07 May Present Remnant: Questions for Reflection
Romans 11:11-24 – 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.
As we wrap up our study this week of Romans 11:11-24, I wanted to give you a few additional questions to study this passage of Scripture – for personal study as well as group study.
Personal Study Questions:
- Look up the places where Paul explains his ministry as Apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 1:1-6; Galatians 1:15-16, 2:1-9; Acts 9:15-17, 22:14-21).
- Jewish belief started with Abraham. Who do you look back to as the first link in the chain of faith in your family heritage?
- Paul was given a burden by God for Gentiles. Who has God given you a burden to minister to?
Group Discussion Questions:
- Does anyone in the group know a godly Jewish Christian and how they live out their faith?
- Paul speaks of a group of people we should all be thankful for because of their contribution to our faith heritage. Who would fall into this category for you personally (e.g. godly grandparents or parents)?
- Paul reminds us that we are always one generation away from a falling away from the faith. What can you be doing to encourage the next generation to love and serve Jesus?
To find the free Romans 6-11 digital study guide for individuals and small groups, hear Pastor Mark’s entire sermon series on Romans, or find a free mountain of Bible teaching visit legacy.realfaith.com or download the Real Faith app.
