15 September 2025
Paul asked the question that many in Rome were whispering. “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not!” (Romans 11:1). If God had rejected Israel, then His promises would be broken, His covenants would be lies, and His character would be flawed. As Mark said, “If God has rejected His people then His promises are lies. His covenants are broken. His character is flawed. He is not faithful. He is not true. He is not God.” That conclusion is unthinkable. Paul makes it plain. “Absolutely not! It is the strongest possible negation. Unthinkable. Impossible. It cannot be.”
Paul pointed to himself as proof. He was not only a Jew, but also a Pharisee, a persecutor, and a violent enemy of the church. Yet Christ saved him. “For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1). Mark reminded us that Paul was “that Hebrew of Hebrews. That Pharisee of Pharisees. That blameless legalist. That violent persecutor of the church. That chief of sinners. But God. Paul is now a slave of Christ.” Paul’s life shows that God is faithful to His people.
Paul then reached back to Elijah’s day. “God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew” (Romans 11:2). Elijah thought he was alone, but God had preserved seven thousand faithful. Mark explained, “Elijah was in despair. Apostasy all around him. Loneliness within. He concluded he was the last faithful man standing. But he was wrong.” God has always kept a remnant. He will never leave His people abandoned.
The principle is clear. “In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace. Now if by grace, then it is not by works; otherwise grace ceases to be grace” (Romans 11:5–6). Salvation is all of grace. Mark said, “Grace and works are like oil and water. They do not mix. Salvation is all of grace. By grace. Through faith. In Christ. To the glory of God alone.” God proves His faithfulness through the remnant.
When life feels unstable, you can stand firm. God is faithful. He has not abandoned His people. Start your day by naming one promise of God that steadies you. Let His covenant faithfulness be your anchor.
Question: How does knowing God never abandons His people give you security in uncertain seasons?
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You never reject Your people. Help me to rest in Your promises today, and to trust Your faithfulness when everything else feels uncertain. Amen.
Read the sermon notes here.
Watch the sermon here.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.