God's Faithfulness and the Doctrine of the Remnant

 

Summary

In Romans 11:1-6, Paul addresses the misconception that God has completely rejected Israel. He emphatically denies this, using himself as evidence—an Israelite who is also a Christian. This demonstrates that God has not abandoned His people. Paul emphasizes that God's relationship with Israel is based on His foreknowledge and election, not on their works. This is a key theme throughout the chapter, underscoring the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Paul uses the story of Elijah to illustrate that God always preserves a remnant. Elijah, feeling isolated and despondent, believed he was the only faithful one left. However, God revealed that He had preserved 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes are not thwarted by human failure or apostasy. The remnant is a testament to God's grace and election, not human effort.

The doctrine of the remnant assures us that God's plan is secure. It is not dependent on human strength or numbers but on God's sovereign choice. This should comfort us, especially in times of discouragement, reminding us that God's purposes will prevail. The remnant is not just a historical concept but a present reality, demonstrating God's ongoing faithfulness.

This understanding should lead us to a scriptural perspective on life's challenges, encouraging us to trust in God's sovereignty rather than our circumstances. It also warns against becoming personally entangled in the church's struggles, reminding us that the church belongs to God. We should not be swayed by numbers or popularity but remain steadfast in truth. While the doctrine of the remnant provides comfort, it should not lead to complacency. Instead, it should inspire us to actively share the truth and engage others with the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Faithfulness to Israel: Despite appearances, God has not rejected Israel. Paul's own conversion is evidence of this. God's relationship with His people is based on His foreknowledge and election, not their works. This assures us of the continuity of God's plan. [03:58]

- The Doctrine of the Remnant: The story of Elijah illustrates that God always preserves a remnant. This remnant is a testament to God's grace and election, not human effort. It assures us that God's purposes are secure, independent of human failure. [12:09]

- Scriptural Perspective on Challenges: We must face life's challenges with a scriptural mindset, seeking analogies in Scripture to understand our situations. This helps us avoid despair and encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty. [39:15]

- Avoiding Personal Entanglement: We should not become personally entangled in the church's struggles, as the church belongs to God. This perspective helps us avoid discouragement and reminds us that the battle is the Lord's. [40:11]

- Active Engagement in God's Work: While the doctrine of the remnant provides comfort, it should not lead to complacency. We are called to actively share the truth and engage others with the gospel, trusting in God's plan and purpose. [48:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Romans 11
- [01:26] - The Rejection of Israel
- [02:54] - Paul's Personal Testimony
- [03:58] - God's Foreknowledge and Election
- [05:21] - The Authority of Scripture
- [07:31] - Continuity of God's Plan
- [09:11] - The Story of Elijah
- [12:09] - The Doctrine of the Remnant
- [17:07] - God's Preservation of His People
- [22:14] - Grace vs. Works
- [31:08] - God's Unshakeable Foundation
- [39:15] - Scriptural Perspective on Challenges
- [40:11] - Avoiding Personal Entanglement
- [48:47] - Active Engagement in God's Work

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 11:1-6
- 1 Kings 19:10-18
- Isaiah 1:8-9

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 11:1-6, how does Paul use his own identity to argue against the idea that God has rejected Israel? [03:28]

2. What is the significance of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, and how does Paul use it to illustrate God's preservation of a remnant? [12:09]

3. According to Isaiah 1:8-9, what role does God play in preserving a remnant, and how does this relate to the concept of grace? [27:17]

4. How does Paul differentiate between grace and works in Romans 11:6, and why is this distinction important for understanding God's relationship with Israel? [21:16]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Paul's argument in Romans 11:1-6 suggest about the nature of God's promises and their fulfillment over time? [03:58]

2. How does the story of Elijah's despair and God's response in 1 Kings 19 provide insight into how believers should view challenges and feelings of isolation? [12:09]

3. In what ways does the doctrine of the remnant, as seen in Isaiah 1:8-9, offer assurance to believers about the security of God's plan? [27:17]

4. How does the distinction between grace and works in Romans 11:6 challenge common perceptions of earning favor with God? [21:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt isolated in your faith, similar to Elijah. How did you find encouragement, and what can you do to seek God's perspective in such moments? [12:09]

2. How can the assurance of God's unchanging plan, as seen in the doctrine of the remnant, help you face current challenges in your life with confidence? [45:26]

3. In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own efforts rather than God's grace? How can you remind yourself of the sufficiency of grace in your daily life? [21:16]

4. Consider the struggles within your church community. How can you engage in these issues without becoming personally entangled, remembering that the church belongs to God? [40:11]

5. How can you actively participate in sharing the gospel, inspired by the doctrine of the remnant, without falling into complacency? What specific steps can you take this week? [48:47]

6. Identify a situation where you might be swayed by numbers or popularity. How can you remain steadfast in truth, even if it means standing alone? [42:09]

7. Think of a person in your life who may feel like they are part of a "remnant." How can you offer them support and remind them of God's faithfulness? [12:09]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Unwavering Commitment to Israel
God's faithfulness to Israel is a profound testament to His unchanging nature. Despite appearances, God has not rejected Israel, as evidenced by Paul's own conversion. This highlights that God's relationship with His people is rooted in His foreknowledge and election, not their works. This assurance of continuity in God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament is a powerful reminder of His steadfast love and commitment. Understanding this can deepen our trust in God's promises, knowing that His plans are not thwarted by human actions. [03:58]

"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy." (Romans 11:29-31, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you trust in God's promises today, even when circumstances seem contrary to His faithfulness?


Day 2: The Assurance of the Remnant
The doctrine of the remnant is a powerful illustration of God's grace and election. Through the story of Elijah, we see that God always preserves a remnant, a group of faithful individuals who remain true to Him despite widespread apostasy. This remnant is not a result of human effort but a testament to God's sovereign choice and grace. It assures us that God's purposes are secure and independent of human failure. This understanding should comfort us, especially in times of discouragement, reminding us that God's purposes will prevail. [12:09]

"But what is God's reply to him? 'I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.' So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace." (Romans 11:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you find comfort in knowing that God preserves a remnant, and how does this influence your view of current challenges in your faith community?


Day 3: Embracing a Scriptural Perspective on Life's Challenges
Facing life's challenges with a scriptural mindset is crucial for maintaining faith and hope. By seeking analogies in Scripture, we can better understand our situations and avoid despair. This approach encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty rather than our circumstances. It reminds us that God's purposes are not dependent on human strength or numbers but on His sovereign choice. Embracing this perspective can transform how we navigate difficulties, leading us to a deeper reliance on God's wisdom and guidance. [39:15]

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What current challenge are you facing, and how can you apply a scriptural perspective to it today?


Day 4: Avoiding Personal Entanglement in Church Struggles
It is essential to remember that the church belongs to God, and we should not become personally entangled in its struggles. This perspective helps us avoid discouragement and reminds us that the battle is the Lord's. By maintaining this understanding, we can focus on our role in God's plan without being swayed by numbers or popularity. It encourages us to remain steadfast in truth and trust in God's sovereignty over His church. [40:11]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: How can you maintain a healthy perspective on your involvement in church struggles, ensuring you focus on God's sovereignty rather than personal entanglement?


Day 5: Active Engagement in God's Work
While the doctrine of the remnant provides comfort, it should not lead to complacency. We are called to actively share the truth and engage others with the gospel, trusting in God's plan and purpose. This active engagement is a response to God's grace and a demonstration of our faith in His sovereign will. It challenges us to be proactive in our faith, seeking opportunities to share the gospel and make a difference in the lives of others. [48:47]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: What specific action can you take today to actively engage in sharing the gospel and encouraging others in their faith journey?

Quotes


I say then hath God Cast Away his people God forbid for I also am an Israelite of the SE Seed of Abraham and of The Tribe of Benjamin God do not cast away his people which he fornew what he not what the scripture say of Elias how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying Lord they have killed thy prophets and dig down thine altars and I am left alone and they seek my life but what say the answer of God unto him I have reserved to myself 7,000 men who have not bowed the knee to the image of B even so then at this present time also there is a Remnant according to the election of Grace. [00:11:55]

The rejection of the nation of Israel is not total it appeared looking at the church that God had finished with the nation of Israel as a nation and as a people and that that meant that he had done so in a full and in a complete manner that God had allog together finished with the Jews with the children of Israel now the Apostle is dealing with that idea which obviously must have been current otherwise the great Apostle would never have troubled to deal with it in this way. [00:02:13]

God does not Cast Away his people whom he forew now in many ways that is the key to the whole of this chapter that's why we spend so much time with it last week because the whole argument is going to be based upon this election of God God do not cast away his people which he fornew and that forew you remember doesn't just mean that he was aware of their existence or a knowledge of them but he has known them in a very special sense they of all the people of the Earth had he known under the Old Testament dispensation. [00:03:58]

The Apostle never bases his ultimate position upon that he he always wants them to see and to know that what he's saying is based upon the authority of the word of God this isn't some novel idea he's saying and that again is the most important Point there's nothing new he says in all this you may be amazed at that but he says there isn't there's nothing new at all about it this kind of thing has happened many times before and he picks out one notable and striking illustration of this very thing. [00:06:21]

The whole object of the Apostle of course is to show the patter he says it isn't the case that I alone am saved and I'm a Christian I am I've quoted myself I myself also am an Israelite but don't imagine for a moment he says that I'm in the position of Elias and thinking that I alone I'm left it isn't the case at all I am one of a great number but there it is God had to teach his great servant Elias that particular lesson he says there's a curious parallel here in the time of Elias there was a real apostasy on behalf on the part of the nation of Israel a real apostasy. [00:12:09]

In the time of Elijah it was only a Remnant that God had reserved unto himself the bulk of the nation as I've reminded you had gone into a state of apostasy but God had reserved a Remnant and what the Apostle is saying is that he has still now reserved a Remnant it looks if you take a very superficial view of the situation you might come to the conclusion that the Christian Church consists only of Gentiles it wrong says Paul I'm in it but not only I there are others there is still a Remnant as there was in the days of Elias there is still a Remnant according to the election of Grace. [00:18:07]

The remant in a sense gives us a kind of guarantee for the nation the remant is after all a part of the nation and because a Remnant is saved you cannot say and must not say that the whole nation is rejected because the remnant is a part of a whole the fact that the part is saved tells us something about the whole now we mustn't press this too far there are those who would say that the remnant as it were at this point constitutes the whole we mustn't say that because that isn't the V's argument. [00:24:20]

The doctrine of the remnant according to the election of Grace should preserve us from pessimism and despair but it should never lead to inactivity and inaction being confident and sure of God's plan and purpose we should exert our every effort to make the truth known and to persuade others to believe it and to accept it well there it seems to me are some of the Practical lessons that we can learn from this particular incident this quotation about Elias in addition to the great theological doctrinal truth on which it is all based. [00:48:47]

We must learn to face every situation in life in a scriptural manner what I mean by that is this whatever happens to us let's not merely look at the thing itself let's not merely apply our own reason to it let's think of it scripturally uh if you like I can put it like this say to yourself well now is anything similar to this happened in the scriptures can I find an analogy in the scriptures that's what Paul was doing he says now but what don't you know what he not what the scriptures say of Elias. [00:39:15]

Never let the devil persuade you that the church is yours don't get involved personally like that that was the trouble with Elijah wasn't it you see Israel was his I alone them left and now they're trying to kill me as if God were not there and as if Israel didn't belong to God it was his concern it was his institution as it were it was his Nation he got involved personally in the wrong sense and so he becomes depressed in other words I've often said it from this Pulpit there is nothing more important for us to remember especially at a time like this than just this simple fact the church isn't ours the battle is not yours but Gods. [00:40:11]

Don't be carried away by numbers don't follow the crowd in the time of Elijah almost everybody was on the wrong side all the prophets were that was true there were Unknown People the 7,000 but as for the prophets they were all on the wrong side but Elijah didn't say well I must be wrong if I can't be right alone and all those men wrong that's what they're trying to get us to say today you know ecumenical movement who are you to stand against this I say thank God for this story of Elijah doesn't matter if the whole world said the other thing don't follow the crowd don't assume that the numbers are all always right remember truth Forever on the scaffold wrong forever on the throne. [00:41:11]

God will keep his church going The Remnant may become a very small one it doesn't matter God's purposes are sure nothing can stop them nothing can frustrate them doesn't matter how many wander away and fall by the way side God will always have his Remnant God will always keep his work going we don't know how but he always will that's the great Doctrine and he always has of course history is full of proofs of this in the word first period of the darkness of Roman Catholicism you had people like the waldenian in Northern Italy and the Brethren of the common life in Moravia and Bohemia and in parts of Holland and places like that God has always had his Remnant always had a people and he's kept it going and he will keep it going. [00:45:58]

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Transcript
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