God has not rejected his people (11:1-6), yet Israel has not obtained what it was seeking (salvation). Why is that? They have hardened their hearts. Israel's hardened hearts means blessings for the gentiles, likewise their full inclusion one day will bring even greater blessing and glory to God.

In Romans 11:1-6, Paul answers what would be a very reasonable question arising from his statements at the end of chapter 10; has God rejected his people?

From our June men's discipleship meeting. We looked at Ephesians chapters 2-4 to understand what the church is, then we made five applications for men in their understanding and involvement in the church.

This Sunday was baptism Sunday, and so we spent time looking at some commands for Jesus' disciples. 1. Jesus' disciples are to have his peace in them. 2. Jesus' disciples are to abide in him. 3. Jesus' disciples are to love one another.

There are three questions at the end of chapter 10 and into chapter 11 that deal with why Israel is in the condition they are in? Did they not hear the gospel? Did they not understand the gospel? And has God rejected them.

To understand Paul's argument in Romans 9-11, especially in chapter 11, we need to have proper understanding of Israel, God's dealings with them in the past, the present and the future. Pastor Jess Miller continues his study of Israel with these points: Israel's entire purpose was to be a blessed nation through whom God's saving gospel blessings would flow to the whole world. Israel is in real trouble with God because of their rejection. Israel was designed to be a microcosm of the general dead, lost and rebellious human race.

To understand Paul's argument in Romans 9-11, especially in chapter 11, we need to have proper understanding of Israel, God's dealings with them in the past, the present and the future. Here are four key points: 1. Biblically speaking, Israel is the elect nation of God comprised primarily of the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They were a privileged people blessed to be in a relationship with God and to be the vehicle through whom the Messiah would come. (Romans 9:4)   2. What God is doing with Israel in connection to the world is complicated. (Romans 11:33-36)   3.What God is doing with Israel in connection to the world is a revealed mystery. (Romans 11:25)   4. The Church must cultivate healthy thinking about Israel avoiding both Animosity or Arrogance. (Romans 11:18-23/25)

This talk was recorded during our May men's discipleship meeting where we discussed God's design for men and women as seen in God's design at creation. The fall (Gen. 3) does not change God's original design. As Christians, we need to embrace what God's word says about men and women. Our apologies for the poor audio quality. This talk was recorded on an iPhone.