Romans 11:1-12

A REMNANT CHOSEN BY GRACE

Keywords 11:5

So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

 

1. Paul the remnant (1-6)

Israel rejected the Christ, but God did not reject the people of Israel. As an

Israelite, Paul accepted Jesus and he served God’s mission on behalf of all Israel.

God has always worked through a remnant of faithful people--not through the

unbelieving majority. In his time Elijah felt like the only person worshiping God,

while everyone else worshiped Baal. God told him that he was not alone. God’s

remnant was there. When Paul seemed alone he was reminded of the grace of

God, which has never failed to sustain a remnant of believers.

 

2. Those who were hardened (7-12)

God hardened the people of Israel. He gave them a spirit of stupor and

blindness. But even though they rejected God’s Messiah, he did not reject them

forever in return. God used Israel’s transgression to bring salvation to the Gentiles.

God hoped to make Israel jealous enough to repent and return. If the world was

blessed by Israel’s failure, how much more will it be blessed when they come to

Christ.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to be mindful of your grace and live in hope.

One Word Live as a remnant