SSS4 : Epistle to the Romans : Lesson 63

Text: Romans 11:1-6
1 July 2018

THE INEVITABLE QUESTION

Has God cast away His people? (Romans 11:1a)

A STRONG ANSWER

1. Certainly not (Romans 11:1b)

2. A personal perspective

a) For I am also an Israelite
b) Of the seed of Abraham
c) Of the tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1)
d) Cf. Philippians 3:1-6
i) Paul’s impressive Jewish pedigree
ii) But his confidence was not in this understanding

3. Re-affirmation

a) God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew (Romans 11:2)
b) Citing the Scriptures
i) Elijah was concerned that he was the only one left who believed in God (Romans 11:3)
ii) Incorrect understanding
iii) There were 7000 other true and faithful believers (Romans 11:4)

4. The present time

a) There is a remnant
b) According to the election of grace (Romans 11:5)
c) This remnant may not be known
d) But God will always have a remnant faithful
e) Unfortunate that there is only “a remnant”

5. The doctrine of Grace

a) Differentiated from “works” (Romans 11:6)
b) This has to be carefully noted or “grace is no longer grace”
c) And “work is no longer work” (Romans 11:36)
d) Grace is to be deeply appreciation and associated with “election”
e) Our salvation is totally of “grace!”