What I Noticed Today (Romans 11-13)
Romans 11
The focus of Romans 11 is on God’s sovereign choice in His election of Israel. Israel’s rejection of God does not mean God will reject His people.
In verses 1-10, Paul asks whether God has rejected His people.
Note: The question in Greek is designed to demand a negative reply; of course God has not rejected His people.
Paul offers two proofs that God has not rejected His people:
- God did not reject Paul (v. 1).
- Elijah pleaded with God for His people (1 Kings 19:10, 14), and God replied He had saved a remnant of 7,000 (1 Kings 19:18) by grace not by works (vv. 2-5).
Paul concludes just as then God has chosen a remnant to save by grace.
Note: The Jews had hoped to achieve righteousness through works ignoring God’s sovereign grace.
Therefore, God hardened the hearts (Deuteronomy 29:3-4 and Isaiah 29:10) of others, and they became spiritually blind (Psalm 69:22-23).
In verses 11-24, Paul asks have they (the Jews) stumbled in order to fall.
Note: Again, this question in Greek is worded to expect a negative reply; no, not at all!
On the contrary, says Paul, the Jews’ stumbling created the opportunity for salvation to come to the Gentiles to make the Jews jealous (envious). The world was enriched by Gentiles coming to know the Lord and will be enriched even more when all the Jews accept Jesus as Messiah.
Turning his attention to the Gentile believers, Paul says he hopes building his ministry with them will cause some of the Jews to be jealous and also accept Jesus.
Israel’s rejection of the Gospel provided the opportunity for the Gospel to come to them (reconciliation of the world).
Paul used two illustrations to explain why he thought Israel’s rejection was temporary, and they would be restored to God (v. 16):
- If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then so is the whole lump of dough.
- If the root of the tree is holy, so are its branches.
Paul then compared the Gentiles to a wild olive shoot that had been grafted in and now shares nourishment from the root of the plant. So the wild branches have no reason to boast and should recognize their indebtedness to the plant.
He then warns the Gentiles that God had broken off some natural branches of the olive-tree (because of their unbelief) to make room for them and He could do the same to them.
Note: Paul’s point is if God did not spare Israel for their unbelief, He would not spare the Gentiles either. If the Gentiles do not continue in their faith, they too will be cut-off.
In verses 25-32, Paul explains a partial hardening has come to the Israelites until the full number of Gentiles has come in and then all of Israel will be saved. Paul quotes from Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Note: Two important points about this hardening: 1) it is partial, and 2) it is temporary. Not all of Israel has hardened their hearts and rejected God. And there will come a time when God will save the remnant of Israel.
God’s gifts and calling upon the Israelites is irrevocable. Their disobedience brought God’s mercy to the Gentiles, but God’s mercy will turn again to Israel. God has imprisoned all men in disobedience (Romans 3:23, all have fallen short of the glory of God) so that He can show mercy to all.
In verses 33-36, Paul concludes the chapter with a hymn of praise to God. He quotes Isaiah 40:13 proclaiming the wonder of God’s mind; His wisdom, and knowledge. He is the beginning and the end; the Creator of all things.
Romans 12-15:13
Paul shifts from his discussion of matters of doctrine to matters of practicality: how should the Christian live.
Romans 12
In verses 1-2, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God which is their spiritual worship. He cautions not to be conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that one will know and do the perfect will of God.
Note: The word translated “transformed” is from the word metamorphousthe (our word metamorphosis comes from this). It means a total change from the inside out.
In verses 3-8, Paul explains God has distributed a measure of faith to each person. Just as the body has many parts and they all have their own function, so those in the body of Christ each have their own function. Through God’s grace, He has given each believer different gifts. Paul lists seven gifts (six of which are serving) and exhorts the believer to use well whatever gift God has given them: prophecy, service, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, and mercy.
Note: The proper use of the gifts God gives each believer is a matter of stewardship.
In verses 9-21, Paul describes specific examples of behavior in the transformed believer:
- Love must be sincere (without hypocrisy).
- Detest evil, cling to what is good.
- Have brotherly love for other members of the family of believers.
- Be diligent; be fervent; serve the Lord.
- Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer.
- Share with brothers who are in need. Practice hospitality.
- Bless those who persecute you.
- Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
- Live in harmony with one another.
- Do not be proud. Instead, associate with the humble.
- Do not be wise in your own eyes.
- Do not repay evil with evil.
- Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.
- As much as it is possible, live at peace with everyone.
- Do not avenge yourselves, leave vengeance to the Lord.
- If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If thirsty, give him a drink
- Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.
Romans 13
In chapter 13, Paul discusses the Christian’s duties to the state (civil government).
In verses 1-10, Paul exhorts believers to submit to governing authorities because these authorities have been established by God. When we resist government authority, we are resisting God, and this will bring judgment. Rulers are a terror to bad conduct, not to good, so do what is good, and you will have the approval of the government. The government is God’s servant for good. Therefore, submit to avoid the wrath of the government but also for your conscience’ sake: pay taxes, pay tolls, give respect and honor to those in which it is due.
Note: The government is an institution created by God for the benefit of man. However, it can be used for evil. It is important to remember that when Paul wrote this, the Romans had already put Jesus to death. No government is perfect because it is served by sinful man, yet Paul clearly wanted believers to be good citizens.
In verses 8-14, Paul continues his exhortation to believers saying believers should not have a debt to others except the debt to love one another. The commandments (Exodus20:13-17) are summed up in the commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). Love does no wrong. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the Law.
In verses 11-14, Paul concludes the chapter with a warning that the time of our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. It is time to discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Walk with decency: not in drunkenness, carousing, sexual immorality, promiscuity, quarreling, or jealousy. Rather, put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no plans to satisfy fleshly desires.
Note: Paul’s reference to “our salvation being nearer than when first believed” is a reference to when the Lord will return. This day is almost here, he says, so stop the old sins of the flesh and be prepared to live in the light of Christ.
Some thoughts for further consideration:
- Paul explains doctrine, along with an accompanying behavior or duty. What we understand and believe about God must be evident in how we live.
- The transformation or metamorphosis of every believer is a life-long journey. We will never be fully transformed this side of heaven. The transformation begins on the inside with our hearts and is evident in our actions and how we live out our lives as believers.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
