THE ANSWER OF GOD

(Rom. 11:2-4)

INTRO.

1. Context—Rom. 11 deals with God and saving of Israel

2. A “remnant” remained—7,000 had not bowed to Baal.

3. “The answer of God” made the difference!

1. THE ANSWER OF GOD ENCOURAGED A DISCOURAGED PROPHET.

(1) Even good men get discouraged.

(2) Lonely feeling—1 Kgs. 19:10, 14.

(3) Frustration—“They seek my life.”

a. Frustration overly magnifies the problem!

b. “They” was Jezebel—1 Kgs. 19:1-3.

2. THE ANSWER OF GOD GAVE MOTIVATION AND STABILITY TO A DRIFTING PROPHET.

(1) “I have reserved…”—Was God’s work, not Elijah’s.

(2) Many still needed Elijah—What good was he when he fled?—Needed a real prophet!

(3) Still had work to do—1 Kgs. 19:15—“Go, return…”

a. Elderly still needed.

b. Afflicted?—You are still needed!

c. Youth?—Eccles. 12:1; 1 Tim. 4:12.

3. THE ANSWER OF GOD ELIMINATES MISCONCEPTIONS AND MUIUNDERSTANDINGS.

(1) “The time will come when can’t tell summer from winter.”—Bible not say this—But does say Gen. 8:22.

(2) Few years ago—Massive ice age going to destroy us.

(3) Now—Global warming!—were going to freeze to death, now going to warm to death!

(4) Fear ruling men today—But Prov. 28:1—“Wicked flee when…”---Heb. 2:14, 15, delivered from fear.

(5) 2 Cor. 5:10, 11—Terror of God, yes—But also confidence in God—Need more love—1 Jn. 4:17, 18.

4. “I’VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY”---“I’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED.”

(1) Answer of God settles it.

(2) Answer of God puts plan of salvation in focus.

(3) Rom. 3:4-Let God answer for himself--“Let God be true…”

(4) Answer of God is the answer of hope and assurance—No maybe so.

5. THE ANSWER OF GOD THE ANSWER OF HOPE AND ASSURANCE.

6. THE ANSWER OF GOD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR DECISIONS AND DESTINY—SETS COURSE OF LIFE.

(1) But must believe the answer of God.

CONC.

1. The answer of God echoes in our time—Still need to heed it.