The appropriate response to grace is praise!

The Apostle Paul expresses great anguish at the beginning of chapter 9 of Romans concerning Jewish rejection of Jesus as Messiah. At the end of chapter 11, he breaks out with praise to God with a doxology. Paul is overwhelmed by God’s mystery concerning grace shown to Jews and Gentiles, alike.

He marvels at God’s gracious plan of setting aside Israel for a time while God’s mercy and grace is poured out on Gentiles. The plan includes future restoration of Israel to its place of prominence not because of her obedience but despite her disobedience. British chaplain and theologian C. E. B. Cranfield rightly addresses God’s dealing with mankind, . . .men are imprisoned in their disobedience in such a way that they have no possibility of escape except as God’s mercy releases them.

Romans 11 portrays God as sovereign and good, a Creator who can’t be fully understood but who can be fully trusted. Take time to study Romans 11:25-36 at crimsonministries.org under the Books of the Bible tab. Get a fresh glimpse of our gracious God and respond with heartfelt praise.

There is no arrogance in grace!

Romans 11:11-24 is a continuation of Paul’s discourse concerning the relationship of Jews and Gentile Christians. It is interesting that Paul noted arrogance on the part of Gentile believers. Some believed that God judged the nation of Israel so Gentiles could receive God’s blessing. That sounds like an arrogant thought concerning our great God.

How could Christians in the time of Paul be so self-centered? Well, I fear that hasn’t changed for many Christians today. Too often, we have the genie concept of God. Rub the lamp and God will meet all of my needs since I am the center of His universe. Douglas Moo declares, It is the egotism of Gentile Christians who present God’s manifold plan as having the salvation of themselves as its focus that Paul wishes to expose and criticize.

Arrogance is not compatible with grace. All we have received or ever will receive is unmerited. He loves us dearly as He so well-proved at the cross. He works all things together for good for those who seek Him by faith. Don’t make the mistake of adding arrogance to grace.

Study Romans 11:11-24 at crimsonministries.org under the Books of the Bible tab. Time spent understanding grace and rejecting arrogance, is time well-spent.

The Beauty of Grace

The nation of Israel had a zeal for God that was misdirected. They attempted to gain the righteousness of God by works but God has always called people to Himself by faith. As Christians, we may read Romans 11 and feel sorrow for the misdirected nation of Israel. I encourage you to study this passage with an eye on yourself.

After many years of ministry, I believe too many Christians are seeking God by doing, by working, by striving to gain favor with God. How refreshing it is to come to the place where you realize that favor with God comes by means of God’s grace received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus declared in Matthew 11:29-30, Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

It is easy to jump onto the treadmill of works. The world is about doing more, being more productive, excelling at all costs. The nation of Israel missed the mark not by not doing enough but by trying to do too much, replacing grace with works. Don’t make that mistake. God does not need us. He wants us. He does not need my work. He wants my heart.

Study Romans 11:1-10 at crimsonministries.org under the Books of the Bible tab. Despite Israel’s failure as a nation to earn the righteousness of God, there is always a remnant who sticks to God’s plan of grace. May that be true for you and me.