Practical Theology

Part 31 - Romans 12:13-36
Lead Pastor, Darrin Mariott

Big Idea: God knows the plans He has for His people, plans to give us a hope and a future.

I. A Grace Revealed (vv. 13-24)
Romans 11:13-24
13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.

A. Though Paul is an apostle to the gentiles, he has a deep desire to see his fellow Israelites saved through Messiah Jesus. As such, his efforts to the gentiles are not an end unto itself, but also directed toward reaching his countrymen with the Gospel in fulfilling his apostolic calling (vv. 13-14; cf. Eph. 2:11-16).

Ephesians 2:11-16
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

B. In this revealed grace, we see:

1. A focus on the root (vv. 13-16) – God’s promise to the patriarchs (see Gen. 12:1-3; et al.) sustain Israel even today.

2. A focus on humility (vv. 17-21) – We all stand by faith and are dependent on God’s grace and kindness.

3. A focus on perspective (vv. 22-24) – We need to keep in mind the larger picture of God’s work in salvation history and continue to walk by faith in Christ.

II. A Mystery Revealed (vv. 25-32)
Romans 11:25-32
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion,he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27 “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

A. The term “mystery” here refers to God’s activity in salvation history, once hidden but now revealed. Revealed here is that God’s purposes included bringing salvation to the gentile nations, but He also has not forgotten His covenant people or their calling.

B. In this mystery revealed we see:

1. Israel’s hardening opened the door to gentile salvation (v. 25).
Psalm 19:4
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,and their words to the end of the world.In them he has set a tent for the sun,

2. God still has a plan for Israel (vv. 1; 21-28).

3. God does not go back on His promises (v. 29; cf. 2 Pet. 3:8-9).
2 Peter 3:8-9
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

4. God’s mercy has the last word (vv. 30-32; cf. Isa. 55:6-9)
Isaiah 55:6-9
6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found;call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake his way,and the unrighteous man his thoughts;let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your waysand my thoughts than your thoughts.

III. A Praise Response (vv. 33-36)
Romans 11:33-36
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to himthat he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

A. When Paul considers the depth of God’s mercy, grace, and wisdom, he can’t help but to exalt Him with a praise and worship. May this be our response, as well!