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Sermon #3267

An Introduction to Romans 11

A Sermon on Romans 11:1-36

Originally preached Oct. 2, 1964

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Scripture

Romans 11:1-36 ESV KJV

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals … I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.” So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 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, 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. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (ESV)

1I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

7What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. 11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Sermon Description

In this sermon on Romans 11:1–36 titled An Introduction to Romans 11,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones urges the listener to lay aside prejudices and traditions and to come to God’s word in an attitude of reverence. All Scripture is the very word of God. The major themes of this chapter are salvation, faith, and the people of Israel. While there are many differing interpretations of this passage, we still must never approach Scripture in an overly intellectual manner that causes only debates and divisions. God’s word is given to build up the church and strengthen the believer’s faith. Paul is concerned that the church in Rome and, by inclusion, all Christians should come to a proper understanding of God and His salvation that He has given in Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses questions such as what is the relation between Jew and Gentile, what is the future of the Jewish people, and what does it mean to be justified by faith? All these questions have immense significance for the Christian life and the life of the church. Christianity and theology is not simply about abstract intellectual ideas but it is about knowing God.

Sermon Breakdown

The sermon covers Romans 11, which is one of the notable chapters in the Bible. The chapter has depth and difficulty, requiring careful study.
It is important to approach this chapter with the right spirit - with reverence, not excitement or a desire to prove one's own view. There is an element of mystery in this chapter.
Romans 9-11 form a unit, dealing with the question of the Jews' rejection of the gospel and relationship to God's plan. Romans 9-10 explain the Jews' current position; Romans 11 looks to the future.
Romans 11 asks whether God has rejected His people Israel. The answer is no - God has always preserved a remnant.
The rejection of Israel as a nation is not final. There is a possibility, probability and certainty of their restoration.
We must remember that Paul is speaking of Israel as an entity, not necessarily every individual. We must distinguish the nation as a whole from individuals within it.
Notice the logical progression and sequence of Paul's argument, his use of Scripture to prove his points, and his apt illustrations. Though handling lofty theology, Paul remains practical.
Paul's overarching concern is for God's glory. Everything must serve and minister to God's glory.
This passage has relevance for us today. The persistence of the Jewish people despite persecution shows the truth of Scripture. This passage gives a view of God's plan for history and its certainty. It should give us comfort in difficult times.
We should pray for open eyes to see and understand God's glorious plan and purpose.

Sermon Q&A

Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 11

What is the main theme of Romans chapters 9-11 according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, chapters 9-11 of Romans constitute a section dealing with "this whole question of the case and the condition of the Jews." Specifically, these chapters address why the Jews were rejecting the gospel while Gentiles were accepting it, and how this fits into God's overall plan. The apostle Paul was concerned about this both because he was a Jew himself and because it raised questions about the certainty of God's purpose and plan that he had emphasized in Romans 8.

What is the specific focus of Romans 11 compared to chapters 9-10?

While Romans 9-10 explained why the Jews were in their position of rejection and how Gentiles had come in, Romans 11 goes further by looking into the future. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains: "Now, in chapter eleven he goes altogether further. He now looks into the future and he shows how this great and glorious purpose of God is going to be carried out in its glorious fullness, both as regards Gentiles and Jews." Chapter 11 specifically addresses whether God has finished with the Jews or if they have a future in His plan.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones divide Romans 11 into sections?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones divides Romans 11 into three sections: 1. Verses 1-10: Shows that the rejection of the Jews is not a total rejection 2. Verses 11-32: Shows that the rejection of Israel is not final (with progressive arguments showing possibility, probability, and certainty of restoration) 3. Verses 33-36: The doxology, expressing amazement and worship

What spirit does Dr. Lloyd-Jones urge readers to approach Romans 11 with?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes approaching Romans 11 "in a spirit of reverence" rather than with intellectual excitement or a controversial spirit. He warns against approaching the text merely to "prove our own case" or to establish that "we were right." Instead, he urges humility, saying there is "an element of mystery" in this chapter that should lead us to wonder and amazement, as it did for Paul who ended with a doxology.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean by "Israel within Israel"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones refers to a key concept from Romans 9:6 - "They are not all Israel that are of Israel." He explains this means "There is an Israel within Israel. There is a literal, physical Israel. There is a spiritual Israel within that larger body of the physical Israel." This distinction is crucial for understanding God's purpose, which was never to save the whole physical Israel but rather the spiritual Israel within it.

What is the practical relevance of studying Romans 11 according to Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones highlights several practical applications: 1. It shows the "integrity and wholeness of the scriptures" by demonstrating the miraculous persistence of the Jews as a separate people as prophesied. 2. It proves the divine inspiration of Scripture. 3. It demonstrates the certainty of God's plan and purpose. 4. It provides comfort and consolation during discouraging times, showing that "The purpose of God, his sovereign purpose is certain and sure, and nothing can stop it."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain God's way of salvation throughout Romans 9-10?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that "God's way of salvation has always been by faith," not by works. This is what the Jews misunderstood. He explains: "God's way of salvation has always been justification by faith, always. It's God's method, universally." Because salvation depends on God's sovereign will and comes by faith rather than works, it is "as open to the Gentiles as it is to the Jew."

What is the significance of the doxology at the end of Romans 11?

The doxology (verses 33-36) represents Paul's response of wonder and amazement at God's plan. Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggests this should be our response too, saying if we don't end our consideration of this chapter "in the spirit and in the condition that the apostle himself was in when he wrote that great doxology, well, then, either I shall have failed completely in this pulpit, or else there is something seriously wrong with you." The doxology shows Paul's primary concern for the glory of God above all else.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones view the relationship between God's sovereignty and human responsibility?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies both elements in Paul's argument: "we are not responsible for our salvation, but we are responsible for our condemnation." He explains that salvation is "entirely the result of the sovereign will of God" and "solely the result of the election of God," while condemnation comes through human rejection and disobedience. As he summarizes: "Salvation is all of God. And yet a man, by disobeying can bring down upon himself condemnation."

What warning does Dr. Lloyd-Jones give about interpreting statements about Israel in Romans 11?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that we must keep in mind that Paul is "dealing with Israel as a nation and as a people" rather than focusing on individuals. He explains: "Get rid of the notion of individuals. He's dealing with the nation as a whole. He's dealing with the nation as an entity." He notes that general statements about a nation don't necessarily apply to every individual within it, just as when we say "everybody's doing something" we don't literally mean every single person.

The Book of Romans

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.

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