Romans 11:25-28
Introduction
Today marks the first day of what is known as Holy Week, as we observed Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. What fanfare He received, with branches and coats laid down before Him by the Jewish people! This will soon change as Jesus enters His final days; He will be hated by those who welcomed Him with such enthusiasm. The hearts of those He came to redeem will soon reject Him. This might lead one to think that God’s plan has failed, but… God has a much bigger plan, not just for His Promised people (the Jews) but for all people. Paul will teach us today that no one will be left behind. God will use the entire Gentile population to help turn the hearts of the Jews who are willing to see the promised Messiah that has saved the Gentile population. Wow, what a fantastic plan God has devised. This should give us great enthusiasm as believers to know and spread the gospel in anticipation of Christ’s return, utilizing the armor of God to propel us forward in the call.
Being Chosen (Ro. 11:25-28)
• Verse 25 starts with “for,” which draws us back to verse 24. When Paul speaks of a mystery in this passage, he refers to Israel being grafted back into the olive branch.
• He is challenging the Gentile Christians to understand the heart of God for Israel and their role as believers in the regrafting of God’s chosen people.
• God’s intention from the beginning was to save all people. However, He was using the hostility of the Jews (a partial hardening) to force the remnant of Jewish evangelists to turn their attention outward. God wanted to overcome cultural barriers (Ac. 11:1-26) and the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles. As a result, many Gentiles were saved (Ac. 11:19-21).
• So, God’s focus was turned toward those outside of Israel, and this will continue “until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” This means until all those God knows will have heard the gospel and believed.
• Many Jews had become enemies of the gospel, but God intervened to direct their hostility so that it served His higher purpose.
• Instead of lowering the number of people being saved, the opposition allowed the gospel to push beyond cultural barriers, and the Gentile communities were highly responsive. So, Paul explains that in this way, they became “enemies for your sake.”
• However, this does not mean that God changed His mind. His promise (covenant) made with Israel still exists, and He has used the opposition of the Jews to bring His Gentile children into a relationship. He will use His Gentile children to fulfill His covenant with Israel.
• “Being chosen” does not mean they are automatically saved, but it does mean that God continually seeks to draw them to Himself. By hardening those who refused to believe, God gave many more Gentiles the opportunity to hear the gospel, but His promise to care for Israel did not change.
God’s Proactive Role (Is. 59: 17-21)
• As is common for Paul, he once again draws our attention to the book of Isaiah as he quotes portions of Isaiah 59: 20-21.
• In this passage, we see that God described His commitment to Israel as a covenant, the most binding promise in that culture. God’s commitment was to send a Deliverer (Messiah) to cleanse and revive Israel spiritually.
• Isaiah 59 addresses the seriousness of sin and its capacity to separate humanity from God, emphasizing our need for repentance and turning away from sin to participate in the eternal covenant of peace and righteousness.
• Isaiah 59:20-21 prophesies a future redemption and restoration for the nation of Israel, explicitly linking it to the coming of a Redeemer and the establishment of a new covenant with God.
• It promises that a Redeemer will come to Zion (Jerusalem and God’s people) and to those in Jacob (Israel) who turn from their transgressions.
• It reminds us of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and intervening on behalf of His people, even when they have strayed from His ways. God’s power is not diminished but remains ready to deliver those who repent and seek Him.
• This passage is often understood in light of the larger context of the Book of Isaiah, which speaks of both judgment and hope for Israel. Isaiah 59:20-21 promises future restoration and salvation, counteracting the earlier warnings about the consequences of sin and disobedience.
• Isaiah 59 depicts God as a warrior, with a breastplate of righteousness and a helmet of salvation showcasing God’s heart to bring justice and redemption. It reminds us of God’s plan of redemption and prophesies of the coming Redeemer- Jesus!
• God’s loving kindness provided a way for all of us to find redemption. God has included us in His spiritual battle for lost souls. It is not by accident that God is pictured here wearing a breastplate of righteousness and a helmet of salvation, available to every believer according to Ephesians 6:10-18, in which we are encouraged to put on God’s armor.
The Believer’s Role (Eph 6:10-18)
• Ephesians 6:10-18 instructs us to equip ourselves with the same armor, drawing upon God’s strength and resources, to stand against the enemy’s schemes.
• Isaiah 59 and Eph 6 emphasize specific armor, such as the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (the word of God).
• The struggle is not just physical but spiritual, and we need to be actively engaged in prayer and seeking God’s strength to stand against the forces of evil, using the armor of God as our protection.
• God promises to be with His people, placing His spirit and words within them, reminding them of His covenant.
• The passage describes the armor as components of righteousness, salvation, truth, peace, and the word of God, representing God’s provision and our role in the spiritual battle.
• God’s initiative in spiritual warfare, with believers partnering with Him to bring justice and salvation. We are to be active participants in fulfilling God’s promise of salvation.
• We are part of God’s plan to reclaim and redeem, fulfilling the pattern of God’s rescue of His people.
• The armor of God represents God’s strength and righteousness, which believers put on to stand firm in the face of spiritual opposition and to participate in God’s work of salvation.
Application
As we approach Good Friday, we can put into practice the things we discussed this morning. This is an opportunity to challenge ourselves in our commitment to partner with God in extending the gospel to those who do not know Jesus yet as their personal Savior. So, what can we do?
1. Prepare Yourself: Join us in prayer and fasting this week. Utilize the devotions to prepare your heart. They are available in the app. Today’s portion is in the app, waiting for your engagement.
2. Keep your eyes and heart open for divine appointments, and be on your guard. The enemy wishes to sift you like wheat this week. Don’t give him the opportunity; be on your guard and pray on all occasions.
3. Invite people to the Good Friday Experience and to church on Resurrection Sunday. You can pass out invite cards or send links from the events tile in your app.
Let us prepare ourselves for the mission that God has given us to testify of His mighty work in our lives so that others may taste and see the goodness of God and turn their hearts to Him, for salvation is in Christ Jesus.
Discussion Questions
- How does understanding God’s plan for both Jews and Gentiles challenge our perspective on His love and inclusivity? How might this impact our approach to evangelism__?
- In what ways have you seen God use opposition or hardship to spread the gospel? How can we remain faithful during times of adversity__?
- Reflecting on Isaiah 59 and Ephesians 6, how can we better equip ourselves with God’s armor in our daily lives? What piece of armor do you find most challenging to put on__?