Romans I have made a commentary of sorts with my thoughts on the Bible Romans Chapter 11 Quick take: Brain smashingly amazing Written October 6, 2006 through November 8th, 2006 Chapter 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 October 6, 2006 Romans 11:1-6 The question is, did God reject His people Israel? The answer is no, but Paul gets there by recalling an exchange between God and Elijah. All of Israel wanted to kill God’s only prophet, and Elijah was calling out to God. God’s assurance was that He had set aside seven thousand Israelites who have not committed idolatry. These seven thousand were chosen by grace apart from their works. It has to be apart from their works, otherwise grace ceases to be grace. October 12, 2006 Romans 11:7-10 No matter how hard someone works for their salvation, they will not get it. You must be elect, and you must receive through faith. God alone manages the faith of man opening and closing the spiritual eyes and ears of man. David spoke of this so many years ago in Psalms 69:22-23. October 13, 2006 Romans 11:11-12 What a wild plan, bring salvation to one group, cause them to reject it, make it available to everyone else, give everyone the rich blessings, and cause the original group to become envious. The original group accepts the gift of salvation and everyone is blessed all the more. Romans 11:13-14 Even in Paul’s ministry to Gentiles, he hopes to reach some Jews for Jesus. Romans 11:15 It is a complex and intriguing plan that we get to participate in. “Lord, bring Israel into salvation for the sake of the world.” October 17, 2006 Romans 11:16 When the first fruit from harvest is given to the Lord, the Lord blesses the rest of the harvest. Israel is something like the first fruits because the Lord chose them first as His people, and they gave us the patriarchs. However, Israel rejected God making the way possible for us (Matthew 22:8-10) – the incredible grace to go from the street corner as a good or bad person, into the wedding banquet. October 25, 2006 Romans 11:17-18 I am in the family of God receiving the nourishing sap from the Source of Life because those who lost their faith were removed and I was place in. There is nothing to boast about. It is by grace I stand and not by any effort of mine. Romans 11:19-21 We stand by faith and can boast about nothing. By faith we are rooted and nourished. If we lack faith we lack connection to the source. October 26, 2006 Romans 11:22 Throughout the Bible, God stands apposed to Himself, the Lion and the Lamb, Judge and Advocate. Here God is kind and stern. I initially wish God was all kind and not stern at all. But both characteristics are needed and both are loving. God must be stern because His holiness will not allow people to fellowship with Him who are not approaching Him in faith. Romans 11:23-24 When Israel comes back to faith, they will easily find a place in God’s family. Faith is the key. November 3, 2006 Romans 11:25 There is a Gentile tendency to think less of Israel because they rejected the Messiah. However, it was planned this way for the very purpose of the Gospel coming to us. When the right number of Gentiles comes to know Christ, God will soften Israel’s heart again. Romans 11:26-27 These verses are speaking of saving Israel as a whole which seems to indicate it is not about personal salvation but national blessing, or the removal of blinders that the whole nation is facing. November 7, 2006 Romans 11:28-29 Israel is an enemy towards the Gospel on our account, but this verse seems to indicate that they are elect and will eventually accept the Gospel. Since God loved the patriarchs, His love continues to their descendents. Thus the Lord’s love, gift and call will not be revoked. Romans 11:30-32 God will show Israel mercy just as He showed the Gentiles mercy. Naturally before mercy there must be disobedience. Right now, Israel, as a whole, is in disobedience towards God. But when the full number of Gentiles believe, Israel will be shown mercy. This is kind of strange, so the following doxology is very appropriate. November 8, 2006 Romans 11:33 It seems like so much of the Christian walk is about remembering and marveling at the greatness of God. The passage just before makes very little sense to me so I am encouraged to remember that God’s riches in wisdom and knowledge are deep. I don’t have to question God’s rational because His judgments are unsearchable. We cannot figure God out. We have trouble understanding what He has spelled out about Himself. Romans 11:34-35 Three rhetorical questions that help us remember who He is and that He doesn’t need our help. Romans 11:36 From Him, through Him, and to Him is quite comprehensive. He hasn’t left anything out, He hasn’t overlooked any detail, He is working in everything and nothing can be improved. This thought should draw us to worship because He is great and He is good. Chapter 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16