Romans, Part 36
Romans 11:25-36
Introduction
- It is important that we not only see the encouragement to the Jews in Rome
-- But, that we see our role in being part of the existing remnant
- Last time we discussed the grafting in of the Gentiles; imp for us
- The concept grafting in literally means being spliced into something else
- The Gentiles were spliced into the Family of God by Jesus’ death
- It is His death and resurrection that gives us complete picture of life
- Being grafted into something means that we would produce that fruit
-- You cannot graft something to an apple tree and get bananas
-- If you are grafted in, then you take on the characteristics of new host
- APP: When the Gentiles were grafted in, we took on God’s grace to produce a testimony of our own of what God has done in and through us
- This is why it is very important to understand, you are not your own
-- Bought with a price … 1 Cor 16:20
- Tonight we see just how deep God’s commitment is to His people
-- God’s timing that we are here; consider that Easter just passed us by
-- It is my prayer that after tonight; you would be excited to tell that He is alive!
- Stand and read Romans 11:25-36 / Pray
Point 1 – God is always at work (25-29)
- Paul writes to his Jewish brethren that they may understand what’s happening
- At this time in history, Israel is not giving Jesus’ His just due
- They are not following Him, nor are they following God’s direction
- Paul cautions the Jews in Rome to understand this and not get a big head
- It is very easy to get a big head over an idea when you have info others don’t
-- God is very clear here that ALL of Israel will be saved
- Isa 45:17, “But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced, to ages everlasting.”
- Isa 59:20, ““The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the LORD.”
- Jer 31:34, “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
- Heb 8:10, 12 “This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
- We, are not part of Israel – and thus we must accept the sacrifice for ourselves
- We must accept what Jesus has done in our place to be redeemed from sin
- Question: Have you ever felt like God was simply not working anymore?
-- Answer: V29 – God never uncalls; nor does he stop moving in people’s life
-- He has never taken a break nor does what He put into motion cease to be
- TRANS: It is because we all needed a Savior that God’s love is displayed
Point 2 – God’s desires to give us Mercy (30-36)
- 30 – We once lived in sin as well as those he is addressing here
-- We once lived a life of foolishness and disobedience; and now are redeemed
-- And so, Israel has now become just as we were so they may receive GRACE
- The entire key of Romans is GRACE; it is the promise that never ends
- V32 – We are bound to disobedience; we disobey because we cannot help it
- Consider again the 2 year old that throws a fit; no one teaches that
- It is a literal picture of who we are in God’s eyes; as we throw a fit also
- But the desire here is that God wants to have mercy; and so He draws to Himself
- He brings us to a place in our live where there is NOTHING left … for what?
- APP: So that we too may call upon Him and receive what He offers to all
- TRANS: Look how Paul closes section to the Jews in the church in Rome
Conclusion
- Reread verses 33-36
-- It is Paul’s desire that we would see this and try to understand God’s mercy
-- That we would read this and hope would be upon us of who God is
-- It is not about Paul, it is not about us, but about what God has done
-- This is what Paul is pointing at here
- V33 – Who can understand how deep God’s love is? (John 3:16)
- V34 – Who has known the mind of God? David asks who am I (2 Sam 7:18)
- V35 – What have we ever done that God owes us something (Isa 64; filthy rags)
- V36 – There is nothing we deserve or have earned; but it’s God’s gift
- Prayerfully, when we consider the depth of our lives; these verses come to mind
- It is not about us; nor is it about our rescuing; but what God has done that matters
- Pray
