Israel & the Church in Romans 9-11 (Part 2)

By Jerry Wierwille

With the new covenant in Christ, God's promises to Abraham are being fulfilled as a result of the inclusion of the Gentiles with Israel as God's covenant people. But this then raises the question, "What about God's promises to Israel?" In this session, we are going to continue examining Romans chapters 9-11 to understand how Paul answers this important question.

Romans Ch. 10

1. Israel’s ignorance of God’s righteousness (vv. 1-4)
2. Two types of righteousness (vv. 5-13)
   1. The righteousness of the law (v. 5)
   2. The righteousness of faith (vv. 6-13)
3. Righteousness that results in salvation is through faith (vv. 14-17)
   1. In order to call on the Lord, one must believe (v. 14a)
   2. In order to believe, one must hear the gospel (v. 14b)
   3. In order to hear the gospel, someone must preach it (v. 14c)
   4. In order to preach the gospel, the Lord must send someone (v. 15)
   5. Nevertheless, Israel failed to believe in the gospel (v. 16)
   6. Therefore, faith comes by hearing, and hearing is achieved by the preaching of the message about Christ (v. 17)
4. Israel’s rejection of the gospel (vv. 18-21)
   1. Did Israel not hear the gospel? (v. 18)
      1. No, they heard.
   2. Did Israel not understand the gospel? (vv. 19-21)
      1. No, they knew; but they have refused.

Romans Ch. 11

Has God Rejected His People (11:1-6)

1. Impossible! Paul himself is an Israelite (v. 1)
2. God has not rejected his people (vv. 2-4)
3. There is a remnant of Israel (vv. 5-6)

What Can Be Said Then? (11:7-10)

1. Israel failed to obtain righteousness, but the elect has obtained it (v. 7)
2. God hardened Israel (vv. 8-10)

Did Israel Stumble For the Purpose of Falling? (11:11-16)

1. Absolutely not! Through Israel’s failure, salvation has come to the Gentiles (v. 11)
2. Israel’s failure yields riches, but much more will their full inclusion and acceptance bring (vv. 12-16)

So What Has Happened? (11:17-24)

The Metaphor of the Olive Tree

1. Some of Israel were broken off (v. 17a)
2. The Gentiles were grafted in (v. 17b)
3. Warning against Gentile arrogance (vv. 18-22)
4. Restoration of Israel through repentance (vv. 23-24)

The Secret of Israel and the Gentiles (11:25-32)

1. There is a sacred secret in God’s plan (v. 25a)
2. A partial hardening of Israel has happened (v. 25b)
3. Until the fullness of the Gentiles (v. 25c)
4. All Israel will be saved (v. 26a)
5. Christ (“the Deliverer”) will bring forgiveness and salvation (v. 26b-27)
6. God’s election of Israel (vv. 28-29)
   1. Israel are God’s enemies but yet beloved (v. 28)
   2. The gifts and calling of God toward Israel (v. 29)
7. God’s plan in salvation history (vv. 30-32)
   1. Israel’s disobedience resulted in mercy toward Gentiles (v. 30)
   2. Mercy toward Gentiles will result in mercy toward Israel (v. 31)
   3. God’s plan is to have mercy upon all (v. 32)

Doxology (11:33-36)