Romans 11:1-6

Read Romans 11:1-6

Helpful Background Information: 

• In Romans 11:1–5, Paul asks, “Has God rejected His people?” It’s a question that many Jewish believers were likely asking after seeing so many of their fellow Israelites reject Jesus as the Messiah. Paul points back to the story of Elijah to answer that question. Elijah once felt totally alone; he thought he was the last faithful Israelite left. But God corrected him: there were still 7,000 people who had not bowed to Baal. Paul uses that story to show that, even in Elijah’s day, God was still drawing people to Himself and still working through those who responded in faith. God’s grace had not failed; some had simply refused it. 

• The same was true in Daniel’s time. Though most of Israel had compromised, Daniel and his friends stood as part of that faithful remnant. They resolved to honor God. Romans 11 reminds us that in every age, even when the majority walks away, God remains committed to His promises and works through those who remain faithful to Him.

Reflection Questions: 

• Paul says God has not rejected His people. Why is it important to believe that God’s promises still stand, even when it looks like everything is falling apart?

• In both Daniel’s time and Paul’s time, God was still at work through a small group of faithful people. How can that comfort you when you notice fewer and fewer people following God?

• When you feel discouraged in your faith, how can you remind yourself that God is still working?

• Faithfulness in both Romans and Daniel involved real, intentional decisions. (In Romans, Paul mentions refusing to bow to Baal; in Daniel 1, the boys refused to eat the defiling food.) What are one or two areas in your life where you can take deliberate steps towards obedience this week?