Study Desk

But what was the divine response to him? " I have kept for myself seven thousand people who have not bent the knee to Baal ."

What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was diligently seeking, but the elect obtained it. The rest were hardened,

I ask then, they did not stumble into an irrevocable fall, did they? Absolutely not! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous.

For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

do not boast over the branches. But if you boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.

Granted! They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but fear!

Notice therefore the kindness and harshness of God—harshness toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness toward you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

In regard to the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but in regard to election they are dearly loved for the sake of the fathers.

Just as you were formerly disobedient to God, but have now received mercy due to their disobedience,

Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment, as God has distributed to each of you a measure of faith.

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God's wrath, for it is written, " Vengeance is mine , I will repay ," says the Lord.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

(for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation,

for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God's servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer.

Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience.

One person believes in eating everything, but the weak person eats only vegetables.

But you who eat vegetables only—why do you judge your brother or sister? And you who eat everything—why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

Therefore we must not pass judgment on one another, but rather determine never to place an obstacle or a trap before a brother or sister.