July 27, 2025

ROMANS 11: GOD ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

July 27, 2025

Dr. Ben Gutierrez

We all know it is possible to get distracted or confused when reading heavy parts of the Bible, especially those doctrinal passages that seem, as Peter says, ‘[Paul…has written…] some things which are hard to understand!’ (2 Pet. 3:15,16). Today’s sermon from Romans 11 is such a passage to many: Is Paul writing to Israel or to the Gentiles? For now, or the future? Questions on every side. Yet once a trained theologian explains the verses, one can grasp the meaning—and almost wonder why it previously was difficult. Join us as we study the beauty of God keeping His promises, the wondrous ways He is always faithful, and the joy we Gentiles have in preaching His word to the nations.

Focal Passages: Romans 11, 3:3-4a, 10:19-21, 12:1-2; Zech. 12:10; 2 Tim.2:13; Lam. 3:22-23; Heb. 10:23; Gen. 12:1-3; Deut. 7:6-9, 4:5-7; Ex. 19:5-6; Is. 49:6; 1 Kin. 8:41-43; Psa. 22:26b-27, 67:1-4; Jonah 4:1-3a; Acts 13:44-49; Jer. 31:35-37; Ezek. 37:1-4.

Israel is God’s chosen people:

  • Read Gen. 12:1-2. What was God’s covenant to Abraham when He called him to leave his country to go to the land God promised him? Read Gen. 12:3. What was God’s promise to Israel?
  • What were the four expectations God had for Israel? How were they to be a light to the nations? Read Ex. 19:5-6. Was this conditional?
  • What are instances you can recall from Scripture that illustrate how Israel knew what God expected of them? How did they lose their way? Can you give some examples of their apostasy?

God is still fulfilling His divine plan for Jewish people… and Gentiles:

  • Read Rom. 11:11. Is Israel cast aside forever? What did God want them to feel? Did the Jews in the days of Moses understand this (Read Rom. 10:19-21)?
  • Read Heb. 10:23. Because the people of Israel were unfaithful to God, did He tear up His covenant? Why not?
  • Read Rom. 11:12. If the Jews lost the ministry of saving the world, who now has it? Who are the Gentiles? Do all of today’s believers have the responsibility of reconciling the lost to Christ?

Gentiles have a job to do:

  • Read Acts 13:44-49. As time was drawing near for the Jews to be dispersed from their homeland, the apostles continued to preach. What happened in the passage of Paul and Barnabas? Read Rom. 11:13-15. Why is Paul rejoicing here?
  • Read Rom. 12:1-2. Is this our responsibility today? If we follow this verse with our heart, will it mold us into a person who is holy, and useful to God?

Caution to avoid pride:

  • Read Rom. 11:18-21. What happens if we become prideful because God is allowing us the joy of preaching Christ while Israel is being punished? When will Israel be restored? Read Rom. 11:25. Does our job end then? Can you paraphrase Ezekiel 37:1-14. How does the prophecy of the dry bones inspire you?
  • We have seen how God had a plan for Israel, but they rebelled and wanted to follow the world. How did His keeping them in a relationship show He fulfills His promises?
  • Have you ever watched God answer a prayer for you, but the answer is done in kindness? When He set Israel aside for a time, and gave the responsibility to Gentiles, is that a fulfillment of Rom. 2:4? What do we often do in analogous circumstances?

Israel will be restored again, becoming a model nation for the world to look upon and believe in Jesus Christ:

  • Read Rom. 11:25-32. How long will it be before Israel will be restored? When is this going to happen? Is the Deliverer Christ?
  • Read Zech. 12:10. Can you imagine the travail when those who killed Jesus are mourning that they had a hand in His killing?

God always keeps His promises!

  • Read Rom. 11:33-36. Does it ever bother you that so many people get angry at God because He hasn’t done something they asked for? Or, possibly, they don’t know why God doesn’t (fill in the blank), as if He should obey their request? Why is it so hard to give God the credit due Him as only God, Creator of the universe, whose thought are not our thoughts, or His ways not our ways?

Close:

One of the passages we read today was Jeremiah 31:35-37. God ends those verses saying, “I will not consider casting [Israel] away for the evil they have done. I, the Lord, have spoken!” We read that and can hardly understand a love so enduring. God called Abraham when he was 75 years old, telling him to leave his country and go to a land he did not know. God promised He would make him a great nation, and through Israel all the nations of the world would be blessed. But Israel did not obey God’s commands. Yet God did not cast them away, but sidelined them for a time until they repented. Then, He will restore them, and those of Israel who love Him will have eternal life.

Are we the same? It is time for us to be holy, to be a role model to the nations of the world, not bowing down to the fads, fashions, and fervor of the world, but showing the world the happiness found in Christ Jesus. We want to show all countries salvation is for all the world. Romans 10:21 says of those who will perish, “All day long I opened my arms to them, but they were disobedient and rebellious.” Don’t let this be you. He is good. He is faithful. And He will always keep His promises.

By Sandy Day
July 27, 2025                                                                                                         

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