Exposition of Romans 9-11 (NKJV)

Romans 9:1-5

Paul begins by expressing his sorrow for Israel’s unbelief. He declares that despite being the chosen people, many of the Israelites have not accepted Christ. He speaks of the privileges Israel had—adoption, glory, covenants, the law, service of God, and promises—and most importantly, the ancestry of Christ.

• Verse 1: Paul’s deep sorrow over Israel’s rejection of Christ highlights his heart for his people.

• Verse 4: “Who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption…” Israel had a unique relationship with God through covenant, but they missed the fulfillment in Christ.

Application: Paul’s anguish for Israel teaches us to have a burden for those who don’t know Christ, even when they come from a spiritually rich heritage. This is a call to evangelism and intercessory prayer for the lost.

Romans 9:6-13

Paul asserts that God’s promises to Israel have not failed. Not all who are descended from Israel are true Israel. Paul uses the examples of Isaac and Jacob to show that God’s purposes in election are not based on human effort or ancestry, but on God’s sovereign choice.

• Verse 11: “For the children not yet being born… that the purpose of God according to election might stand…” This shows that God’s election is not based on works, but on His sovereign will.

• Verse 13: “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” This stark statement illustrates the depth of God’s sovereign choice, but it also challenges us to trust God’s perfect justice and mercy.

Application: God’s election reminds us that salvation is entirely by grace, not by human effort. His sovereign choice should lead us to humility and gratitude.

Romans 9:14-18

Paul anticipates objections about God’s justice and addresses them directly. He argues that God is not unjust in His dealings, for He has mercy on whom He wills and hardens whom He wills. The example of Pharaoh demonstrates God’s sovereignty over human decisions.

• Verse 15: “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy…” This affirms God’s sovereign right to dispense grace.

• Verse 17: Pharaoh is an example of someone whom God raised up to display His power.

Application: While the doctrine of election is difficult, it emphasizes God’s grace and mercy. He is never unjust in His actions, even when His choices go beyond our understanding.

Romans 9:19-24

Paul deals with the objection that humans cannot be held responsible if God is sovereign. He uses the metaphor of the potter and the clay, showing that God, as Creator, has the right to do as He pleases with His creation.

• Verse 20: “But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God?” This verse warns against questioning God’s sovereignty.

• Verse 23: God’s desire is to make known “the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy.”

Application: God’s sovereignty should inspire awe and reverence, not defiance. As finite creatures, we must trust in God’s perfect wisdom and justice.

Romans 9:25-29

Paul quotes Hosea and Isaiah to show that God’s plan includes not only Jews but also Gentiles. This fulfills the prophecy that those who were not God’s people would become His people.

• Verse 25: Paul references Hosea’s prophecy to show God’s mercy in calling Gentiles into His covenant.

• Verse 27: Isaiah foretold that only a remnant of Israel would be saved.

Application: God’s inclusion of Gentiles in salvation shows His mercy and faithfulness. We are reminded that God’s purposes always prevail, even when His ways are surprising.

Romans 9:30-33

Israel pursued righteousness through the law and failed because they sought it by works, not by faith. The Gentiles, who did not pursue it, received righteousness by faith. Christ became a stumbling block to Israel because they sought justification through the law.

• Verse 32: “They sought it not by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law.”

• Verse 33: Paul uses Isaiah to show how Christ became a stumbling block for Israel.

Application: Righteousness comes only through faith in Christ. Legalism and reliance on works lead to spiritual failure, while simple trust in Christ leads to life.

Romans 10:1-4

Paul continues to express his desire for Israel’s salvation. However, they are ignorant of God’s righteousness, attempting to establish their own by keeping the law. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

• Verse 3: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness…”

• Verse 4: “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness…”

Application: Salvation is found only in Christ. Any attempt to achieve righteousness apart from Him leads to failure. This points to the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus.

Romans 10:5-13

Paul contrasts the righteousness of the law with the righteousness of faith. He explains that salvation is near, accessible to anyone who believes in their heart and confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord.

• Verse 9: “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

• Verse 13: “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Application: The simplicity of the gospel is that anyone can be saved by faith in Christ. It is not based on human effort or merit but on calling on the name of Jesus.

Romans 10:14-21

Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel so that people can hear and believe. However, Israel has heard and still rejected the message. Paul quotes Isaiah to show that God has been reaching out to Israel, but they have been disobedient.

• Verse 15: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace…”

• Verse 21: “But to Israel, He says: ‘All day long I have stretched out My hands…’”

Application: Evangelism is crucial. People cannot believe unless they hear the gospel, and the gospel must be proclaimed through those who are sent. This calls the church to active participation in missions.

Romans 11:1-10

Paul explains that God has not rejected Israel. There is a remnant chosen by grace, just as in Elijah’s time. Most of Israel has been hardened, but the elect have obtained righteousness.

• Verse 5: “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

• Verse 7: “The elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.”

Application: God’s faithfulness to Israel shows His commitment to His promises. Even when people fail, God preserves a remnant, reminding us that His purposes will not be thwarted.

Romans 11:11-24

Paul explains that Israel’s rejection is not final. Their stumbling has allowed salvation to come to the Gentiles, but Israel will be grafted back in if they do not continue in unbelief. Gentiles are warned not to boast but to remain humble.

• Verse 11: “Through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.”

• Verse 17: The olive tree analogy illustrates the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.

Application: Gentile believers are called to humility and gratitude for their inclusion in God’s plan. God’s mercy extends to all who believe, and there is always hope for restoration.

Romans 11:25-36

Paul reveals the mystery of Israel’s partial hardening until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. All Israel will be saved, meaning the future turning of the Jewish people to Christ. Paul concludes with a doxology, praising God’s unsearchable wisdom and knowledge.

• Verse 26: “And so all Israel will be saved…”

• Verse 33: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”

Application: God’s plan for Israel and the Gentiles displays His wisdom and mercy. The future hope of Israel’s salvation encourages perseverance in prayer and evangelism. Ultimately, all glory belongs to God.

Evaluation of Romans 9-11 with Relevant Quotes

C.S. Lewis:

In “The Problem of Pain,” Lewis touches on the mystery of suffering and God’s will: “The doctrine of Total Depravity—when the consequences are drawn—is merely the statement that man is a rebel, who must lay down his arms.” This mirrors Paul’s argument in Romans 9 about human rebellion and the necessity of God’s sovereign grace. Israel’s stumbling shows that without God’s intervention, humanity cannot come to faith on its own.

John MacArthur:

John MacArthur, in his commentary on Romans, states, “The sovereignty of God is the foundation of all theology. If you deny God’s sovereignty, you must also deny His omniscience, His omnipotence, and all His other attributes.” MacArthur emphasizes Romans 9-11 as the ultimate demonstration of God’s sovereignty over salvation. God’s choice of Israel, His inclusion of Gentiles, and His future plans for both groups display His perfect will and power. MacArthur reminds us that God’s sovereign plan should humble us and drive us to worship, as Paul does in the doxology of Romans 11.

Conclusion:

Romans 9-11 presents a powerful message about God’s sovereignty, Israel’s rejection and future restoration, and the inclusion of the Gentiles. These chapters teach us to trust in God’s plan, rely on His grace, and engage actively in sharing the gospel. Both C.S. Lewis and John MacArthur offer insights that deepen our understanding of God’s justice, mercy, and sovereignty over salvation.