God's Unshakeable Faithfulness and the Mystery of Inclusion

Romans 9-11 invites us into the “cloud of mystery,” where Paul wrestles with the fate of Israel, the faithfulness of God, and the inclusion of the Gentiles. After the mountaintop of Romans 8, where nothing can separate us from the love of God, Paul plunges into deep questions: Has God’s word failed? Has He rejected His people? Is He just? Can He be trusted? These are not abstract theological puzzles, but questions that cut to the heart of God’s character and our own place in His story.

Paul’s answer is emphatic: God has not rejected Israel. Using his own story as an example, Paul shows that God always preserves a remnant by grace, not by works or merit. This pattern is woven throughout Scripture—from Noah, to Joseph, to Elijah—God’s faithfulness is not thwarted by human failure. Even when the majority turn away, God’s promises endure through a faithful few.

The mystery deepens as Paul explains that Israel’s stumbling is not final. Their rejection of the Messiah has, in God’s sovereign plan, opened the door for Gentiles to be included in the people of God. This is not a cause for Gentile pride, but for humility and awe. We, who were once without hope, have been grafted into the nourishing root of God’s promises. The olive tree image reminds us that our inclusion is by grace, and that the root—God’s promises to the patriarchs, fulfilled in Christ—supports us all.

Yet, Paul holds out hope for Israel’s future. He speaks of a partial hardening until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, and then “all Israel will be saved.” The details are mysterious, but the heart is clear: God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. His mercy is the final word—for Jew and Gentile alike. All are consigned to disobedience so that He may have mercy on all.

This leads us, as it led Paul, to worship. The depth of God’s wisdom and the inscrutability of His ways should leave us in awe, not arrogance. Our response is not to speculate or boast, but to marvel at the mercy that has reached us and to pray for the day when all God’s people, from every nation, will be gathered around His throne.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Faithfulness Is Unshakeable, Even Amid Human Failure Throughout history, God has preserved a remnant, demonstrating that His promises are not nullified by the unfaithfulness of His people. Whether through Noah, Joseph, or Paul himself, God’s redemptive purposes move forward, not because of human merit, but because of His steadfast grace. This should give us confidence that God’s word never fails, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. [15:49]
• 2. The Mystery of Inclusion: Gentiles Grafted In by Grace The inclusion of Gentiles into God’s people is not an afterthought or accident, but part of God’s eternal plan. Our place in the olive tree is not due to our own worthiness, but because of God’s kindness and the faithfulness of His promises to Israel. This truth calls us to humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of connection to the story God has been telling since Abraham. [24:32]
• 3. The Danger of Spiritual Pride and the Call to Humility Paul warns Gentile believers not to become arrogant toward Israel, remembering that we are supported by the root, not the other way around. Spiritual pride blinds us to the reality that our standing is entirely by grace. True humility recognizes our dependence on God’s mercy and keeps us from looking down on others, especially those who have not yet recognized Christ. [26:21]
• 4. God’s Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment for All Paul’s vision is that both Jews and Gentiles are consigned to disobedience so that God may have mercy on all. This radical mercy is the great leveler—no one can claim superiority, and no one is beyond hope. Our prayers and hopes should be shaped by this mercy, longing for all people, including Israel, to come to know the saving grace of Jesus. [39:53]
• 5. The Proper Response to God’s Mysterious Ways Is Worship After plumbing the depths of God’s purposes, Paul ends not with complete understanding, but with awe and worship. The unsearchable wisdom and inscrutable ways of God are not meant to frustrate us, but to draw us into deeper reverence and trust. When faced with mystery, our best response is to bow in wonder and give glory to God. [41:08]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - The Mountaintop of Romans 8
• [02:26] - Entering the Cloud of Mystery: Israel’s Story
• [03:45] - The Big Questions: Has God’s Word Failed?
• [05:39] - God’s Sovereignty and Our Questions
• [08:46] - Orienting Ourselves: The Doxology
• [10:46] - Has God Rejected His People?
• [13:54] - The Remnant Principle in Scripture
• [18:18] - Israel’s Stumbling and Gentile Inclusion
• [22:03] - The One New Man: Jews and Gentiles Together
• [24:32] - The Olive Tree Analogy
• [26:57] - Provoking Israel to Jealousy
• [30:54] - The Root and the Branches: What Supports Us?
• [33:24] - The Mystery: All Israel Will Be Saved
• [39:53] - Mercy for All: God’s Final Word
• [41:08] - Responding in Worship and Awe
• [42:59] - God’s Faithfulness in the Grand Story

Bible Reading

Primary Passage: — Romans 11:1–36 (ESV)
(You may want to read the whole chapter together, or focus on these key sections: verses 1–10, 11–24, 25–32, and 33–36.)

Additional Passages: — - Genesis 45:4–8 (ESV) (Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and explains God’s purpose in preserving a remnant)
- Ephesians 2:11–22 (ESV) (Gentiles brought near by the blood of Christ, “one new man”)

Observation Questions

1. In Romans 11:1–6, what reasons does Paul give to show that God has not rejected Israel? How does he use his own story and the story of Elijah? ([10:46])
2. What is the “olive tree” analogy in Romans 11:17–24, and what do the root, natural branches, and wild branches represent? ([24:32])
3. According to Romans 11:25–27, what does Paul say about the future of Israel? What is the “mystery” he wants the Gentile believers to understand? ([33:24])
4. In Romans 11:33–36, how does Paul respond after reflecting on God’s plan for Jews and Gentiles? What words or phrases stand out to you in his doxology? ([08:46])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it significant that Paul insists God’s promises to Israel are “irrevocable”? How does this shape our understanding of God’s character? ([39:14])
2. The sermon described the inclusion of Gentiles as part of God’s eternal plan, not an accident. How does this challenge or encourage Gentile believers about their place in God’s story? ([41:47])
3. Paul warns Gentile believers not to become arrogant toward Israel. What are some ways spiritual pride can show up in our attitudes toward others, especially those who don’t yet believe? ([26:21])
4. The sermon mentioned that both Jews and Gentiles are “consigned to disobedience so that God may have mercy on all.” What does this reveal about the way God works with human failure and sin? ([39:53])

Application Questions

1. The sermon highlighted that God always preserves a remnant by grace, not by works. When you look at your own life, do you ever feel like God’s promises might fail because of your mistakes or the failures of others? How can the “remnant principle” encourage you in those moments? ([15:49])
2. Paul’s story shows that no one is beyond God’s mercy. Is there someone in your life (or maybe yourself) you’ve written off as “too far gone”? What would it look like to pray for God’s mercy for them—or for yourself—this week? ([13:17])
3. The olive tree image reminds us that we are “grafted in” by grace. Do you ever struggle with spiritual pride or a sense of entitlement in your faith? What practical steps could help you cultivate humility and gratitude? ([26:21])
4. The sermon said that the church has not always provoked Israel (or others) to “jealousy” in a good way. How can our lives and our church community display the kind of love and hope that would make others curious about Jesus? ([29:30])
5. Paul ends with worship, not full understanding. When you face things about God or life that you don’t fully understand, what is your usual response—frustration, doubt, worship, or something else? How could you practice responding with awe and trust this week? ([41:08])
6. The sermon encouraged us to pray for the salvation of all people, including Israel. Is there a group of people or a nation you find it hard to pray for? What might help you begin to pray for them with hope and compassion? ([39:53])
7. The “cloud of mystery” in Romans 9–11 shows that God’s ways are often beyond our understanding. How can you hold onto both humility and confidence in God’s faithfulness when you don’t have all the answers? ([08:46])