It’s Not For As Long As You May Think Romans 11:25-32 February 15, 2015 AM #40 Romans Series

How does this passage fit into the whole of Romans? Chapters 1-8 Revelation of the Mercies Opening of the Gospel Chapters 9-11 Rejection of the Mercies Opposition to the Gospel Chapters 12-16 Reaction to the Mercies Opportunities of the Gospel How do we understand the 9-11 passage? 9-The Absolute Sovereignty of God- Election- Israel’s Past 10-The Moral Responsibility of Man- Rejection- Israel’s Present 11- The Final Purpose of God- Reception- Israel’s Future

Last time: What are the lessons we should have learned from vs. 11-24? Motivation and Concern (11-15) Gratitude (16-17) the two illustrations Humility (18-19) Caution (20-22) Anticipation (23-24)

We continue the study of Chapter 11… …by considering the 3rd of three statements about Israel’s rejection. Here are the three statements. It’s not as bad as you may think. Two testimonies (vs 1-10) Paul and Elijah It’s not for the reason you may think. Two illustrations (vs 11-24) Leaven and the Olive Branches It’s not for as long as you may think. Two books (vs 25-36) The Calendar and the Hymnal

Now: Romans 11:25-32 25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way[e] all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion;     he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27 And this is[f] my covenant with them     when I take away their sins.”[g] 28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience,31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now[h]receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

So the good news continues… God has defined a time-limit on the rejection of the Hebrew nation. Their rejection/hardness of heart - It’s not for as long as you may think. The good news is seen in: The Calendar – vs. 25 The Conqueror – vs. 26 The Covenant – vs. 26b,27 The Connection – vs. 28,29 The Compassion – vs. 30-32 The Conclusion – vs. 33-36

1. The Calendar – Vs. 25 25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,  The Danger The Data God’s calendar is set to deliver good news for Israel and for us! Understanding, Humility, Expectancy

Mysteries Revealed The Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven – Mt. 13:11 The Mystery of the Olive Tree - Romans 11:25 The Great Mystery of Christ and the Church – Eph. 5:32 The Mystery of Piety – I Tim. 3:16 The Mystery of the Rapture of the Saints – I Cor. 15:51 The Mystery of Lawlessness – II Thess. 2:7 The Mystery of God Finished – Rev. 10:7

2. The Conqueror – vs. 26 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion;      He will turn godlessness away from Jacob. (Isa.59:20,21) Good News for Israel – Christ will rescue Israel, riding in from Heaven with His armies. Zechariah 12 and 13; Rev. 19:11-21 Testimonies of Jewish Christians (Boyce 1380,1381)

3. The Covenant – vs. 26b,27 27 And this is my covenant with them     when I take away their sins.” God’s Covenants are Good News! They are proof of God’s integrity. Genesis 15:8-21 – God bound Himself in a unique act to promises without conditions. Other illustrations: David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi.

4. The Connection – vs. 28,29 28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. God’s gifts – sovereign grace God’s call – election Nothing can prevent Israel from her salvation and restoration – What about us? What doesn’t change about God? His life, character, truth, ways, purposes, Son…

5. The Compassion – vs. 30-32 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience,31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now[h]receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Mercy is compassion on the needy that leads to meeting their needs. Salvation is based on mercy – not merit! Good News! Mercy is available for SINNERS. God is RICH in mercy.

6. The Conclusion – vs. 33-36 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?” 35 “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” 36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.