Romans 11:1-10 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Romans 11:1-10. Let’s go!
Romans 11:1-5 (NIV)
1 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah–how he appealed to God against Israel:
3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”?
4 And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
On verses 1-5: For those who wonder, “Has God completely rejected the people He originally chose, the Israelites?” The answer is no. As an example of this, Paul says, “Look at me. I’m a Jew myself, and God did not reject me but saved me.” As another example of this, Paul points to the story of Elijah and how even when much of Israel had rejected God by turning to idols and killing God’s prophets, God still reserved for Himself 7,000 from among the Israelites. Just as in Elijah’s day, God was reserving for Himself in Paul’s day a remnant from the Israelites, whom He had chosen.
Likewise, don’t assume that the group, the community or the country you are a part of is so hard-hearted that it is beyond hope, and that God has completely rejected everyone in it. History shows that God is in the business of choosing a remnant (a small minority) for Himself, even among what seems like a very cold-hearted group, city or country. He draws that remnant close and He uses that remnant to affect the rest of the group and beyond.
You are part of that remnant. Perhaps you feel like very few people around you actually believe in Jesus Christ and want to follow Him. Don’t be discouraged. Like Elijah, you are not alone. God has chosen others in the very place where you live right now to be part of that remnant too. You are called to shine for His glory together with them.
So be on the look out for others who are part of that remnant too. They’re out there. You just have to find them, or ask God to show them to you.
Cherish the remnant you’re a part of. Stick together. Look out for one another. Encourage one another in the faith. Pray together. That’s what being the church is all about. It’s the one team you’re a part of now that will last forever.
You’re not alone. The remnant is bigger than you think.
Romans 11:6 (NIV)
6 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
On verse 6: When God chooses people, it is on the basis of His grace (His undeserved kindness), and not because of their own performance or merit. Since God has chosen you, always remember that the reason God chose you is not because of how good you are, but because of His grace (His undeserved kindness) expressed through Jesus Christ.
Romans 11:7-10 (NIV)
7 What then? What Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened,
8 as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes so that they could not see and ears so that they could not hear, to this very day.”
9 And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.”
On verses 7-10: Here Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 29:4 and Isaiah 29:10 as well as Psalm 69:22, 23 to show that those who reject Christ do so out of a hardened heart. It’s no wonder the Bible tells us to watch the condition of our heart (Proverbs 4:23), for the condition of our hearts will determine how we respond to Jesus.
Father, thank You that I’m not alone, but You are with me. Even more, thank You that in the place where I am, You have chosen other people to belong to You too. They are my brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
