His Plan, His Purposes | Romans 11:11-32
Introduction: Reflections on “Falls”
This week, I’ve been reflecting on the different kinds of “falls” that we experience—not just physical, but spiritual. I shared stories about my own children: one stumbled off the stage purely by accident, while another fell and was injured after ignoring some risks. These moments made me think about falls that result from pride—a fall where we’re blinded to reality and overestimate our spiritual standing. That’s the kind of fall Paul warns about in Romans 11.
Main Point: God’s Great Mercy Surpasses Human Understanding
Romans 11:11-32 explores the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church. Both groups had their struggles, but God’s mercy is bigger than any one group’s failures. The central truth today: God’s great mercy exceeds anything we can fully explain or imagine.
I. The Purpose in the Fall
God is sovereign and purposeful in everything; nothing surprises Him. Even Israel’s rejection of Jesus, the Messiah, was part of God’s larger plan. Through their stumbling, God opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles. This isn’t unusual—Scripture shows that God often accomplishes redemption through the rebellion of His people. All things serve His purposes.
We’re often quick to judge circumstances and assume God isn’t at work.
We must remain open to God’s unexpected ways and humbly seek to understand his purposes.
II. Warning: Pride Before the Fall
Paul counsels Gentile Christians not to be arrogant because they recognized Christ while others did not. If God did not spare Israel for their pride and unbelief, we, too, must be cautious. Faith is a gift, not something we achieve or deserve. Pride is often the root of spiritual blindness.
C.S. Lewis said, “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man.”
It’s easy, especially in our context, to become puffed up as Christians.
Our calling is to remain humble and remember that everything comes from God’s grace—not our intelligence, not our moral superiority.
Application:
Confession should be regular and honest, both individually and as a church body.
True faith leads us to humility, not spiritual superiority.
III. The Mercy That Comes From the Fall
Why did God work through Israel’s rejection? So His mercy and glory could be fully displayed. Paul called this a “mystery”—now revealed through Christ and the Gospel. God’s plan is more beautiful and profound than anything humanity could have imagined or accomplished.
The phrase “all Israel will be saved” has spurred debate among theologians.
The most important takeaway is compassion—not speculation. Paul’s own heart was for Jewish and Gentile people alike to turn to Christ.
No one is too far gone for God’s mercy. He saves whom He will—for His glory and our good.
Invitation and Closing Thoughts
If you haven’t turned to Christ, today is the day to humble yourself and receive God’s mercy.
For those who have been saved, don’t forget where you’d be without His kindness and grace.
Paul’s response to God’s mercy—bursting into praise—is our model.
In every circumstance, our response should be worship, humility, and gratitude.
Prayer
Lord, humble us. Don’t let us rest in pride or neglect your mercy. Restore us and draw us to worship.
Let’s be transformed—from prideful sinners to humble singers. Let us praise Jesus for His mercy, today and always.
