Lesson 10: Not Done Yet! (ROMANS 11:1–36)
Lesson 10
Not Done Yet!
(ROMANS 11:1–36)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Romans 11:1–36. This lesson references chapter 10 in Be Right. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
Paul devoted all of Romans 11 to presenting proof that God is not through with Israel. We must not apply this chapter to the church today, because Paul is discussing a literal future for a literal nation. He called five “witnesses” to prove there was a future in God’s plan for the Jews.
—Be Right, page 135
1. As you review Romans 11:1–36, who or what do you see as the “five witnesses” that prove there is a future for the Jews in God’s plan?
More to Consider: Note that Paul’s conversion is recorded three times in Acts (chapters 9, 22, and 26). Wiersbe suggests this is because the author of Acts, Luke, wanted to show Paul’s conversion as an illustration of the future conversion of the nation Israel. Read 1 Timothy 1:16. How do Paul’s words here support this idea?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Romans 11:1–36 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. What strikes you about this verse?
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
The accounts of Paul’s conversion tell very little that parallels our salvation experience today. Certainly none of us has seen Christ in glory or actually heard Him speak from heaven. We were neither blinded by the light of heaven nor thrown to the ground. In what way, then, is Paul’s conversion “a pattern”? It is a picture of how the nation of Israel will be saved when Jesus Christ returns to establish His kingdom on earth.
—Be Right, page 136
3. Can you relate to Paul’s story even though it might not mirror your own? Explain. What about his story is universally true about coming to Christ? If his story is a picture of how Israel will be saved, what do you think that means?
From the Commentary
The fact that most of the nation has rejected Christ is no proof that God has finished with His people.
—Be Right, page 136
4. Read 1 Kings 19. How is the remnant of believers in this story like or unlike the remnant Paul refers to in Romans 9:27? Why is it important to note that this remnant is saved by grace and not by works?
From Today’s World
The concept of “grace” is rare in popular media, but when it does appear, it is often notable by contrast to the themes of “you get what you deserve,” or even more common, revenge. Think of the top television shows and top movies playing at your local movie theater.
5. Where do you see the theme of grace in popular media? Why do you think this is such a rare theme in movies and TV? Can grace and redemption apart from a church setting help nonbelievers understand more about the Christian faith? How can Christians take advantage of popular media’s take on grace in reaching out to others?
From the Commentary
This is what happened to Israel: Their spiritual blessings should have led them to Christ, but instead they became a snare that kept them from Christ. Their very religious practices and observances became substitutes for the real experience of salvation.
—Be Right, page 137
6. How did spiritual blessings become a snare for the Israelites? How does this happen today in the Christian church?
From the Commentary
Paul stated that the Gentiles had a vital ministry to Israel. Today, the saved Gentiles provoke Israel “to jealousy” (see Rom. 10:19) because of the spiritual riches they have in Christ. Israel today is spiritually bankrupt, while Christians have “all spiritual blessings” in Christ (Eph. 1:3). (If an unsaved Jew visited the average church service, would he be provoked to jealousy and wish he had what we have—or would he just be provoked?)
—Be Right, pages 138–39
7. Why is Israel “spiritually bankrupt”? What are the blessings they’re missing out on that Christians receive? What would unsaved Jews see if they visited your church? How would they respond to the message and the people? What does this tell you about how your church is presenting the gospel message?
From the Commentary
God accepted the founder of the nation, Abraham, and in so doing set apart his descendants as well. God also accepted the other patriarchs, Isaac and Jacob, in spite of their sins or failings. This means that God must accept the “rest of the lump”—the nation of Israel.
—Be Right, page 139
8. In what ways does God’s acceptance of the “rest of the lump” impact your understanding of the Jews? Of God Himself? How are we like Isaac and Jacob and the “rest of the lump” even though we are saved by grace?
From the Commentary
What has happened to Israel is all a part of God’s plan, and He knows what He is doing. The hardening (or blinding, Rom. 11:7) of Israel as a nation is neither total nor final: it is partial and temporary. How long will it last? “Until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Rom. 11:25).
—Be Right, page 141
9. As you look at Paul’s explanation of God’s plan for the Israelites, what does this tell you about God? About the future of the Jewish people?
From the Commentary
God’s gifts to Israel, and God’s calling of Israel, cannot be taken back or changed, or God would cease to be true to His own perfect nature. The fact that Israel may not enjoy her gifts, or live up to her privileges as an elect nation, does not affect this fact one bit. God will be consistent with Himself and true to His Word no matter what people may do.
—Be Right, pages 142–43
10. Think about gifts you’ve given or received that were not used. How is that like or unlike what Wiersbe writes in the excerpt? Why is God’s consistency so important to our faith?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Romans 11:1–36. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. What is your reaction to Paul’s explanation of God’s plan for the Israelites? How does this fit with your understanding of God’s love? God’s overall plan for the world? For your life? What implications does this have for how you relate to your Jewish friends or your overall perception of the Jewish faith?
12. What are some of the religious practices that might keep you from seeing God clearly? When are you most likely to slip into a works-based faith rather than trusting in God’s grace?
13. Reread Romans 11:33–36. How does this passage speak to you? How does the truth of these verses affect the way you approach doubt or questions about God’s overall plan for the world in general and for you in particular?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to study more about God’s plan for the Jews? Learn to trust God’s plan even though you might not understand it? Be specific. Go back through Romans 11:1–36 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Do some research on Judaism, focusing specifically on the Jewish people’s hope for a Messiah. As you study, pray for all your Jewish friends, asking God to speak to them with the truth of His Son’s role in redeeming us from sin and to enlighten you about their role in God’s overall plan of redemption. Strike up some conversations with your Jewish friends on spiritual matters. Be a neighbor to them.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the “Going Forward” section in this lesson. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Romans 12:1—13:14. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapter 11, “Right Relationships Mean Right Living,” in Be Right.