In Romans chapters 9 and 10, and in the first ten verses of chapter 11, Paul takes great pains to show that God has not cast off His people Israel. He shows that the promises of God have not failed, but rather find their fulfillment in the Lord’s sovereign election. He shows that because Israel sought after its own righteousness rather than seeking Christ by faith, they have not found God, who continues to stretch out His hands to a disobedient and contrary people. And then he shows that God has by grace preserved for Himself a remnant from Israel despite Israel’s persistent pursuit of their own works righteousness. Paul then turns to explain why God has allowed Israel to stumble at the “stumbling stone” of Christ (9:33) – He has done this so that the rest of the world (the Gentiles) might be brought to salvation. He goes further to explain that the salvation of the Gentiles is purposed to provoke Israel to jealousy and ultimately to bring about the salvation of Israel. God is continually working in His grace the salvation of His people, despite their sin and disobedience. We must be thankful for the people of God – both Jew and Gentile – for all comprise the one people of God, our as Paul describes them, “The One Tree.” (Romans 11:11-24).

I. Why Did Israel Stumble?
A. So That Salvation Would Come to the World
B. More Blessings to Come

II. Who Are the People of God?
A. One People of God
B. Rooted in God’s Promises

III. What Does That Mean for Us?
A. Grace Produces Humility
B. Grace Produces Faith

Questions for consideration: (1) What does this passage tell you about the purpose of God? What is the danger in assuming that God must work according to our plan? (2) Why is it important to understand that there is one people of God? What errors come from failing to see this? (3) What does it say about us if we are not humbled by grace?