Wednesday Night Bible Study Romans 11:1-10
Romans: “The just shall live by faith”
The Remnant
Read: Romans 11:1-10
Scripture and Key References:
“So, too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” ~ Romans 11:5
1 Samuel 12:19-22 Zachariah 8:11-13 Isaiah 29:10; 44:18 Psalm 94:14 2 Timothy 1:9-10 1 Corinthians 2:14
Introduction:
As we come to chapter 11 of Romans, Paul is still dealing with the issue he raised in 9:6 – does the Jewish rejection of Christ mean that God’s promises have been voided or have failed? Paul has already laid out three arguments against this conclusion:
· The doctrine of election. All whom God has elected to be save will be saved (9:2-24)
· God had made it known that not all Israelites would be saved but that some Gentiles would be (9:25-29)
· The Jew’s were responsible for failure to believe (9:30-10:21).
Now in chapter 11:1-10, Paul will show it has always been the case that God works with and saves a remnant. This has always been true of the people of God and was true for Paul himself.
Discussion and Review Questions:
1. Take a moment and define the word “remnant”. Besides the illustration in Romans 11, what are some other biblical examples?
2. Why might Paul list his credentials in Romans 11:1? Do you have a list of characteristics for those you think would never embrace the Gospel? How does this passage undermine such an attitude?
3. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like you were the only believer? How can you apply the reality of a “remnant”? How will its reality encourage you in the midst our current culture situations?
4. Why does Paul combine the doctrine of “election” with his understanding of “grace”? What does this combination teach us about “election”? What does it teach us about “grace”?
5. Could someone looking at your life clearly see, and so come to envy, the benefits of the gospel that you enjoy?