Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 11:11-12

What is the main theme of Romans 11:11-12 according to Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the main theme of Romans 11:11-12 is that the rejection of Israel is not final. He states, "In this second section, beginning at verse eleven, he is concerned to show that the rejection of Israel is not final." This section addresses the relationship between the stumbling of the Jews, the salvation of the Gentiles, and God's ultimate plan for Israel's restoration.

How does Lloyd-Jones divide the section of Romans 11:11-32?

Lloyd-Jones divides Romans 11:11-32 into four subsections: 1. Verses 11-12: Statement of the general theme regarding what has happened to the Jews and why 2. Verses 13-22: The importance of Gentile believers having a right understanding of their relationship to the Jews 3. Verses 23-24: The possibility and reasonableness of the restoration of the Jews 4. Verses 25-32: The certainty of the future restoration of the Jews and their participation in the gospel blessings

What is the difference between "stumbling" and "falling" in Romans 11:11?

Lloyd-Jones explains that there's a crucial difference between these terms. "Stumbling" refers to the Jews' temporary rejection or tripping over the gospel message. "Falling," on the other hand, would mean "falling in a final, complete and irreversible and irrecoverable manner." The apostle is asking if the Jews have merely stumbled (temporarily) or if they have fallen completely with no hope of recovery. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Paul's answer ("God forbid") indicates they have only stumbled, not fallen permanently.

How did the rejection of the gospel by the Jews benefit the Gentiles?

Lloyd-Jones identifies three ways the rejection of the gospel by the Jews benefited the Gentiles: 1. It drove the apostles to turn from the Jews to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46) 2. The opposition of the Jews led to clearer articulation of doctrines like justification by faith alone 3. The crucifixion of Christ (resulting from Jewish rejection) brought salvation to all peoples

He states, "The rejection of Jesus Christ as their king and messiah by the Jews led to the cross on Calvary's hill. That was the immediate occasion of our Lord's crucifixion."

What does Lloyd-Jones mean by the Jews being "provoked to jealousy"?

Lloyd-Jones explains that "provoked to jealousy" (which is also translated as "provoked to emulation" in verse 14) means that seeing the blessings of the gospel in the Gentiles will create in the Jews a spirit that makes them ask, "Why are we not getting this blessing?" This will lead them to reexamine the gospel they previously rejected. While this happened to individuals during Paul's time, Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Paul is prophesying a future time when this will happen to "the jewish nation as a whole."

What circular pattern does Lloyd-Jones identify in God's plan regarding Jews and Gentiles?

Lloyd-Jones identifies a remarkable circular pattern in God's plan: "The Jews reject [the gospel], sends the gospel to the Gentiles. Seeing the blessings of the gospel in the Gentiles eventually brings in the Jews." He describes this as a complete circle where Jewish rejection leads to Gentile salvation, which in turn provokes Jews to jealousy, ultimately leading to their restoration.

How does Lloyd-Jones interpret Paul's phrase "through their fall" in Romans 11:11?

Lloyd-Jones points out that the word translated as "fall" in this phrase should more accurately be translated as "trespass" or "transgression." He explains it means "a false step" or "missing the mark." The phrase indicates that through the Jews' culpable act of rejecting their Messiah, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes this was part of God's sovereign plan, even though it came through human rejection.

According to Lloyd-Jones, why is it important to understand the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the church?

Lloyd-Jones identifies two historical misunderstandings that have caused problems: First, Gentiles might "despise the Jews and say, well, they're outside, they're rejected, they don't matter," which has led to persecution of Jews throughout history. Second, Gentiles might worry that when Jews are restored, Gentiles will be "thrown out." Understanding this relationship correctly prevents both anti-Semitism and unnecessary fears about the future place of Gentiles in God's plan.

What does Lloyd-Jones say about God's foreknowledge of Israel's rejection?

Lloyd-Jones affirms that while the Jews' rejection of Christ was their own culpable act, it was foreknown by God: "It was known to God from eternity. Not only that, Peter says on the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem that it happened according to the predetermined counsel and foreknowledge of God. The rejection of the Jews was the occasion, but it was God's eternal purpose."

What prophecy does Lloyd-Jones say Paul is making about the future of Israel?

Lloyd-Jones states that Paul is prophesying "the certainty of the future restoration of the Jews and their participation in the blessings of the Gospel in the christian church." He emphasizes that this is not merely a possibility or probability, but an "absolute certainty that the Jews as a nation are going to be restored" and will enjoy gospel blessings alongside Gentiles in the Christian church.