Romans 9
In this section of Romans 9-11, Paul is addressing the nation of Israel (the Jewish nation) to answer the question what about Israel and the Gospel ? What if they do not receive Christ ? Is God through with them as a people and as a nation since they failed ? Does that mean God did not keep His promises to them and then what about us as believers in Jesus ? Because Paul touches on some deep theological matters, these chapters are not without much discussion and debate as to how they apply to Israel, the Church, and the individual believer. It is not my intention to address every verse nor every position. Here are some thoughts to consider as you study this part of God's Word. Israel is indeed, a privileged people as shown by verses 3-5. Paul wanted to reach these fellow Jews with the message of Christ and was willing to 'go to hell' (if that were possible) if that would bring them to Christ 1-2. Note: Do you or I have such passion for Christ and to see people saved that we would even consider a thought ? Paul makes it clear that God and His  Word had not failed 6. God has made some choices along the way that indicate those who are truly 'His own' verses those who are Jewish in name only or claim a lineage back to Abraham 7. Isaac was choice above Ishmael 7-9. Jacob was chosen over Esau 10-13. God, being sovereign can chose whom He will, for the purpose His has. Pharaoh was one example of this 14-18. The divine right of the Creator trumps all and silences all arguments 16-21. In the case of Israel, in Paul's day, God was setting aside the exclusive role and place of Israel and was now calling out from among all the nations a people for His name 25-26 (see: Acts 15:14). Though God has not given up on them. For He would done that long ago. He is still pleading with them through the Gospel and a remnant have responded 27-29. This does not mean that God has failed with Israel. In fact, their rejection of the Messiah (Christ) was part of God's plan in reaching the world for Christ 30-33. Those who receive Him by faith will never be put to shame 33b. Note: Have you received Christ as your only hope of salvation and the forgiveness of your sins ? Like Israel, (read chapter 10) you have a responsibility to respond to Jesus Christ either by faith or rejection of Him. This is in perfect concert with the sovereignty of God that is so strongly taught in chapter 9.

Romans 10
Paul continues his focus on the Jewish people (Israel in the context) and their relationship to the Gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ. His prayer for them is for their salvation 1. The Jews are indeed zealous for God, but they failed to approach God through Christ 2-4. Their attempt at law-keeping and self righteousness falls short of God's standards 5. Righteousness before God comes from God on the basis of faith in Christ alone. This is open to everyone (both Jew and Gentile) as he states 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved' 13. Note: The simple call of God in the Gospel is recorded in 9-13. Have you responded in faith to Christ ? Paul then shows the necessity of proclaiming and sharing this message, for without its being made known, individuals will not be able to believe and be saved 14-15. For the Jewish nation, and all the privileges they had, they failed to believe God and take Him at His word 16-18. God would turn to the Gentile world that would gladly receive Christ and yet not give up on His OT covenant people 18-21. Note: God still has a place and plan for the Jewish people that will one day culminate in Jesus Christ (chapter 11 points to this). For us as believers, this chapter teachers both the necessity of proclaiming Christ and the responsibility of everyone to respond to the Gospel message. No one is excluded from the offer of salvation and everyone must make a personal choice to exercise faith in Christ or continue to reject Him. The choice is yours!

Romans 11
Paul answers the question 'is God through with Israel' (since they rejected their Messiah and now the focus is the Gentile world) ? The answer is 'by no means' or 'God forbid'. This was foreknown by God 2 and part of His plan. Paul shows that God has always had a faithful remnant in the midst of apostasy and unbelief 3-9. Their present rejection brings with it a judgment of God which includes a 'partial blindness to the truth' and a scattering of Jews worldwide. This is in keeping with what God had said would happen to His people as a result of sin and unbelief (see: Deuteronomy 28-30). The Jewish rejection resulted in the Gospel coming to the Gentile world and with it the blessings of God through Christ 11-12. Paul states very clearly that if their rejection and unbelief brought blessing to the world, how much more when they come to receive Christ as Lord and Savior 11-15. They are still a holy people to the Lord, though in unbelief 16. Note: This does not mean that they are saved by virtue of being Jewish - chapters 2-3 of Romans makes that clear - yet they are still a distinct and 'separate' people into the Lord. God has many OT promises that He intends to fulfill in relation to the Jewish people, not for their sakes, but for His own names' sake (see: Ezekiel 36-37). The Gentiles are not to boast against the Jews for they are grafted into the olive tree of God's planting (this is the analogy Paul uses in 17-24). Do not boast 'against the roots' ! Note: It is a sad commentary on any believer who looks down on the Jews as being 'cursed' or 'totally rejected by God'. We all do well to carefully read the words of Romans 11 and affirm, God is not through with national Israel as a whole or with the Jews in particular ! Paul says there is a 'mystery' (something previously unknown, but now revealed) that partial hardening has happened to the Jews until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in 25. All Israel (Jews) will be saved, when Jesus comes the second time 26-27 (see: Revelation 1:7, Zechariah 12:10-14; 14:1-21). God will show the Jews His abundant mercy and grace when HE restores them to Himself (just as He has shown to us who know and love Jesus Christ) 28-32 ! Paul breaks out into praise as He ponders the greatness of God; Who has one wonderful plan of salvation for the Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ. All will be fulfilled in and through Christ (including all the OT promises to Israel yet to be fulfilled). When HE brings this to pass our response will be one of praise and wonder for the greatness of God ! (All will be to the praise of the glory of His grace - AMEN and AMEN !)