God's Grace: Salvation, Inclusion, and Irrevocable Promises
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Asbury Church! Today, we delved into Romans 11, where Paul addresses the question, "What about the Jews?" In light of the new covenant through Jesus Christ, Paul reassures us that God has not rejected the Israelites. Instead, a remnant of faithful Jews has been preserved, saved by grace and not by works. This chapter emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, accessible through faith in Jesus Christ, and not something that can be earned through good deeds or adherence to the law.
We explored the life of John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace," who experienced a profound transformation from a slave ship captain to a devoted Christian and pastor. His story serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and the transformative power of faith.
Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to explain how Gentiles have been grafted into the family of God, originally rooted in Israel. He warns against arrogance, reminding us that the Jews' temporary hardening of hearts has allowed Gentiles to come to faith. However, there will come a time when this hardening will be lifted, and the faithful Jews will be grafted back into the tree.
The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God's unsearchable wisdom and sovereignty. It reminds us that God's promises are irrevocable, and His grace is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. As we prepare to partake in Holy Communion, we are reminded of the unity we share as the body of Christ and our mission to spread the gospel to all nations.
### Key Takeaways
1. Salvation by Grace: Salvation is a gift from God, not something that can be earned through good deeds or adherence to the law. This is a fundamental truth that Paul emphasizes in Romans 11. Our faith in Jesus Christ is what grants us salvation, not our works. This understanding should humble us and remind us of the boundless grace of God. [33:49]
2. The Remnant of Israel: God has preserved a remnant of faithful Jews who have accepted Jesus as the Messiah. This remnant is saved by grace, just as we are. This highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His ongoing plan for Israel. It also serves as a reminder that God's grace is available to all, regardless of their background. [32:59]
3. Grafted into the Family of God: Gentiles have been grafted into the family of God, originally rooted in Israel. This inclusion is a result of God's grace and the Jews' temporary hardening of hearts. We should not be arrogant but grateful for this inclusion and mindful of our responsibility to live out our faith. [41:55]
4. God's Irrevocable Promises: God's promises are irrevocable. His covenant with Israel and His promises to us through Jesus Christ are unchanging. This assurance should give us confidence and hope, knowing that God's love and grace are steadfast and reliable. [48:15]
5. The Mission to Spread the Gospel: Our mission is to spread the gospel to all nations. The return of Jesus and the lifting of the hardening of the Jews' hearts depend on the full number of Gentiles coming to faith. This underscores the urgency and importance of evangelism and living out our faith in a way that draws others to Christ. [44:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:30] - Announcements and Updates
[24:45] - Introduction to Romans 11
[25:31] - Opening Prayer
[26:35] - The Story of John Newton
[31:51] - Paul's Question: What About the Jews?
[32:59] - The Remnant of Israel
[33:49] - Salvation by Grace
[35:47] - Israel's Condition and Hardened Hearts
[37:41] - The Importance of Supporting the Jews
[39:44] - Gentiles Grafted into the Olive Tree
[41:55] - The Future Inclusion of Israel
[43:39] - The Full Number of Gentiles
[47:38] - God's Irrevocable Promises
[52:06] - Doxology and God's Sovereignty
[56:12] - Closing Prayer and Communion Preparation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 11:1-6 (NIV)
> "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. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: 'Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me'? And what was God’s answer to him? 'I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.' So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."
2. Romans 11:17-24 (NIV)
> "If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, 'Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.' Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!"
3. Romans 11:33-36 (NIV)
> "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 'Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?' 'Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?' For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says that a remnant of Israel has been preserved by grace? ([32:59])
2. How does Paul use the metaphor of the olive tree to explain the relationship between Jews and Gentiles? ([39:44])
3. What is the significance of God's promises being irrevocable according to Paul? ([48:15])
4. How does Paul describe the future inclusion of Israel in God's plan? ([41:55])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for salvation to be a gift of grace rather than something earned by works? How does this understanding impact our daily lives? ([33:49])
2. How should Gentile believers view their inclusion into the family of God, and what attitude should they avoid? ([41:55])
3. In what ways does the story of John Newton illustrate the transformative power of God's grace? ([28:51])
4. How does the concept of God's irrevocable promises provide assurance and hope for believers today? ([48:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you might be relying on your works rather than God's grace for your sense of salvation? How can you shift your focus to grace? ([33:49])
2. How can you cultivate an attitude of humility and gratitude for being grafted into the family of God, avoiding any sense of superiority over others? ([41:55])
3. Think about a time when you experienced God's grace in a transformative way. How can you share that experience with someone who might need encouragement? ([28:51])
4. How can the assurance of God's irrevocable promises help you face current challenges or uncertainties in your life? ([48:15])
5. What practical steps can you take to participate in the mission of spreading the gospel to all nations, as emphasized in the sermon? ([44:26])
6. How can you support and show kindness to the Jewish community, recognizing their unique place in God's plan? ([37:02])
7. As we prepare for Holy Communion, how can you better appreciate the unity we share as the body of Christ and our collective mission? ([57:45])
Devotional
Day 1: Salvation is a Gift, Not Earned
Salvation is a gift from God, not something that can be earned through good deeds or adherence to the law. This is a fundamental truth that Paul emphasizes in Romans 11. Our faith in Jesus Christ is what grants us salvation, not our works. This understanding should humble us and remind us of the boundless grace of God. Paul’s message is clear: no amount of good deeds or strict adherence to religious laws can earn us a place in God’s kingdom. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we receive the gift of salvation. This truth should lead us to a place of humility and gratitude, recognizing that it is by God’s grace alone that we are saved.
Reflecting on the life of John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace," we see a powerful example of this transformative grace. Newton, once a slave ship captain, experienced a profound transformation through his faith in Christ, becoming a devoted Christian and pastor. His story serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. As we internalize this truth, let it inspire us to live lives marked by humility and gratitude, always remembering that our salvation is a gift from God. [33:49]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt you had to earn God’s favor through your actions. How can you shift your mindset to fully embrace the truth that salvation is a gift from God?
Day 2: The Faithful Remnant of Israel
God has preserved a remnant of faithful Jews who have accepted Jesus as the Messiah. This remnant is saved by grace, just as we are. This highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His ongoing plan for Israel. It also serves as a reminder that God's grace is available to all, regardless of their background. Paul reassures us that God has not rejected the Israelites; instead, He has preserved a remnant who are saved by grace. This demonstrates God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His inclusive plan for salvation.
The concept of a remnant is significant because it shows that God’s grace is not limited by ethnicity or heritage. Just as the faithful remnant of Israel is saved by grace, so are we. This should encourage us to see God’s grace as boundless and available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. It also calls us to recognize and appreciate the rich heritage of faith that we share with the Jewish people. [32:59]
Romans 11:5-6 (ESV): "So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace."
Reflection: Reflect on the diversity within the body of Christ. How can you better appreciate and support the different backgrounds and stories of faith within your own community?
Day 3: Gentiles Grafted into the Family of God
Gentiles have been grafted into the family of God, originally rooted in Israel. This inclusion is a result of God's grace and the Jews' temporary hardening of hearts. We should not be arrogant but grateful for this inclusion and mindful of our responsibility to live out our faith. Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to illustrate this point, showing that Gentiles have been grafted into the tree that represents God’s people. This inclusion is a profound act of grace, and it calls for humility and gratitude.
The temporary hardening of the Jews’ hearts has allowed Gentiles to come to faith, but this should not lead to arrogance. Instead, it should inspire a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to living out our faith in a way that honors God. We are reminded that our place in God’s family is not something we earned but a gift of grace. This understanding should shape our attitudes and actions, leading us to live lives marked by humility, gratitude, and a commitment to sharing the gospel with others. [41:55]
Romans 11:17-18 (ESV): "But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you."
Reflection: How can you express gratitude for being grafted into God’s family today? What specific actions can you take to live out your faith with humility and gratitude?
Day 4: God's Irrevocable Promises
God's promises are irrevocable. His covenant with Israel and His promises to us through Jesus Christ are unchanging. This assurance should give us confidence and hope, knowing that God's love and grace are steadfast and reliable. Paul’s message in Romans 11 is a powerful reminder of the unchanging nature of God’s promises. Despite the temporary hardening of the Jews’ hearts, God’s covenant with Israel remains intact, and His promises to us through Jesus Christ are steadfast.
This assurance should fill us with confidence and hope. We can trust in God’s unchanging nature and His unwavering commitment to His promises. This understanding should shape our faith, giving us a firm foundation to stand on even in times of uncertainty. Knowing that God’s love and grace are reliable, we can face the challenges of life with confidence, always trusting in His faithfulness. [48:15]
Numbers 23:19 (ESV): "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you are holding onto. How does knowing that God’s promises are irrevocable give you confidence and hope in your current situation?
Day 5: The Mission to Spread the Gospel
Our mission is to spread the gospel to all nations. The return of Jesus and the lifting of the hardening of the Jews' hearts depend on the full number of Gentiles coming to faith. This underscores the urgency and importance of evangelism and living out our faith in a way that draws others to Christ. Paul emphasizes the critical role that evangelism plays in God’s plan. The full number of Gentiles must come to faith before the hardening of the Jews’ hearts is lifted and Jesus returns.
This mission is urgent and important. As followers of Christ, we are called to share the gospel with all nations, living out our faith in a way that draws others to Him. This understanding should inspire us to be proactive in our evangelism efforts, always seeking opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ. It also calls us to live lives that reflect the transformative power of the gospel, serving as a testimony to others of God’s grace and love. [44:26]
Matthew 24:14 (ESV): "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? What specific steps can you take this week to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Friends, today as Paul wraps up his question, what about the Jews? Paul would want us to hear again that we are not alone. We are great sinners, but Jesus is a greater Savior." [31:51] (19 seconds)
2. "Friends, as we come to this table this morning, we remember that God so loved the world that he takes our stain, he takes the stain, the mess of our life, the sinfulness, the doubts, the fears, the worries, he's there to take it all. And he's there to continue his beautiful masterpiece for those who love him, for those who believe." [55:14] (28 seconds)
3. "God's promises, friends, for you and for me and for the Israelites and the Jews, God's promises are gifts and they are irrevocable. Irrevocable. Praise be to him. Right? Praise be to him. His grace, his mercy poured out for you and for me." [48:15] (21 seconds)
4. "The promise that I will be with you always, that I will not leave you orphaned. I'll have the Father send to you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit to be with you always. I will be there with you through the power of my spirit. There's promises we could talk about on and on and on but they are gifts from God and friends, they are irrevocable." [49:30] (25 seconds)
5. "Our sovereign God is an awesome God. Amen? Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your amazing, never-ending love for us. We thank you for so many gifts that you bestow upon us. And Lord, we thank you that your gift, that your promise, that your covenant is irrevocable. Amen." [56:12] (28 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul said the remnant is not saved by works, but salvation comes on grace. So important for us to understand that today. We cannot earn our way into the kingdom. You and I, no matter how much good we do, I could give you a checklist. I give this much money, do this much feeding of the hungry. Do this and this and do Habitat. Come to church every Sunday. Come to Sunday school. Attend Alpha and the Bible studies. I could give you a checklist. Go and visit our shut-ins. Go and help build this church. Go invite your neighbors. Invite your people at work, right? But that does not earn us a spot in the kingdom of God." [35:08] (48 seconds)
2. "What Paul is saying is not that all, if you look at verse 26, and in this way, all Israel will be saved. What he's talking about is all faithful Jews, all faithful Israelites will be saved. Those who believe, those who are waiting for the Messiah, all of them will be saved." [45:48] (20 seconds)
3. "Paul writes in these verses, verses 17 to 24, there will be a day when God will remove their hardening, where they will believe in Christ, and they will be grafted back into the tree. So he says don't persecute them. Don't hold it against them, because there will be a day that they will be grafted back into the tree." [42:46] (24 seconds)
4. "When will Jesus come back again? When the full number of Gentiles comes in. Friends, I have prayed many a day, Lord, if today's the day, this would be a good day for you to come back again. Because I've got A, B, C, D, and E to do. And it would be just great if you came back now and no more tears, no more crying, no more pain, you know, all that good stuff, right? But the realization is, that prayer can't be answered until you and me do our job that Jesus called us to do. What did he call us to do? Go and make disciples of all nations." [44:26] (41 seconds)
5. "The Israelites, the Jews for over 1,000 years, 2,000 years, had tried to do it by works. Their religious leaders had worn Scripture around their wrists and were still doing it in the lining of their clothing, right? The Shema from Deuteronomy chapter 6, I am the Lord your God. There have no other gods before me. Love your neighbor as yourself, right? Those things were in their clothes. And yet they weren't living it. They were going through ritual. And that was the sin of the Israelites. And then when times got hard, they would fall away. And we see that time and time again." [34:29] (39 seconds)
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