The Remnant of Israel (Romans 11: 1-10)

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📖 Episode Summary

In this episode, we examine Paul’s response to one of the most pressing theological questions of his time—and ours: Has God rejected His people, Israel? Drawing on Romans 11:1–10, Paul answers with an emphatic “By no means!” and presents both himself and a preserved remnant as evidence of God's continued faithfulness.

We explore how the apparent shift in salvation history—from Israel to the Gentiles—does not represent a change in God's character or His covenant promises. Rather, Paul shows how even in Israel’s rejection, God is working out His sovereign purpose through grace and election.

🧭 Key Themes

• God’s Faithfulness to Israel: Paul declares that God has not rejected His people, citing his own Jewish identity and calling as proof.
• The Remnant: Just as in the days of Elijah, God has preserved a faithful remnant—chosen not by works but by grace.
• Grace vs. Works: Paul clarifies that salvation is entirely by grace. If it’s by grace, it can’t be by works—otherwise, grace ceases to be grace.
• Spiritual Hardening: Those who rejected Christ have been spiritually hardened. Paul quotes Isaiah and David to show that this outcome was foretold.
• The Tragedy of Missed Messiah: Despite possessing the Scriptures and promises, Israel as a whole missed their Messiah due to pride and mishandling of God’s Word.

🔍 Scripture Focus

• Romans 11:1–2a – “Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite…”
• Romans 11:4 – “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
• Romans 11:5–6 – A remnant chosen by grace, not works.
• Romans 11:7–10 – Israel’s hardening foretold through Isaiah and David.

🧠 Reflective Questions

1. What does Paul’s identity as a Jewish believer reveal about God's ongoing covenant faithfulness?
2. How do the stories of Elijah and the remnant challenge our assumptions about God's activity in times of spiritual decline?
3. In what ways can we be tempted to rely on works rather than grace in our own spiritual journey?
4. How might spiritual hardening occur in a life, a church, or a nation?
5. What warning—and what comfort—can we draw from God’s dealings with Israel?

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