December 10: Romans 11-13

December 10, Romans 11-13

Romans Continued… Again, all of today’s summaries will be by Bakers Commentary… To be truthful, as much as I thoroughly enjoy doing the summary/commentary everyday, the content and application found in Romans is at another level - so I don’t feel as though I am cheating God or you by leaning on a very solid commentary. Live out your life for Christ. My thoughts are at the end.

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable…”

Romans 11 “Since chapter 10 closed with a description of Israel as disobedient and obstinate, it is not surprising that chapter 11 starts with the question, “Did God reject his people?” Did he in his wrath completely and irrevocably thrust Israel away from himself?

Paul answers, “God did not reject his people whom he foreknew,” that is, on whom, from before the founding of the universe, he had set his love. “Look at me,” says Paul, as it were. “I am an Israelite, and God did not reject me.” He implies: there is always a remnant chosen by God. In fact, does not verse 5 suggest this thought?

This was true in the days of Elijah, as related in 1 Kings 19:1–18. When the disconsolate prophet complained that he alone had remained faithful and that his life too was in jeopardy, the Lord told him, “I have left for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

As to those Israelites who did not respond favorably to God’s gracious invitations but hardened their hearts against the gospel, God “gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes not to see, and ears not to hear, to this very day.” Cf. Deut. 29:4; Isa. 6:9. To such people the words of David (see Ps. 69:22, 23) apply, “Let their table become a snare before them, a retribution and a stumbling block,” etc.

All this is summarized in the words of Rom. 11:7, “What Israel is seeking so earnestly it has not obtained, but the elect have obtained it. The others were hardened” (verses 1–10).

Does this mean then that for these hardened ones, who as yet have not displayed any signs of having been elected from eternity, there is no hope? It does not.

We now learn that God gathers to himself a remnant even from this sin-hardened majority. Paul asks, “Did they stumble so as to fall?” He answers, “Of course not! Rather, because of their trespass salvation (has come) to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.” This shows that it was not final, irrevocable doom God had in mind when he initially hardened the hearts of those who had hardened themselves. On the contrary, God was using even Israel’s trespass in order to serve as a link in the chain of salvation, so as to save both Gentile and Jew.

“Because of their trespass salvation (has come) to the Gentiles.” When the apostle wrote these words he must have vividly recalled how previously he and Barnabas had told the Jews in Pisidian Antioch, “Since you reject the word of God … we now turn to the Gentiles.” Subsequently similar words were spoken and actions taken.

But that was not the end of the story. The salvation which thus came to the Gentiles filled some of the hardened Jews with envy. They began to yearn for the peace and joy that had come to the Gentiles who had yielded their hearts and lives to the Savior. Result: some of these Jews were now also gathered into the fold, thereby proving that they too had been elected from eternity. Now if even Israel’s spiritual defeat had brought riches to the Gentiles, as had actually occurred, was occurring, and was going to occur, then surely Israel’s arrival at full strength—the salvation, during the course of the centuries of the full number of Israelites destined for life everlasting—would progressively result in an abundance of blessings for the entire world.

That Paul, in saying these things, is not thinking of what will take place at history’s close, but of what has been happening and is occurring right along, is clear from verses 13, 14, “Inasmuch as I am an apostle to (the) Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry, in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.”

For the Israelites who had previously experienced God’s punishment the consciousness that they are now accepted by God and are a blessing to mankind amounted to nothing less than “life from the dead.”

They knew that they had been set apart to render service to God. In fact, of old the entire nation of Israel had been thus consecrated to God. Were they not all descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with whom and with whose descendants God had established his covenant? Surely, if the cake offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. If the patriarchs had been set apart to render service to God, as was true, this held also with respect to their offspring.

But this did not mean that every Israelite was marked by inner holiness. Some of the “branches,” that is, people, revealed the opposite character. They were branches that had to be, and were, lopped off the olive tree.

Such unfaithfulness seemed to give this or that rather arrogant Gentile church-member the excuse to say, “Branches were lopped off that I myself might be grafted in.” Paul answers, “True! But it was for lack of faith that they were lopped off, and it is by faith that you stand. Don’t be arrogant but fear!… For if you were cut out of an olive tree that was wild by nature, and, contrary to nature, were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural olive branches, be grafted (back) into their own olive tree?” (verses 11–24).

Paul continues, “For I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited, that a hardening has come upon part of Israel (and will last) until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in.” He means: throughout the ages a portion of the Jews is hardened, the others are saved. Reflecting on the marvelous manner in which God gathers the various remnants that constitute the collective body of those saved Israelites, he calls this chain of salvation, with its various links, “the mystery.” It was indeed a mystery, for Paul could never have discovered it if God had not revealed it to him. For more on this mystery see Rom. 11:11, 12, 31, and pp. 366, 367, 377, 378, 384, 385. Paul adds, “And so—that is, in this manner—all Israel, the entire body of elect Jews, will be saved.”

By referring to Old Testament passages—Isa. 59:20; 27:9; 59:21, in that order, and probably also Mic. 5:2; Jer. 31:31 f.—the apostle proves that the truth he is proclaiming is not a novelty but rests upon the solid foundation of Scripture. The coming and work of the Deliverer had assured sin’s removal.

Those who previously had been enemies of the gospel had, accordingly, become friends, beloved ones. This had been brought about through the effectuation of the divine decree of election and the fulfillment of the promises made to the forefathers. Moreover, the state of being saved, once a reality, would never be lost; for “irrevocable are God’s gracious gifts and his calling.”

In verses 30, 31 Paul summarizes the mysterious ways of God, issuing in the salvation of the full number of Gentiles and of “all Israel.” In verse 32 he adds, “For God has locked up all in the prison of disobedience in order that he may have mercy on them all” (verses 25–32).

Contemplation of God’s wonderful plan of redemption causes the apostle to conclude this chapter with a meaningful doxology. It may be conveniently divided into three parts: (a) verse 33; (b) verses 34, 35; and (c) verse 36.

Verse 33 is an exclamation in praise of God’s wisdom and knowledge. Paul is probably reflecting especially on these divine qualities as revealed in the plan of redemption and in the manner in which that plan is carried out. He is sure of the fact that the way of salvation decreed by God and the manner in which this salvation is realized in human lives surpasses anything mere human beings could ever have devised.

In verses 34 and 35 the author praises the divine self-sufficiency or independence. Who can compare with God? Who has ever imparted any wisdom or knowledge to him or helped him in any way in originating and/or carrying out the plan of salvation? No one, of course. Therefore the glory belongs to him alone.

Accordingly in verse 36 Paul ascribes glory to him who is the source, accomplisher, and goal of man’s salvation.

To this sincere and thrilling doxology the writer attaches his very personal and enthusiastic word of solemn affirmation and approval: AMEN (verses 33–36).”

Romans 12 “When we arrive at chapter 12 we have reached the beginning of this letter’s Practical Application, covering chapters 12–16. Chapter 12 consists of three well-defined sections, the second of which readily divides itself into two parts.

In the first of the three sections the apostle lovingly—note the word “brothers”—exhorts those whom he addresses to offer themselves to God as sacrifices which, in his sight, are living, holy, and well-pleasing. This first section, accordingly describes what should be the attitude of believers to God. They should render the wholehearted spiritual worship that is due him in view of “the great mercy” he has bestowed on them. As chapters 1–11 have shown, solely on the basis of divine grace, that is, the unmerited divine favor manifested in Christ’s substitutionary self-sacrifice, believers have been declared righteous before God.

In keeping with this need of responsive wholehearted devotion, to be rendered by those who had been so abundantly blessed, is the exhortation that the addressed—which includes us all—in their life-style must no longer allow themselves to be outwardly conformed or fashioned after the pattern of this (evil) age, but instead must permit themselves to undergo a progressive and positive inner change, so as to become more and more Christlike. The goal and result of this inner transformation will be that they will prove—that is, will perceive, experience, and delight in—that which in the sight of God is good, well-pleasing, and perfect; that is, that which is in accordance with his will (verses 1 and 2).

In the first part of the second section—the section in which Paul describes what should be the attitude of believers to fellow-believers—it is made clear that progressive transformation will be impossible for those who, in their arrogance, imagine that they have already arrived. “Be and remain humble,” is the essence of the exhortation. The saints must realize that the church resembles the human body, in which each part has a distinct function and none is self-sufficient. Similar is the situation in the church: each member needs the others. Each member should use his divinely imparted gift or gifts for the advantage of all the others. A list of seven gifts-functions follows, namely, that of prophesying, rendering practical service (probably in the capacity of deacon), teaching, exhorting, contributing to those in need (private benevolence), exercising leadership (probably as an elder), and showing mercy (as a visitor to the sick, etc.).

These tasks should be performed in accordance with the standard of faith (mentioned in connection with prophesying), without ulterior motive (in contributing to the needs of others), with diligence (in this manner exercising leadership), and (in connection with showing mercy) with cheerfulness (verses 3–8).

In the second part of this same section Paul emphasizes the supreme importance of love, here especially “brotherly love.” Believers should prefer one another in honor. For further light on this see Phil. 2:3. The exercise of this virtue is possible only when believers have learned to know themselves.

This exhortation is followed by a miscellaneous group of admonitions, urging the exercise of Spirit-imparted virtues; such as enthusiasm, joy, hope, endurance, and prayer. The necessity of helping to relieve the needs of the saints is again stressed (see what has been said on this subject in connection with verses 7 and 8). In view of the fact that Paul will soon be starting out on his journey to Jerusalem with gifts (collected from several churches) for the poor saints in that city (Rom. 15:25; Acts 24:17), this emphasis is not surprising. Moreover, when Paul thinks about traveling—not just his own but that of many gospel witnesses—the exhortation, “Eagerly practice hospitality,” fits in very well at this point (verses 9–13).

The final section (verses 14–21) shows what should be the believers’ attitude to outsiders, including even enemies. In the midst of his own people, and even of people in general, the Christian should rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, remain humble, showing this by readily associating with humble folk, and, as far as consonant with Christian principles, should live in peace with everybody. He should see to it that his affairs are right, so that nobody can accuse him of wrong-doing, and all will be impressed by his lofty moral-spiritual idealism.

In this connection there is one virtue Paul praises above all else, and, in varying phraseology, mentions again and again (verses 14, 17, 19–21). It is the virtue of never returning evil for evil but always good for evil. One should invoke God’s blessing on persecutors, and by means of kindness strive to “heap coals of fire upon the heads” of those who had made the saints the objects of their cruelty. Yes, one should try to make these bitter opponents ashamed of themselves, so that, as a result they, in sorrow, flee to God for refuge. In this connection study the example of Joseph (Gen. 45:1–15; 50:15–21); Elisha (2 Kings 6:20–23); Stephen (Acts 7:59, 60), and, above all, Jesus (Luke 23:34).”

Romans 13 “Having commented on the believers’ proper attitude to God, to fellow-believers, and to outsiders (including enemies), Paul now describes how God’s children should relate to governing authorities. He states that these rulers have been ordained by God, so that those who oppose them are resisting God’s ordinance. Moreover, the addressed should bear in mind that magistrates have by God been appointed to promote the interests of the people over whom they were placed in charge. Therefore, in order to avoid God’s wrath and also for the sake of conscience those for whom Paul’s letter was written—believers in every age—should submit themselves to the civil authorities. Those who follow the opposite course better remember that they are opposing God himself; also, that the magistrate does not bear his sword in vain.

Taxes too, of whatever kind, should be paid, and those who judiciously and faithfully collect them should be respected. This section closes with the words, “Pay to all whatever you owe (them): tax to whom tax (is due), custom to whom custom, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor” (verses 1–7).

Having just a moment ago stated, “Pay to all whatever you owe (them),” Paul now adds, “Do not keep on owing anyone anything except to love one another.” Thus he condemns the practice of those who are ever ready to borrow and ever slow to repay; emphasizes that the debt of love we owe to others can never be repaid in full; and makes clear that in our loving embrace we should not only include fellow-believers but anyone at all whom God has placed in our path for help and protection of any kind. He says, “For this, ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there may be, is summed up in the saying, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Paul closes this section with the striking understatement, “Love does no harm to the neighbor. Therefore the fulfilment of (the) law is love” (verses 8–10).

It is clear, therefore, that we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves because that is what God’s holy law demands. The apostle now adds another reason why we should do this, and probably also why we should strive to live in accordance with all the exhortations found in 12:1 f. (thorough devotion to God, etc.). He writes, “And (do this) especially because you know how critical the time is. The hour has arrived for you to wake up from (your) slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we (first) believed. The night is far advanced; the day is drawing near.” He was undoubtedly referring to the day of Christ’s Return in glory. That what he stated with reference to the imminent character of this great event and of full salvation for both body and soul, to be imparted to all who walk in the light, is true, has been indicated on pp. 445–447. Paul, accordingly, exhorts the addressed to abandon the kind of deeds associated with darkness (orgies, drinking bouts … dissension, jealousy), and, instead, to put on “the armor of light.” In closing this section he states, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ [i.e., strive to attain to full spiritual union with him], and make no provision for (the fulfilment of) the lusts of the flesh” (verses 11–14).”

To sum it all up: 

• As you can tell from todays reading and summary, God will have His way and we are there as part of His plan. What an honor to have the opportunity to be grafted into God through Jesus Christ.
• Because the Jews failed to obey and be faithful to God, us Gentiles now have an opportunity to be one of God’s chosen. God is not done with the Gentiles just yet though… Hear this with humility though - it is not because of our righteousness that we have been able to come to Christ - but it is the imputed righteousness of Jesus that we have this ability and opportunity. 
• When some of the Jews saw the peace that the Gentiles now had in Christ they came to Christ - this is a major lesson for us on how to live our lives - show Christ so that people want what you have! Love your neighbors so much that they see Christ in your life…
• I do not believe that we can lose our salvation once we have been given it by God, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
• Our lives are to literally be a living sacrifice to God. With humility, see yourselves as you really are, by the faith that God has given to you.
• In chapter 12, verses 9-21 - this is a fantastic rendering of what the life of a disciple looks like. I am going to paste it here, so that we can read it again and hope that it permeates our desires:  
• Let love be genuine. 
• Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 
• Love one another with brotherly affection. 
• Outdo one another in showing honor. 
• Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 
• Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 
• Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 
• Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 
• Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 
• Live in harmony with one another. 
• Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. 
• Never be wise in your own sight. 
• Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 
• If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 
• Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
• Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
• Now we live this out.