Your July 21st Expository Sermon

The Mystery of Mercy (Romans 11:25-36)

Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

Sermon Title: "The Mystery of Mercy" (Romans 11:25-36)

Introduction:

Romans 11:25-36 concludes Paul's discussion on God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles, revealing the mystery of God's redemptive work and the depth of His mercy. This passage highlights God's sovereignty, wisdom, and mercy, emphasizing that His ways are beyond human understanding. As we explore these verses, we will see the culmination of God's plan for both Jews and Gentiles and be called to respond with worship and awe.

I. The Mystery Revealed (Romans 11:25-27)

Partial Hardening:

"Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in" (Romans 11:25, ESV). Paul reveals the mystery of Israel's partial hardening, which has allowed the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan.

• Purposeful Partiality: The hardening is partial and temporary, designed to allow the full number of Gentiles to come to faith.

• Humbling Revelation: This mystery serves to prevent Gentile believers from becoming arrogant, reminding them that their inclusion is part of a larger divine plan.

Promised Salvation:

"And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob’; ‘and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins’" (Romans 11:26-27, ESV). Paul quotes Isaiah and Jeremiah to affirm God's promise to save all Israel.

• Covenantal Commitment: God's covenant with Israel remains, promising their future restoration and salvation.

• Divine Deliverance: The Deliverer, Jesus Christ, will come from Zion to remove ungodliness and fulfill God's covenant promises.

II. The Magnitude of Mercy (Romans 11:28-32)

Beloved for the Patriarchs' Sake:

"As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers" (Romans 11:28, ESV). Paul explains the dual status of Israel: enemies of the Gospel yet beloved because of God's promises to the patriarchs.

• Dual Dynamics: Israel's current opposition to the Gospel benefits Gentiles, yet their election remains due to God's faithfulness to the patriarchs.

• Unchanging Love: God's love for Israel is rooted in His unchangeable promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Irrevocable Gifts and Calling:

"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (Romans 11:29, ESV). Paul emphasizes that God's gifts and calling to Israel cannot be revoked.

• Unchanging Purpose: God's promises and purposes for Israel are steadfast and unalterable.

• Faithful Fulfillment: Despite their current unbelief, Israel's calling and gifts remain, awaiting fulfillment in God's timing.

Mercy for All:

"For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy" (Romans 11:30-31, ESV). Paul highlights the reciprocal nature of mercy between Jews and Gentiles.

• Reciprocal Redemption: Gentiles received mercy through Israel's disobedience, and now Israel will receive mercy through the mercy shown to Gentiles.

• Universal Mercy: God's plan is to show mercy to all, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles in His redemptive work.

Consigned to Disobedience:

"For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all" (Romans 11:32, ESV). Paul concludes that God's plan involves allowing disobedience to highlight His mercy.

• Purposeful Paradox: God's allowance of disobedience serves to magnify His mercy and grace.

• Merciful Masterplan: The ultimate goal is to extend mercy to all, demonstrating God's sovereign grace.

III. The Majesty of God's Wisdom (Romans 11:33-36)

Incomprehensible Judgments:

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV). Paul bursts into praise, marveling at God's wisdom and knowledge.

• Unfathomable Wisdom: God's wisdom and knowledge are profound and beyond human comprehension.

• Mysterious Ways: God's judgments and ways are inscrutable, deserving of awe and reverence.

Unsearchable Riches:

"For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" (Romans 11:34-35, ESV). Paul emphasizes the unsearchable nature of God's riches and wisdom.

• Divine Independence: No one can fully understand God's mind or counsel Him.

• Sovereign Generosity: God’s gifts are given out of His grace, not in response to human deeds.

All Things from God:

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" (Romans 11:36, ESV). Paul concludes with a doxology, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all things.

• Source of All: Everything originates from God, exists through His power, and is intended for His glory.

• Eternal Glory: The ultimate purpose of all creation is to glorify God, who reigns forever.

Conclusion:

Romans 11:25-36 reveals the mystery of God's redemptive plan, emphasizing His mercy, wisdom, and sovereignty. This passage calls us to a deeper understanding of God's purposes and to respond with worship and awe. Let us marvel at the depth of God's mercy, trust in His unfathomable wisdom, and live lives that glorify Him in all things. May we be continually reminded of God's sovereign grace and be inspired to share His mercy with others, recognizing that His plans are perfect and His ways are beyond our understanding. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

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