We are reminded that, in light of the grace God has shown, our responsibility toward one another is to be governed by the faith. We learn that we are to have a humble perspective about who we are and where our gifts have come from. Our spiritual resources are for the building of His kingdom.

Paul urges these Roman believers to respond rationally to God’s mercy. First, by offering themselves as His disciples—willing to die to themselves. Second, he calls them to pursue spiritual transformation. All believers can experience the power of their former lives being broken as they renew their minds through God’s Word.

By Him and through Him, the glorious mystery of reconciling Jew and Gentile to Himself will be completed. We must guard against unbelieving hearts and remember that the natural branches can be grafted back into the tree.

God has made many promises to Israel. Because of unbelief, some were broken off, making room for Gentiles to be grafted into the kingdom. Yet Scripture gives a stern warning: we must guard our hearts, for if we do not remain in faith, we too can be broken off.

Romans 1:1-11

God has not cast away His people; He foreknew them and has always reserved for Himself a remnant. Election is attained by grace through faith. Self-righteousness has blinded many, but this grace is made available to all. And we who have received Him are joined with Israel as we believe in the Messiah.

The Mission

Jesus came to save mankind from the consequences of sin. Anyone who believes in Him and calls on His name will be saved. Faith to believe comes from hearing the Word of God, yet we are also given free will and may choose to reject Christ, who is the Word.

Israel put their trust in their own righteousness and failed to submit to God’s righteous Son. What God asks of all of us is not too hard: we are to keep confessing and keep believing.

Chosen

Though the Jews were God’s chosen people, many rejected the Messiah. God demonstrated His sovereignty by executing His plan of salvation through their rejection, drawing to Himself all who would receive Him.

God Is Always Fair

Through His foreknowledge, God sovereignly “sets aside” Esau and extends grace to Jacob. It is through Jacob that the nations will be blessed. In this study, we see that God uses the hardness of human hearts to accomplish His purposes.

What About Israel?

The rejection of Christ has brought deep heartache to Israel, God’s elect. True Israel to be ruled by God. As we walk through the next three chapters, we will learn what our attitude and relationship should be toward God’s ancient people.