The Book of Romans :: Become One Righteous Dude

Ironworks / Week 12 Romans 11: A Righteous Branch

Key Verse “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.” Romans 11:18

Paul continues his discussion on the role of grace and law, as well as plea for to come to an understanding – the Messiah has already come and they are saved by grace alone. Paul uplifts Gentiles to know that they have been grafted into God’s family tree. He also cautions Gentiles against undue pride (and even prejudice) against the nation of Israel, because they are only included by virtue of God’s unearned grace.

R-E-J-E-C-T, Find Out What It Means to Me

1. Has God rejected the entire nation of Israel? (Romans 11:1-2) Upon what basis does God reject people? (Jeremiah 15:6, Romans 11:3) For what group does God look in a rebellious people? (Romans 11:4-5) Does a remnant ever stand alone? How did God allay ’s fears about standing alone? (1 Kings 19:18)

2. Can grace be awarded at all by works? (Romans 11:6) Does your understanding of grace include works in it? What does it mean to be elect? (Romans 11:7) What does God’s “keeping for himself 7,000 who have not bowed the knee to ” imply about God’s grace for the elect?

Strange Fruit

1. How does God redeem Israel’s disobedience? (Romans 11:11-12) What parables did tell about this very thing? (Luke 14:15-24) How does Paul, an apostle to the Gentiles, attempt to win the Jews as well? (Romans 11:13-14) What would their acceptance of the Gospel mean? (Romans 11:15)

2. What two things have caused the Gentiles to be included in the family tree of God? (Romans 11:17) Does this leave any room for boasting or arrogance? (Romans 11:18, Ephesians 2:8-9) Why do you think some Christians display this quality? What causes us to remain grafted in? (Romans 11:20)

Hokey Pokey Christians

1. Is God inclined to graft the Jewish people back into the tree again? (Romans 11:23-24) What is implied by calling Gentiles “a wild olive tree” grafted into a “cultivated olive tree?” (Romans 11:24) What does this suggest about human nature apart from the family of God?

2. How does Paul answer the question about the fate of the Jewish people? (Romans 11:25) What does this teach us about God’s covenant? (Romans 11:26-27, 1 Chronicles 16:15-17) Does God make a “full end” or a “partial end” to the tribe of Judah? (Romans 11:25, Jeremiah 46:28)

Bonus Question and Action Step

• What is the difference between reformation and resurrection?

• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone with whom you can share your faith in Jesus Christ.