The Surety of Israel's Restoration 

Scripture Reading: Romans 11:16-25.

Memory Verse: "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me." (Micah 7:8).

Introduction: "Paul now comes to the final summation of his argument that both Jews and Gentiles have to be objects of God's mercy and love. 'For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.' Our English word 'concluded' is a translation of a very picturesque Greek word. Paul actually says that God has 'hemmed us in,' 'imprisoned us,' or 'shut us up in the place of disobedience.' One should think that this would merit His wrath and His total abandonment of us. Paul points out, however, that God concludes us all under sin in order that He might show mercy to us. From our study of this portion of the epistle, we can well understand why we should be on our way to hell, whether we be Jews or Gentiles. What we shall never understand is why we should be saved. Who can explain the reason for His love? Who can hope to fathom the depths of His mercy? Who is really worthy of His grace?
  No one is worthy, declares the Apostle Paul. Gentiles are no better than Jews, and Jews are no better than Gentiles. 'What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise, for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one, there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one' (Romans 3:9-12). Since the Scripture concludes us all under sin, the promise by faith in Jesus Christ is extended to all men that they might believe . . .
  "God is the God of mercy. He expressed this mercy in times past when He cared for His ancient people Israel . . . [and] God will be the God of mercy in the future as He restores His ancient people, who are now in disobedient unbelief, to a position of glory and fellowship with Him."--The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible, Romans, Volume 7, p. 209

Lesson Questions:

1. Why did God reveal the future of Israel to Gentile believers? Romans 11:25a; 12:16; 1 Corinthians 8:2; Proverbs 26:12.

2. What surety is given that Israel will be restored? Romans 11:25b,26; Deuteronomy 30:3; Micah 2:12; Zechariah 10:6; 12:10.

3. What new covenant will God establish with Israel? Romans 11:27; Jeremiah 31:31; Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 8:8-13; 12:24.

4. For what two reasons does God still love His chosen people? Romans 11:28,29; Psalm 33:11; 102:27; Malachi 3:6.
That God still loves Israel is proved by the statement "they [the Jews] are beloved for the father's sake." They were a people with unusual faith in God and knew Him personally and intimately--God would never forget a people who loved Him like that. In addition, God is unchangeable, therefore every gift which was promised Israel shall be given.

5. If the Gentiles came to know God through the Jews' unbelief, how much more shall be shown mercy through the mercy of the Gentiles?
Romans 11:30,31.

6. For what great reason was it necessary for God to conclude all men together in unbelief? Romans 11:32; Joel 2:13; Micah 7:18; Psalm 103:17.

7. Consider God's overwhelming superiority in wisdom and knowledge over men. Romans 11:33-35; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Job 11:7; 35:7; 1 Corinthians 2:16; 1:25-31.

8. Discuss how God is the source, the means, and the end of all things. Romans 11:36; Revelation 4:11; 1:8; 21:5-8; Hebrews 12:2; Colossians 2:16-18; Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3.