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. LESSON 17 (August 10) .Romans 1L:1-36 Lest You Be Wise in Your Own Sight Romans 11 is a conclusive chapter of Paul's letter on two fronts. It is the last of three chapters wherein Paul specifically focuses in on what the revelation of the gospel now means for Israel. It is also the conclusion of eleven chapters worth of deep, rich, doctrinal material. Beginning in Romans 12 and continuing throughout the rest of theletter, Paul will provide a great deal of practical insight into how the gospel shapes everyday life. But first, the God-breathed concluding thoughts of Romans 11. I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means!For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? "Lord, they have killed your prophets,they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left,and they seek my life." But what is God's reply to him?"I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace,it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (11:1-6) Hasn't that been one of Paul's most foundational points since Romans 3:20? It is a lesson that the descendants of Abraham must grasp, apply, and build their lives upon if they are to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. If they continue to refuse and insist on their own way... "God gave them a spirit of stupor,eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear,down to this very day."And David says,"Let their table become a snare and a trap,a stumbling block and a retribution for them;let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see,and bend their backs forever."So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles,how much more will their full inclusion mean! (17:7-12) What is Paul's point in reminding his readers of Elijah's words of despair and the LORD's response in 1 Kings 19:9-18? "There is a remnant,chosen by grace." Who was this remnant and in what way were they"chosen by grace"? What had lsrael been seeking and why had they failed to obtain it?