Romans Chapter 11

  GOD IS GREAT!

Introduction:

        - Continuation of the subject matter of the previous chapter,

           "Salvation is of the Jews."

        - Paul was hard on the Jews in Chapter 10.

           In this chapter, he seems to be hard on Gentiles.

           This way the truth is balanced.

Three important lessons from this chapter:

1. No boasting before God! [vv 17,18]

        - We are saved because of someone's failure (vv 12,15).

           Jn 1:11,12

        - We are saved only by God's goodness and mercy.

            vv 6,7,22b,30-32; (Eph 2:8-9)

        - We can stand only by faith.   vv 20,23; (1 Cor 10:11-12)

        - We have nothing good in ourselves -  "wild branches"   v 24; (Rom 7:18a)

        - Our knowledge is limited.  v 25; (Rom 12:3)

2. No partiality with God! [vv 21,22]

        - God's purpose in choosing Abraham or Israel was to bless the whole world

            through them! (Gen 12:1-3) [Abraham the first Hebrew]

        - Just like the salvation of Gentiles is by faith, the restoration of Jews

           also will be by faith!   [vv 20,23]

        - God showed special love to Israel, but now He balances it

            by hardening their hearts until we are saved! [vv 7-10,25]

3. No mistake by God! [v 29]

        - God is not a man to repent! (Num 23:19)

           God made no mistake in choosing Israel.

            Similarly in the creation of man - (Gen 6:5-8)

            The Saviour raised right from the human race! (Gen 3:15)

         - His foreknowledge never fails! v 2; 8; 29-30

         - Even during times of apparent defeat,

            God keeps His purpose marching on! vv 2-5

            e.g. Church History - Dark ages (Rev 3:4) Significant minority!

         - Even the bypassing of Israel was a blessing to both the groups!

                    To Gentile - Salvation [v 12]

                    To Israel - Stimulation [vv 11,13,14]

         - God convicts all [Jew and Gentile] of disobedience that all may partake

            of His free unmerited grace! [vv30-32]

        "Oh!" [v 33] - A call to worship this great God! [vv33-36]