Called by God
This study includes references to Old Testament passages. Elijah's appeal to God against Israel is recorded
in 1 Kings 19:10–18. The prophet Isaiah's prediction that God would punish hard–hearted people is found in Isaiah
6:9–13. Romans 11:8 is based on Deuteronomy 29:4 and Isaiah 29:10. Verses 9 and 10 are taken from Psalm 69:22,
23.
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. Think of a time when you were given a special honor or privilege. How did that recognition make you
feel?
Bible Reading
Read Romans 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed
of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the
scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy
prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer
of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace,
then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace:
otherwise work is no more work. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election
hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber,
eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their
table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened,
that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall?
God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles;
how much more their fulness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify
mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life
from the dead?
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. Why did people think that God must have rejected the Israelites?
3. What does God's answer to Elijah show us?
4. How do people try to earn God's grace?
5. Why are some people open to the Good News and others are closed?
6. Why can we be confident that God's grace is for all who will receive it?
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
The fact that God has chosen some to be saved does not mean that He has chosen the rest to be lost. The world
is already lost and dead in sins. If left to ourselves, all of us would be condemned eternally. The question is,
Does God have a right to stoop down, take a handful of already doomed clay, and fashion a vessel of beauty out
of it? Of course He does. C. R. Erdman put it in right perspective when he said, “God's sovereignty is never exercised
in condemning men who ought to be saved, but rather it has resulted in the salvation of men who ought to be lost.”
The only way people can know if they are among the elect is by trusting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (1 Thessalonians.
1:4–7). God holds people responsible to accept the Savior by an act of the will. In reproving those Jews who did
not believe, Jesus placed the blame on their will. He did not say, “You cannot come to Me because you are
not chosen.” Rather, He did say, “You are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (John
5:40, emphasis added).
The real question of a believer is not, Does the sovereign God have the right to choose people to be saved?
Rather, it is, Why did He choose me? This should make a person a worshiper for all eternity.
(From Alone in Majesty by William MacDonald)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. What hope does God offer to all people?
8. What can you learn from this passage about God's sovereignty and our responsibility?
9. What things does this passage make you feel grateful for?
Prayer
O Sovereign God, you are beyond our understanding. Your ways are perfect; your unlimited mercy astounds us.
Thank you for calling us to yourself and claiming us for your own. Teach us to trust you more, to love you deeply,
and to turn to you in humility every day.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
How have I responded to God's call on my life?
Additional Questions
10. How are some people misled about the true way of salvation?
11. In what different things do people put their hope for salvation?
12. Why is it important that we not take our salvation for granted?
For more Bible passages on the way God chooses to save, see Deuteronomy 9:4, 5; Romans 2:4; 8:28, 29; Ephesians
1:4–6, 11; 2:8, 9; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4; Titus 3:4, 5.
To complete the book of Romans during this twelve-part study, read Romans 11:1–36.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of Romans by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing.
