The Word

7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened;8 just as it is written,
“GOD GAVE THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR,
EYES TO SEE NOT AND EARS TO HEAR NOT,
DOWN TO THIS VERY DAY.”9 And David says,
“LET THEIR TABLE BECOME A SNARE AND A TRAP,
AND A STUMBLING BLOCK AND A RETRIBUTION TO THEM.

10 ”LET THEIR EYES BE DARKENED TO SEE NOT,
AND BEND THEIR BACKS FOREVER.”

11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.12 Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!13 But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,14 if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them.15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?16 If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too.

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree,18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.23 And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?

Romans 11:7-24

What is it saying?

  • God hardened the hearts of those who didn’t respond
  •  - gave them a spirit of stupor
  • The salvation of the Gentiles should make the Jews jealous
  • The Gentiles have been grafted into the Vine that is Jesus (John 15)
  • - they should not be arrogant toward the Jews
  • Fear the Lord because He has cut off those who rejected Him and only be His grace have you been grafted in
  • God can bring them back if He chooses

What does it mean?

Hardened

  • Those who rejected Him have been cut off to the point that they won’t even seek Him on their own.
  •  - Their opportunity is gone
  • God has blinded them and shut them off to the truth

The Vine

  • Jesus is the vine and we are the branches (John 15)
  • It is only by His grace that we who were not part of the vine have been grafted into the vine
  •  - This should make us abundantly aware of our helplessness and complete dependence on Christ to do the work

What am I going to do with it?

  • Am I abiding in the Vine (John 15)
  • How should we respond to those who have been hardened?
  • Do I fear the Lord and recognize my deep need for Him?
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Romans

January 6, 2012

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