Lesson 4751

(Lesson 4751) (02-06-25) Romans 11:22-36 

   “Behold 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. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For 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. And 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: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” 

 

    Today’s quote highlights both the goodness and severity of God—severity toward those who fell (unbelieving Jews) and goodness toward those who remain in faith (believing Jews and Gentiles). Paul warned that if the Gentiles turned to unbelief, they too would be cut off, just as Israel had been. However, he assured that if Israel did not continue in unbelief, God was able to graft them back in, since they were the natural branches. Paul emphasized that a partial hardening had come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles had come in and that ultimately, all Isreal would be saved, as prophesied in Scripture. He explained that Israel’s disobedience had led to mercy being extended to the Gentiles, but in the end, God would also show mercy to Israel. Paul concluded by marveling at the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge, affirming that everything is from Him, through Him, and to Him, and that to Him be the glory forever. ~ 

Lesson 4750

 (Lesson 4750) (02-05-25) Romans 11:13-21 

   “I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.” 

 

   Today’s quote addressed the Gentiles, as Paul magnified his ministry in hopes of provoking some of his fellow Jews to believe in Jesus Christ and eternal salvation. He explained that if Israel’s rejection had brought reconciliation to the world, their acceptance would be even more glorious. Using the analogy of an olive tree, he stated that if the root was holy, so were the branches. Some branches (unbelieving Jews) had been broken off, and Gentiles were grafted in among them. However, he warned the Gentiles not to brag about their position, reminding them that they did not support the root, but the root supported them. If branches were broken off due to unbelief, and Gentiles stood by faith, they should not be arrogant but rather, they should fear God. Paul cautioned that if God did not spare the natural branches, He would not spare the Gentiles either, emphasizing the importance of humility and faith.” 

lesson 4749

 (Lesson 4749) (02-04-25) Romans 11:7-12 

    What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written: "God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, To this very day." And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, A stumbling block and a recompense to them. Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, And bow down their back always." I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!” 

 

   Today’s lesson explains that Israel, as a whole, had not obtained what it sought, but the elect had obtained it while the rest were intentionally blinded. Paul referenced Scripture, stating that God had given the nation of the Jews a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear. David had also prophesied that their own law would become a snare, a trap, a stumbling block, and recompense, and that their eyes would be darkened to the truth. 

Paul then asked whether their stumbling meant their complete fall, and he immediately answered, “Certainly not” Instead, their fall had led to salvation for the gentiles, and to provoke the future Jews to jealousy. He concluded by stating that if Israel’s fall had brought riches to the world, how much greater then, would their full restoration be. ~ 

 

Lesson 4748

 (Lesson 4748) (02-03-25) Romans 11:1-6 

   “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, "Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life"? But what does the divine response say to him? "I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.” 

 

   Today’s quote affirms that God had not rejected the Jews, as Paul himself was an Jew from the tribe of Benjamin. He referenced Elijah’s plea to God, when Elijah thought he was the only faithful one left, but God had preserved 7,000 men who had not bowed to Baal. Paul explained that, similarly, there was a remnant of the Jews who were chosen by grace. He emphasized that salvation was by grace, not works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace. This passage highlights God’s faithfulness and the fact that righteousness comes through His grace, not human effort. ~ 

Lesson 4747

(Lesson 4747) (02-02-25) Romans 10:14-21 

   “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world." But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation." But Isaiah is very bold and says: "I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me." But to Israel he says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people."” 

 

   Today’s quote describes Paul’s hope that his ministry to the Gentiles might provoke some of his fellow Jews to accept God’s plan for eternal  salvation. He explained that if their rejection of Christ could led to the reconciliation of the world, their acceptance of Him would be even greater. Paul warned the Gentiles who believed, not to boast over the Jews, reminding them that the Jews were broken off so the Gentiles could be grafted in. However, he cautioned that the Jews were removed due to unbelief, and the Gentiles stood by faith, urging them not to be arrogant but to fear God. Finally, he reminded them that if God did not spare the Jews, He would not spare them either, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to Jesus Christ. ~  

Lesson 4746

(Lesson 4746) (02-01-25) Romans 10:11-13 

   “For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."” 

 

   Today’s lesson emphasizes the universal availability of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Verse 11 declares that whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame, affirming the certainty of salvation for all who trust in Christ. Verse 12 reinforces that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, meaning that salvation is offered to everyone equally, as the Lord is rich to all who call on Him. Finally, verse 13 powerfully states that whosoever calls on Jesus will be saved. This passage confirms that salvation is open to all, regardless of who you are, and can ONLY be obtained through faith in Jesus Christ. ~