Introduction
In chapters 9-11, Paul discusses Israel’s spiritual history: past (chapter 9), present (chapter 10), and future (chapter 11). His purpose is to explain how God could set aside Israel and save the Gentiles, and how He will restore Israel at some future date.
Israel’s Election Described, vv. 1-13
A. Blessings of the Election, vv. 1-5
1. Adoption, chosen by God because of His love, Isaiah 43:20-21
2. Glory, the presence of God in the Tabernacle, Exodus 24:16-17
3. Covenants through Abraham, Moses, and David
4. The Law: God never dealt with Gentiles in this way. Israel heard God’s voice and received His laws.
5. Priestly service in the Tabernacle was a privilege.
6. Many OT promises fulfilled and more to be fulfilled for Israel.
7. The Patriarchs formed the foundation for Israel.
8. The Messiah was a Jew, born according to the Law. See Exodus 32:5.
Israel took these blessings for granted and rejected the righteousness of God for their own righteousness.
The Christian today also belongs to God’s elect and has blessings to enjoy: adoption, New Covenant in Christ’s blood, the Law written on the heart, priesthood of each believer, and Abraham as our father of faith.
B. The Basis of the Election, vv. 6-13
God exercises His will to accomplish His perfect plan. That is election. The election of Israel is national, not individual.
1. Abraham had many children (Genesis 25:1-6), but only one chosen son, Isaac, who was the child of promise by faith.
2. Isaac–while Ishmael was a child of the flesh through human work, Isaac was the child of promise by faith. The true “seed of Abraham” are the believers, not all those who have Jewish blood.
3. Jacob–God bypassed Esau, the firstborn, and chose Jacob. This choice was made before the children were born. Why? To show that God’s purpose in electing Israel would be fulfilled. Esau made the choice to rebel against God, but God’s purpose does not depend on man’s decisions.
Israel’s Election Defended, vv. 14-33
A. Is God unrighteous / not fair? No! vv. 14-18
B. Why does God find fault if none can resist His will? vv. 19-29
1. Hosea 1:10 and 2:23 shows that God promised to call a “people” form the Gentiles, a people to be called “children of the living God.” This is the church, see 1 Peter 2:9-10.
2. Isaiah 10:22-23 shows that a remnant of Jews would also be saved, see Isaiah 1:9.
3. God’s election makes it possible for both Jews and Gentiles to be saved by His grace.
C. What shall we say about the Gentiles? vv. 30-33
1. The Jews
a. tried to be righteous by works, but were rejected;
b. stumbled over a crucified Messiah, preferring a Messiah to lead the nation to political freedom and glory.
2. The Gentiles did not have the privileges the Jews had, but are received by their faith.
Conclusion
Paul’s purpose in this chapter is to explain Israel’s position in the plan of God. Israel was an elect nation, given privileges that no other nation had; yet it failed miserably to follow God’s program of blessing for the world. The entire chapter exalts the sovereign grace of God without minimizing the responsibility of men and women for making right decisions. God’s Word will prevail regardless of human disobedience; but disobedient sinners will miss the blessing. No human mind can fathom or explain the wisdom of God (see Romans 11:33-36), but this we know: without the sovereign grace of God, there would be no salvation.
–Outline from Warren Wiersbe