God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel: God did not reject His people,This phrase emphasizes God's faithfulness to Israel, despite their disobedience. Throughout the Old Testament, God made covenants with the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—promising to be their God and to make their descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). The idea of God not rejecting His people is consistent with His character as a covenant-keeping God (Deuteronomy 7:9). This assurance is echoed in the prophets, such as in Jeremiah 31:37, where God declares that He will not cast off the descendants of Israel. 1Sa 12:22 Indeed, for the sake of His great name… whom He foreknew. The concept of foreknowledge here implies a predetermined relationship and purpose. In biblical terms, to "foreknow" is not merely to foresee but to establish a relationship beforehand. This is seen in passages like Jeremiah 1:5, where God tells Jeremiah that He knew him before he was formed in the womb. In the New Testament, this idea is expanded in Romans 8:29, where those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. This indicates a special, chosen relationship with Israel, rooted in God's sovereign will and purpose. Rom 8:29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined… Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, This reference to Elijah draws from 1 Kings 19, where Elijah, feeling isolated and persecuted, believes he is the only faithful one left in Israel. The mention of Elijah serves as a reminder of God's preservation of a remnant, even when it seems that all have turned away. Elijah's story is a powerful example of God's intervention and encouragement to His prophets and people during times of widespread apostasy. 1Ki 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers… how he appealed to God against Israel: Elijah's appeal to God reflects his deep concern for the spiritual state of Israel. In 1 Kings 19:10, Elijah laments that the Israelites have rejected God's covenant, torn down His altars, and killed His prophets. This appeal is not just a complaint but a plea for God to act in righteousness and justice. It highlights the tension between God's judgment and mercy, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. Elijah's intercession is a type of Christ's own intercession for humanity, as seen in Hebrews 7:25, where Jesus is described as always living to intercede for those who come to God through Him. 1Ki 19:10 I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,… Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe sovereign Creator who has a covenant relationship with Israel and foreknows His people. 2. Israel The nation chosen by God, often seen as His people in the Old Testament, with whom He has made everlasting covenants. 3. Elijah A prophet in the Old Testament who appealed to God during a time of widespread idolatry in Israel. 4. Paul The apostle and author of the Book of Romans, addressing the issue of God's faithfulness to Israel. 5. The Remnant A concept referring to the faithful few within Israel who remain true to God despite widespread apostasy. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessDespite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His promises. This reassures believers of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His covenant people. The Role of the Remnant Throughout history, God has preserved a faithful remnant. This encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing they are part of a larger, enduring community of faith. Understanding Foreknowledge God's foreknowledge is not merely foresight but involves a relational knowing. Believers can find comfort in the fact that God knows them intimately and has a purpose for their lives. The Importance of Intercession Elijah's appeal to God serves as a model for intercessory prayer. Believers are encouraged to pray for their communities and nations, trusting in God's power to bring about change. Trust in God's Sovereignty Even when circumstances seem dire, as in Elijah's time, believers can trust in God's sovereign plan and His ability to work all things for good. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's foreknowledge provide comfort and assurance in your personal faith journey?2. In what ways can you identify with Elijah's feelings of isolation, and how can you find encouragement in the concept of the remnant? 3. How does the account of Elijah's appeal to God challenge or inspire your own prayer life? 4. What are some modern-day examples of God's faithfulness to His people, and how can these examples strengthen your trust in Him? 5. How can you actively participate in being part of the faithful remnant in today's world, and what steps can you take to encourage others in your community to do the same? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 19This passage recounts Elijah's appeal to God against Israel, providing the context for Paul's reference in Romans 11:2. Romans 8:29-30 Discusses God's foreknowledge and predestination, connecting to the idea of God not rejecting those He foreknew. Jeremiah 31:37 Emphasizes God's enduring commitment to Israel, reinforcing the idea that God has not rejected His people. 1 Samuel 12:22 Highlights God's faithfulness to His people for His name's sake, aligning with the theme of divine commitment in Romans 11:2.
People Benjamin, David, Elias, Elijah, Jacob, Paul, RomansPlaces Rome, ZionTopics Appealed, Beforehand, Cast, Didn't, Elias, Elijah, Eli'jah, Foreknew, History, Holy, Ignorant, Intercession, Maketh, Passage, Plead, Pleaded, Pleadeth, Pleads, Reject, Rejected, Saying, Says, Scripture, Selection, Speaking, Wot, Writing, WritingsDictionary of Bible Themes Romans 11:2 1020 God, all-knowing 6710 privileges Library June 19. "Who Hath First Given to Him, and it Shall be Recompensed unto Him Again" (Rom. xi. 35). "Who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again" (Rom. xi. 35). The Christian women of the world have it in their power, by a very little sacrifice, to add millions to the treasury of the Lord. Beloved sisters, have you found the joy of sacrifice for Jesus? Have you given up something that you might give it to Him? Are you giving your substance to Jesus? He will take it, and He will give you a thousandfold more. I should rather be connected with a work founded on great sacrifice … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Trinity Sunday the Article of Faith on the Trinity. Trinity Sunday the Doctrine of the Trinity. Spiritual Blindness. Christianity Requires the Temper of Childhood. The Hardening of Nations. Of Holy virginity Now this Election the Apostle Demonstrating to Be... History of Arian Opinions. Epistle Xliii. To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops. The Beatific vision. (Continued. ) The Sovereignty of God in Operation Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and Reprobation Promiscuously Handled, in Eleven Chapters. The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law. "Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from Before Mine Eyes; Cease to do Evil," God's Works of Providence Because of Its Bearing Upon the Gentiles. Christ a Complete Saviour: Some General Uses. The Work of the Holy Spirit Distinguished. I Fear, I Say, Greatly for Thee, Lest... Concerning the Ministry. The Angel's Message and Song Links Romans 11:2 NIVRomans 11:2 NLT Romans 11:2 ESV Romans 11:2 NASB Romans 11:2 KJV Romans 11:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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