We cannot speculate how God will do this, though we should rejoice. Do remember that here is revealed not a political but a spiritual restoration.

God will never desert His people and His promises (Romans 11:28 ). All who refuse Christ are enemies of God - Christ died for us (Romans 5:8 ). So the enemies of the gospel, the Jews, will have their opportunity, and will not be deserted by God. He will not go back on His word. What God did for disobedient Gentiles He will do for disobedient Jews (Romans 11:29-31 ). The thousands of Jews who have accepted Christ and are devoted to Him, are the foretoken of the multitudes to receive Him. All Jews and all the nations are in disobedience - all can receive mercy in Christ (Romans 11:32 ).

Romans 11:33 "Oh, the depth of the riches both of wisdom and knowledge of God! ..."

Our comprehension is overpowered in its attempt to grasp the absolutely inexhaustible knowledge and wisdom of God. Who can fathom His evaluations or His decisive actions in creation or redemption? He is truly God - awesome and glorious. We can adore and humble ourselves before Him.

Romans 11:34 "... Or who had become His counselor?"

Our perfect God is governed by His own holy nature - what He does is always right, and for our highest realisation of His wonderful purposes. God is never indebted to anyone (Romans 11:35 ) and cannot be coerced or forced to do anything contrary to His own will or holy being.

Romans 11:36 "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen."

Give Him glory as the source - sustainer - goal of all things. Our eternal privilege is to worship Him.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What illustration from Scripture did Paul use to show God has a remnant of believers among His covenant people even to this day (Romans 10:1-5 )?

2. What kind of people invite the hardening judgment of God (Romans 11:5- 10 )?

3. How did Paul seek to provoke those of Israel to become Christians (Romans 11:13-15 )?

4. Should you be expectant of a special move of the Holy Spirit that will bring a widespread turning of Jews to Christ (Romans 11:23-24 )?