3 Lessons to Get Us Ready for Romans 11
What we need to remember in Romans 11.
Romans 11 is the final chapter of the “theological section” of Romans.
Romans 12 begins what’s commonly called the “practical living section” of the book.
In Romans 11, Paul wraps up the point he’s been making since the beginning of Romans 9. We need to remember three major lessons as we prepare to start Romans 11.
To the Jews: There is still hope.
Paul’s point to the Jewish people is that their current spiritual situation is their fault - not God’s!
They did not believe the gospel and tried to establish their own righteousness instead of submitting to God’s righteousness (Romans 10:1-4). It wasn’t God’s fault that they had rejected the Messiah!
However, just because they rejected Christ and did not believe the gospel didn’t mean they had no hope. If they turned away from their unbelief, God would graft them into His people again (Romans 11:23). They continued to have hope in Jesus Christ - if they would turn to Him.
We should be thankful that we serve a God who “is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9)!
To the Gentiles: Don’t be arrogant.
Paul knew there would be the temptation for the Gentiles to feel themselves superior to the Jews, and so he warned them, “Do not be arrogant” (Romans 11:18).
He reminded them that it could just as easily be them who were walking in unbelief (Romans 11:22-23). They still needed God’s mercy, the same as the Jewish people (Romans 11:32).
There is no room for arrogance among God’s people when we realize that we, too, deserve death for our sins (Romans 6:23). We should also desire the salvation of those who are lost outside of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
About God: He is to be praised!
The end of Romans 11 is a beautiful praise to God and about God!
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
“For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?”
“Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?”
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)
When we consider all that God has done for us - we ought to be thankful that we have hope in Him, and we ought not to think too highly of ourselves. After all - who are we in comparison to Him?
Lord willing, I look forward to diving into Romans 11 with you!
This in-depth study of Romans has grown my understanding and appreciation of the gospel of Christ, and I hope you can say the same!
When do you think the 12 apostles actually believed Jesus was not only the Messiah but the Son of God?
Thank you. That is a great way to start this day.
All glory to God.