Has God Rejected Israel?
* In Romans 9-10, Paul speaks of Israel's unbelief. Though Israel is called "God's people" in the Old Testament, the majority of Israelites have rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ. They have rejected God's way of salvation. So has God rejected Israel? Read Romans 11:1-7.

1. Paul says that God has certainly not rejected "his people" (Israel). Based on verses 1-6, in what way has Israel not been rejected by God?

* Paul offers himself as one Israelite that God has not rejected (11:1). There are many others. Paul also offers Elijah's situation as an example (11:2-4; 1 Kings 19:1-18). At Elijah's time (850 BC), Israel (in general) had turned away from God. Elijah felt alone and discouraged. But God told Elijah, "I have reserved for myself seven thousand" who remain faithful.

* "So too, at the present time, there is a 'remnant' (a small part of Israel who believes)" (11:5).

2. Why does a "remnant" exist?

• Those Israelites outside the remnant were "hardened." This "hardening" results in "a spiritual insensitivity that prevents people from responding to God or to his message of salvation."

* For thought: If you think you might be forever "hardened," your interest in Bible study may indicate otherwise. Do not give up! Humbly seek the truth with all your heart, and God will reveal Himself according to His grace (Jer. 29:13). Do not harden your heart!

God's People in Relation to Israel
* Apparently, the Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians in Rome were thinking too highly of themselves relative to Israel (11:18, 20, 25). Perhaps they thought God had totally rejected Israel and replaced them with a new people of God centered in the Gentile Christian church. Paul talks directly to the Gentiles about this subject.
Read Romans 11:11-15.

3. How has Israel's rejection of the gospel resulted in benefit for Gentiles? (11:11)

* While some benefits result from Israel's rejection, even greater benefits will result from their acceptance in the future, when their hardening is removed (11:12, 15).

* Read 11:16-24. Paul uses the olive tree as an illustration. The tree represents the true people of God. The "root" (11:16) represents the patriarchs (fathers of Israel) and the promises given to them. The natural branches represent Israel. The broken-off branches represent unbelieving Israel, while the remaining branches represent believing Israel (the remnant, true Israel). The "wild olive shoots" that are "grafted in" (11:17) represent Gentile believers.

4. Based on verses 17-18, why should Gentile believers recognize the importance of Israel?

5. Based on verses 19-22, why should Gentile believers avoid arrogance relative to Jewish nonbelievers (or any nonbelievers)?

Mystery & Mercy
* After Paul provides hope that unbelieving Israel may turn back to God (and "be grafted into their own olive tree"), he shares a "mystery" Read Romans 11:25-27.

* After the full number of Gentiles has come into salvation, "all Israel will be saved" (11:26a). This sequence of events in God's plan is the "mystery" revealed by Paul. "All Israel" does not mean every Israelite, but probably means a relatively large and representative portion of ethnic Israel that will finally receive the Messiah (Christ) at the end of the age.
* God's plan demonstrates His mercy to both Jew and Gentile (11:28-32).

God's Plan --> God's Praise
* While Paul has shared part of God's plan, there is much we do not understand. What can we say? What does Paul say? Read Romans 11:33-36.

Reflection/Application
† How do you relate to the "olive tree?" What kind of "branch" are you? What kind of branch do you want to be? To be part of the "tree," receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

† Christians, reflect on Romans 11 and identify one truth you can take to heart concerning God's plan and your relationship to it. If you have questions, ask Jay, or send him an email.