God's Mercy: A Divine Plan for All

 

Summary

In this message, we explore the profound mystery of God's mercy and His divine plan for both Jews and Gentiles. Historically, the Jews were God's chosen people, entrusted with His promises and covenants, while the Gentiles were outside of this covenantal relationship. However, with the coming of Christ, this dynamic shifted dramatically. The Jews, who were once the bearers of God's truth, largely rejected the Messiah, while the Gentiles, who were once disobedient and outside the covenant, embraced the gospel and became part of God's family.

This reversal is not the end of the story. God's plan is to use the mercy shown to the Gentiles to provoke the Jews to jealousy, ultimately leading them back to Him. This is not about the Gentiles saving the Jews, but about God's mercy being extended to all. The mercy shown to the Gentiles is a demonstration of God's grace, which will eventually lead to the Jews obtaining mercy as well. This is a profound mystery that reveals the depth of God's wisdom and His sovereign plan for humanity.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that salvation is entirely a result of God's mercy, not human effort or merit. Both Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of God's grace, and history demonstrates their hopelessness without it. God's purpose in allowing both groups to experience disobedience is to highlight His mercy and grace, showing that salvation is solely His work. This divine plan underscores the futility of human boasting and the necessity of relying on God's mercy for salvation.

Key Takeaways:

- God's mercy is central to His plan for both Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles' acceptance of the gospel serves as a catalyst for the Jews to return to God, highlighting the interconnectedness of God's people and His overarching plan of redemption. [22:40]

- The historical reversal of roles between Jews and Gentiles demonstrates God's sovereignty and wisdom. The Jews' initial rejection of the Messiah and the Gentiles' acceptance illustrate the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which is still in progress. [30:48]

- Salvation is entirely a result of God's mercy, not human effort. Both Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of God's grace, and their history of disobedience underscores the necessity of divine intervention for salvation. [40:54]

- God's plan involves using the mercy shown to one group to provoke the other to jealousy, ultimately leading to their salvation. This divine strategy reveals the depth of God's wisdom and His desire for all to come to repentance. [31:26]

- The ultimate purpose of God's plan is to glorify His name and demonstrate His grace and mercy. By highlighting the hopelessness of humanity without Him, God emphasizes that salvation is solely His work, bringing glory to His eternal name. [42:54]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:53] - The Current State of Disobedience
[22:40] - Mercy for All Through God's Plan
[23:29] - The Stumbling Stone
[24:33] - The Role of Gentiles in Salvation
[25:22] - God's Mercy Explained
[26:14] - Provoking to Jealousy
[27:19] - The Consistent Theme of Mercy
[28:08] - Historical Reversal of Roles
[30:48] - The Present Reality of the Church
[31:26] - God's Strategy for Salvation
[32:32] - The Ultimate Explanation
[33:41] - Understanding 'Concluded'
[35:25] - The Meaning of 'All'
[40:54] - The Emphasis on God's Mercy
[42:54] - The Glorification of God's Name

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 11:30-32
2. Romans 9:30-33
3. Galatians 3:22

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the Apostle Paul describe the current state of disobedience among the Jews and Gentiles in Romans 11:30-32? [21:53]

2. What is the significance of the "stumbling stone" mentioned in Romans 9:30-33, and how does it relate to the Jews' rejection of the Messiah? [23:29]

3. In Galatians 3:22, what does it mean that the scripture has "concluded all under sin"? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about God's mercy? [34:32]

4. How does the sermon explain the historical reversal of roles between Jews and Gentiles, and what is the current reality of the church according to the sermon? [30:48]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the sermon suggest about the purpose of God allowing both Jews and Gentiles to experience disobedience? How does this highlight God's mercy? [40:54]

2. How does the concept of provoking the Jews to jealousy through the mercy shown to the Gentiles illustrate God's strategy for salvation? [31:26]

3. In what ways does the sermon emphasize the futility of human boasting in the context of salvation? How does this relate to the idea that salvation is solely the work of God? [42:54]

4. How does the sermon describe the ultimate purpose of God's plan for humanity, and how does this bring glory to His name? [42:54]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt outside of God's mercy. How did you come to understand and accept His grace in your life? [22:40]

2. The sermon discusses the interconnectedness of God's people. How can you actively participate in fostering unity within your church community, especially among those who may feel marginalized? [22:40]

3. Consider the historical reversal of roles between Jews and Gentiles. How does this challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty and wisdom in your own life? [30:48]

4. The sermon highlights the necessity of relying on God's mercy for salvation. In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own efforts rather than God's grace? [40:54]

5. How can you be a catalyst for others to experience God's mercy, similar to how the Gentiles' acceptance of the gospel serves as a catalyst for the Jews? [31:26]

6. The sermon emphasizes the futility of human boasting. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions, acknowledging that all good things come from God? [42:54]

7. Reflect on the ultimate purpose of God's plan to glorify His name. How can you align your personal goals and actions with this divine purpose? [42:54]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Mercy Unites All People
God's mercy is central to His plan for both Jews and Gentiles. Historically, the Jews were God's chosen people, entrusted with His promises and covenants, while the Gentiles were outside of this covenantal relationship. However, with the coming of Christ, this dynamic shifted dramatically. The Jews, who were once the bearers of God's truth, largely rejected the Messiah, while the Gentiles, who were once disobedient and outside the covenant, embraced the gospel and became part of God's family. This reversal is not the end of the story. God's plan is to use the mercy shown to the Gentiles to provoke the Jews to jealousy, ultimately leading them back to Him. This is not about the Gentiles saving the Jews, but about God's mercy being extended to all. The mercy shown to the Gentiles is a demonstration of God's grace, which will eventually lead to the Jews obtaining mercy as well. This is a profound mystery that reveals the depth of God's wisdom and His sovereign plan for humanity. [22:40]

"For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all." (Romans 11:32, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate God's mercy to someone from a different background or belief system today?


Day 2: The Wisdom in Role Reversal
The historical reversal of roles between Jews and Gentiles demonstrates God's sovereignty and wisdom. The Jews' initial rejection of the Messiah and the Gentiles' acceptance illustrate the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which is still in progress. This reversal is not a sign of failure but a testament to God's intricate and wise plan. It shows that God's ways are higher than human understanding and that His plans are always for the ultimate good of humanity. The Gentiles' acceptance of the gospel serves as a catalyst for the Jews to return to God, highlighting the interconnectedness of God's people and His overarching plan of redemption. [30:48]

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you seen God's wisdom in unexpected changes or reversals in your life?


Day 3: Salvation Through Mercy Alone
Salvation is entirely a result of God's mercy, not human effort. Both Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of God's grace, and their history of disobedience underscores the necessity of divine intervention for salvation. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that salvation is entirely a result of God's mercy, not human effort or merit. Both Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of God's grace, and history demonstrates their hopelessness without it. God's purpose in allowing both groups to experience disobedience is to highlight His mercy and grace, showing that salvation is solely His work. This divine plan underscores the futility of human boasting and the necessity of relying on God's mercy for salvation. [40:54]

"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." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to rely on your own efforts rather than God's mercy? How can you shift your focus today?


Day 4: Provoking to Jealousy for Redemption
God's plan involves using the mercy shown to one group to provoke the other to jealousy, ultimately leading to their salvation. This divine strategy reveals the depth of God's wisdom and His desire for all to come to repentance. The mercy shown to the Gentiles is a demonstration of God's grace, which will eventually lead to the Jews obtaining mercy as well. This is a profound mystery that reveals the depth of God's wisdom and His sovereign plan for humanity. The interconnectedness of God's people and His overarching plan of redemption is highlighted through this divine strategy. [31:26]

"I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry." (Deuteronomy 32:21, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be a living example of God's mercy that might provoke others to seek Him?


Day 5: Glorifying God's Name Through His Plan
The ultimate purpose of God's plan is to glorify His name and demonstrate His grace and mercy. By highlighting the hopelessness of humanity without Him, God emphasizes that salvation is solely His work, bringing glory to His eternal name. This divine plan underscores the futility of human boasting and the necessity of relying on God's mercy for salvation. The interconnectedness of God's people and His overarching plan of redemption is highlighted through this divine strategy. God's mercy is central to His plan for both Jews and Gentiles, and His ultimate purpose is to glorify His name through His work of salvation. [42:54]

"To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:21, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively glorify God's name in your daily life, acknowledging His mercy and grace?

Quotes


"through your mercy they also May obtain Mercy you've obtained it they're going to obtain it and they're going to obtain it through what's happened to you you see the parallel is complete Gentiles were disobedient they are now obedient through the position or the condition of the Jews now here it's the other way around they are now the unbelievers but they're not going to remain like that they are going to obtain Mercy as you have obtained Mercy once were unbelievers and as you once obtained your mercy through them they are going to obtain their Mercy through you" [00:21:39]

"the salvation of the Gentiles is going to provoke the Jews to jealousy and that's going to be the very way in which they're going to obtain Mercy the fact that the Gentiles have obtained Mercy is going to be the very thing that's going to extend this Mercy to the Jews themselves that's the way that God's going to use it and of course he repeated that in verse 14 having said that he speaks to you Gentiles in as much as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles I magnify my office if by any means I may provoke to emulation same idea provoked to jealousy them which are my flesh that's Jews Jewish flesh Jewish race and might save some of them" [00:26:14]

"this is a great fact of history and this is the only explanation of it and here it is fall he's going on you see is explaining for God has concluded them all in unbelief in order that he might have mercy upon all now then let's look at this here's the great explanation take this word concluded it's a bit unfortunate that uh we've got that word here still now I'm reading out of the authorized translation and the word concluded in 1611 when this authorized translation was made conveyed an idea to people that it doesn't convey now" [00:33:41]

"God has shut them all up completely shut them in entirely with no way of Escape if you like that's what it means well then to whom does this word all re refer God has shut them all in completely all of them in Disobedience and belief in order that he might have mercy upon all to whom does this all refer what's its meaning and connotation here well it cannot of course mean everybody who's ever lived or ever shall live it doesn't mean all in a universalistic sense why well because then the teaching of this verse would mean that everybody eventually is going to be saved" [00:35:25]

"the all cannot mean everybody it's impossible otherwise the only conclusion you can come to is universalism and that simply does havoc everywhere with the plain teaching of the Bible well what does the all mean well let the context rule you and if you only listen to the context it avoid many many problems the Apostle has been talking for some time about Jews and Gentiles you can divide up the world into Jews and Gentiles these are the two great groups the great blocks of mankind Jews Gentiles and the Apostle says God has included Jews and Gentiles" [00:37:41]

"God has shut up the Gentiles in unbelief God has shut up the Jews in unbelief that's what he means God has concluded shut up that they can't escape Jews and Gentiles in this unbelief and Disobedience why well in order that he might have mercy upon the two groups in exactly the same way in other words you see he is simply putting in this great statement what he's just been saying there that one time time with the Gentiles shut up in unbelief but God showed Mercy to them here now the Jews shut up in unbelief in exactly the same way in order that God may show his Mercy to them" [00:39:36]

"the emphasis is always upon what God has done not upon Men He God God has concluded them shut them up in unbelief it's God who does it why does he do this well you see his object in both cases is to show Mercy why then well this is the answer it is in order to show that salvation is always only as the result of the mercy of God why does he put this in the summing up I'll tell you why he's been showing us in the body of the chapter how both the Jews and the Gentiles had failed to see this" [00:40:54]

"the Jews tended to say we are all right we are God's people because we come down as linear descendants we are all right the answer is no you're not then the Gentiles have been brought in and they say we've been brought in because we are such wonderful people we are better people than those Jews no you're not says the Apostle there is nothing to recommend anybody in the sight of God the Gentiles and the Jews are exactly the same and they're both equally ridiculous in their bursting they have nothing to burst on neither the Jews nor the Gentiles" [00:42:54]

"God says the Apostle has shown this perfectly clearly on the very realm and field of history history demonstrates this Jews and Gentiles are shown to be absolutely hopeless and the only conclusion you can come to then is that salvation is solely and entirely the result of God Mercy the Gentiles were once hopeless but God showed Mercy to them the Jews are now hopeless but God will show Mercy to them also in the way that he's been explained in other words the Apostle statement in this 32nd verse is this that God has deliberately emphasized the hopelessness and the helplessness of both Jews and Gentiles" [00:45:41]

"God has shut them up in this look at those Gentiles before Christ came into the world you can't imagine anything more hopeless how did they ever come into the church they had got no background they' got nothing how did they ever come in there's only any one answer the mercy of God could anything appear more hopeless tonight than the position of the Jews as a race and as a nation with respect to the gospel it seems Unthinkable that they'd never come in they're going to come in and as there was only one thing that could bring in the Gentiles there is still only one thing that can ever bring in the Jews it is the mercy of God" [00:49:33]

"God have concluded them he's put them there into complete compl helplessness shut them in so that there's no way out at all that is how God Saves in other words the Apostle is saying here precisely the same thing as our blessed Lord is recorded as having said in The Gospel According to St Matthew in 11: 25 to 27 listen I thank I thank the O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because thou Hast hid these things hid these things from the wise and prudent and has revealed them unto babes even so father for so it seemed good in thy sight" [00:52:24]

"no man can ever save himself that's the statement it's exactly the same in 1 Corinthians 1 and that's why I read it you at the beginning God have chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the" [00:54:57]

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Transcript
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