Romans 11: Branches Grafted In
Why do you think the majority of people will not respond to God’s call?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Matthew 7:13–14 “Enter through the small gate. For many take the wide gate and broad road that lead to destruction. Only a few find the small gate and narrow road that lead to life.”
Romans 11:1 This leads to the question, has God rejected the whole nation of Israel? Not at all. I’m an Israelite—a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin—and I haven’t been rejected.
Jude 1:6 Some angels didn’t keep their relationship with God but left their place in glory. With unbreakable chains, God has bound them in darkness until the great Judgment Day.
Revelation 12:3–4 Another wonder appeared in the heavenly realm: a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with a crown upon each head.
His tail dragged a third of Heaven’s stars and cast them to Earth. The dragon stood before woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child.
His tail dragged a third of Heaven’s stars and cast them to Earth. The dragon stood before woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child.
King James
Matthew 7:13–14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Romans 11:1 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.
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Revelation 12:3–4 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
Why might Elijah have missed knowing about all the other Israelites who belonged to God?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
1 Kings 19:10 “Almighty God,” Elijah said, “I have fought hard for you, but the Israelites have broken their agreement with you. They trashed your altars and killed your prophets with their swords. I’m the only one left, and now they’re trying to kill me.”
1 Kings 19:18 I still have 7,000 people who have neither bowed before Baal nor kissed him.
Romans 11:2–4 God won’t reject the people he knows will come to him. Do you remember what the prophet Elijah said when he sought escape from Israel’s persecution? Lord, they have trashed your altars and killed your prophets with their swords. I’m the only one left, and now they’re trying to kill me. What did God say? I still have 7,000 people who have neither bowed before Baal nor kissed him.
King James
1 Kings 19:10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
Romans 11:2–4 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, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 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.
By some surveys, 80 percent of U.S. citizens consider themselves Christian, yet the behavior of many would suggest that they don’t really know God. What percentage do you think know God well enough to know he’s worth dying for? Why do you think that?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Luke 14:27 “Those who will not take up their cross and follow in my footsteps cannot be my disciples.”
Romans 11:5 It’s the same today. Israel has a few people who are among God’s chosen.
Revelation 12:10–11 A loud voice from Heaven shouted, “Salvation and power has come through God’s dominion and Christ’s authority. Satan, who has been accusing the people day and night, is now cast down. The people have overcome Satan (1) by the sacrifice of the Lamb, (2) by giving their testimonies, and (3) by complete surrender to God’s will, even unto death.”
King James
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Revelation 12:10–11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
How do you distinguish the difference between compensation and gifts?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 11:6 God’s kindness wasn’t given because of their works. If their actions had earned God’s favor, it wouldn’t be kindness. Wages are earned, but not gifts.
King James
Romans 11:6 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.
Why did God choose to give to the undeserving?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd and will sacrifice my life for the sake of the sheep.”
John 10:27 “My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”
John 15:13 “There is no greater love than for a man to sacrifice his life for his friends.”
Romans 3:22–23 True righteousness comes in response to the message of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit, which changes the inward desires of those who truly believe, not just the external actions. This transformation is possible for all people, no matter who they are, because everyone has sinned, falling short of God’s standard of purity.
Romans 4:8 Blessed is he whose desires are open and honest before God, without pretense or deception.
Romans 11:6 God’s kindness wasn’t given because of their works. If their actions had earned God’s favor, it wouldn’t be kindness. Wages are earned, but not gifts.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, our foundation in God is solid, having this seal: The Lord knows who belongs to him. So everyone who follows Jesus Christ must have no part in anything evil.
King James
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Romans 3:22–23 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Romans 11:6 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.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Why should we give to the undeserving, including our enemies?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Matthew 5:43–44 “People usually say, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy,’ but I say you should show kindness to your enemies, doing good to those who persecute you.”
Luke 6:33 “You get no credit for showing kindness to those who treat you well, because sinners do that much.”
Luke 6:35 “Lend when you have no assurance of being paid back. Then you will be rewarded as children who are like their Father God, who is kind to the wicked and ungrateful.”
Luke 6:38 “Give, and you will not have to worry about receiving. You will receive a full measure, packed down, shaken together, and spilling into your lap. The measure you give determines the measure you will receive.”
Romans 11:6 God’s kindness wasn’t given because of their works. If their actions had earned God’s favor, it wouldn’t be kindness. Wages are earned, but not gifts.
King James
Matthew 5:43–44 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Luke 6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Romans 11:6 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.
Why would God allow people to be spiritually deaf and blind?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Psalm 69:22–23 Set food on their table that invites their greed, so they stumble and fall into a trap, receiving what they deserve for their self-serving ways. Cloud their vision so they don’t see well. Bend their backs with heavy burdens.
Isaiah 29:10 God has put you under a spirit of deep sleep, closing your eyes. Your prophets see nothing, because they are blindfolded.
Romans 11:7–10 A select few belong to the Lord. Most of Israel hasn’t found what they were looking for, because they didn’t really want to see. God has dulled their thinking. He has closed their eyes so they can’t see and has covered their ears so they don’t have to hear. That was true when Isaiah wrote about it, and it’s still true today. As David wrote in his song, Set food on their table that invites their greed, so they stumble and fall into a trap, receiving what they deserve for their self-serving ways. Cloud their vision so they don’t see well. Bend their backs with heavy burdens.
King James
Psalm 69:22–23 Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.
Isaiah 29:10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
Romans 11:7–10 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (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. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
How can one person’s failure lead to another person’s success?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 11:11 Was their fall the only outcome of their stumbling? No, their failure led others to know the Lord and those who stumbled became envious.
King James
Romans 11:11 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.
How can one person’s success lead to another person’s failure?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 11:12 If their fall has brought blessing to the rest of the world, how much greater the blessing would be if they were lifted up.
King James
Romans 11:12 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?
In what ways might Paul’s love for Jewish believers had differed from his concern for non-Jewish believers? What about those who were not believers?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 11:13–15 I am speaking to you who are not Jews because I am your messenger and I take pride in this work. I hope this will make my Jewish friends jealous so some of them might be saved. If their rejection brought God to outsiders, what would their acceptance be like? It would be like the dead raised to life.
King James
Romans 11:13–15 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 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?
If part is acceptable, how do we know the rest has to be too? What does that fact have to do with us?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 11:16 If the first piece of dough is acceptable to God, the remainder of the batch must be acceptable too. If a tree’s roots are acceptable, the branches and fruit must be acceptable as well.
1 Corinthians 15:20 But the fact is, Jesus did rise from the dead, the first of a host of people who will leave their graves.
1 Corinthians 15:45 Scripture says, “The first man, Adam, became a breathing person.” Jesus Christ, the last Adam, is a breath-giving Spirit, raising the dead to life.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, we may be God’s children, but we don’t yet know what we will become. But the more of him we see, the more we’ll want to be like him, for we shall see how great he really is.
King James
Romans 11:16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Under what conditions would a horticulturist want to graft a wild branch onto a cultivated root stock?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 11:17 You outsiders are like branches of a wild olive tree, broken off and grafted onto a cultivated tree so you can share its better life.
King James
Romans 11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Why should the branch not boast of its greatness?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
John 15:4 “Remain attached to me, and I will live in you. As the branch must be on the vine to bear fruit, so must you stay joined to me.”
Romans 11:18 Don’t boast about the branches that were grafted in, but boast about the root that now supplies life to the branches.
King James
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Romans 11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Why would God cut away branches and graft in others?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
John 15:2 “He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He prunes the branches that bear fruit so they will produce more.”
John 15:5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. You will bear much fruit if you remain in me and I live in you, but without me you can do nothing.”
Romans 11:19–21 You might say, “Branches were broken off so I could be grafted in.” Be careful when you say that, making sure your faith is strong. Those branches were cut away because of unbelief. If God didn’t spare the natural branches, you can be sure the same could happen to you.
King James
John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Romans 11:19–21 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
What must we do to avoid God’s judgment?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 2:5–6 By refusing to repent, the hardness of people’s hearts will eventually bring God’s wrath. On the day when his righteous judgment is delivered, everyone will be judged according to what they have done.
Romans 11:22 Pay attention to both the kindness and the judgment of God. Remain in his kindness and avoid being cut off.
2 Corinthians 5:10 One day, everyone will stand before Christ to be judged. We are accountable for the work we do, good or bad.
Revelation 20:15 Everyone whose name was not recorded in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.
King James
Romans 2:5–6 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
At what point are people without hope?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Luke 12:10 “Those who speak against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but speaking evil of the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven. Never ever.”
Acts 3:19–20 Repent now, turning to God, and your transgressions will be forgiven. His presence will bring you life in Jesus, the Anointed One sent from God.
Romans 11:23 If those discarded branches were to turn from their unbelief, God is able to graft them back onto the tree.
Hebrews 6:4–6 Those who have seen the light, accepted the gift of salvation, and received the Holy Spirit, having tasted the goodness of God’s word, experiencing the spiritual strength of the world to come, if they turn away, they have no means to gain repentance and forgiveness, since they crucify the Son of God a second time, putting him to open shame.
King James
Luke 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
Acts 3:19–20 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Romans 11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
Hebrews 6:4–6 or it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Why is it “contrary to nature” to graft in wild branches?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 11:24 If the wild olive branches were grafted in, which is contrary to nature, it’s even more likely that the cultivated branches would be grafted into their own olive tree.
King James
Romans 11:24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
Why do people sometimes think too highly of themselves?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
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Proverbs 16:18 Pride will destroy a person. Arrogance is sure to take a fatal fall.
Romans 11:25 Don’t be fooled into thinking you’re so special. The hardness of other people’s hearts may be temporary, until all who are willing will come to believe.
1 Corinthians 4:7 What gives you the right to discriminate? All you have are gifts from God. Since you received them, you have no right to give anyone preeminence as if they were not something received.
Galatians 5:26 Don’t seek glory for yourselves, competing with others. Don’t be jealous of someone who has something you don’t have.
King James
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
Galatians 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
How do we know that God is saving his people and excluding those who merely claim to be his?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
John 8:44 “You come from your father, the devil, and your desires are like his. From the beginning, he was a murderer and opposed the truth, because truth was not in his nature. When he lies, he speaks from his heart, because he is a liar and the father of lies. “
Romans 2:28–29 Righteousness is not something worn outwardly, like a garment, nor is our relationship with God something we inherited from our ancestors. We belong to God when we are like-minded with him, when our spirit agrees with his Spirit, not when we are recognized for our teaching credentials.
Romans 11:26 There will come a time when all of God’s people will be saved. It will be as Isaiah said: The Savior will come to Jerusalem and save those who repent of their sins.
King James
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Romans 2:28–29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Why is Jesus the fulfillment of God’s promise?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
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Romans 11:27 God’s promise was fulfilled when Jesus came to remove all sin.
King James
Romans 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
How is it possible for enemies of God to be made right with him?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
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Romans 5:10 While we were God’s enemies, we were welcomed as if we were his friends, given life through the death of his Son.
Romans 11:28–29 Concerning the Gospel of Christ, the unbelieving Jews may be at odds with God, but they are still loved. God hasn’t withdrawn his call for them to believe and receive his gift of salvation.
James 4:4 You unfaithful spouses, don’t you know that what’s acceptable in society can be abhorred by God? A friend of the world is an enemy of God.
King James
Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Romans 11:28–29 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
How can someone’s unbelief help others see the truth?
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Authors’s insights pending.
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Romans 11:30–31 There was a time when you didn’t believe either, but their unbelief has helped you see the truth and receive God’s mercy. Likewise, the unbelievers may see your faith in action, become believers, and receive God’s mercy.
King James
Romans 11:30–31 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
What is God’s good purpose in allowing people to go their own way?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Luke 15:13 “Before long, the young son collected all he had and went to a faraway country, where he wasted all his inheritance on the pursuit of pleasure.”
Luke 15:23–24 “Butcher the best calf so we can have a feast and celebrate, because my son was dead and has returned alive. He was lost but now is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”
Romans 11:32 God has allowed everyone to live in disobedience so they could see the error of their ways and receive his mercy.
King James
Luke 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Luke 15:23–24 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
What must we do to fully realize that God’s plan is better than ours?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
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Isaiah 55:9 “As the stars are so distant from Earth, so are my thoughts and methods far above yours.”
Romans 8:28 All those who love God and are working to fulfill his purpose should know that all things will work together for good.
Romans 11:33 God’s knowledge and wisdom is far greater than what we can see and measure. His judgments are beyond what we can explain. His methods are too complicated for us to figure out.
King James
Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Why do you think Paul asked if anybody knew God’s thoughts?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
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Romans 11:34 Does anyone know what God is thinking? Has anyone been his advisor, in a position to tell him what he ought to do?
King James
Romans 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Why do so many prayers have their basis in telling God what he ought to do?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 11:34 Does anyone know what God is thinking? Has anyone been his advisor, in a position to tell him what he ought to do?
King James
Romans 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
What effect does debt have upon our lives?
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Luke 7:47 “Isn’t it obvious? Her sins were very great, so she is exceptionally grateful to be forgiven. Those who receive only a little forgiveness have little love to give.”
Romans 6:16 Don’t you know that you are a slave to whatever you obey? Either you serve sin and will die, or you serve God in complete obedience, choosing to do what is, to the best of your knowledge, most pleasing to him.
Romans 11:35 Have we made a loan to God that makes him indebted to us?
King James
Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
If what we have from God is a gift, why might we owe him something?
Author’s Thoughts
Authors’s insights pending.
Author’s Paraphrase
Romans 11:36 No, everything we have, everything we are, and everything we do is because of him. He gets all the credit forever. We can’t praise him enough or do enough to equal what he has done for us, that’s for sure.
King James
Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever.