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ROM 234 - Grafted In - Rom 11:13-32

We've got a huge amount of Scripture to cover today. And although we'll see a number of great truths here, there are two big points I really want to make today;

1. We have been GRAFTED IN to God's promise to Abraham
2. God is NOT FINISHED bringing Salvation to Israel

We ended our last msg with Rom 11:11-12, so let's review there to get started today;
Rom 11:11-12 - ESV
11 So I ask, did they (Israel) stumble in order that they might fall (permanently)? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!
We taught these Vs's last week, but I just want to start here by pointing out out two primary points;
V.11 . . . through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles
V. 12 . . . how much more will their full inclusion mean!
These are the two truths we pick up today. And we start today with Rom 11:13-14
Rom 11:13-14 - ESV
13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them.
God had appointed Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles. Which is so cool because before (as a Pharisee) Paul thought he was so much holier than those Gentile Dogs. & then Jesus says to him; OK, now go give your life for those Gentile Dogs! & so here Paul says I "magnify" (point to) my ministry to the Gentiles in order to make my fellow Jews jealous that some of them might be saved.
We talked last msg about what a great plan of evangelism this is - & how little it is used. I asked the question last week; "Are we making people around us Jealous of God's Grace in our lives?" We make them jealous of God's Grace by having;

1. Peace that passes understanding
2. Joy indescribable
3. & a Response to life that is NOT Circumstance Based.

However, if we want all the same things Non-believers want, & if we act the same way Non-believer's act in response to the difficulties of this world, then there really isn't anything for them to be jealous of in our lives - is there? We need to respond to this life in a way that will make people around us Jealous of what we have "In Christ." & to do that we need to develop a relationship with Jesus that builds OUR Faith, OUR Trust, OUR Peace. & then, I promise you, people around you will notice, & they will become "Jealous" (in a good way) of the Fruit of the Spirit displayed in your life.
OK - back to our main points. Next, v.15 goes back to that great truth about how incredible it's going to be when Israel does accept Jesus Christ as Messiah.
Rom 11:15 - ESV
15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?

Israel's REJECTION of Jesus Christ meant Salvation for the Gentile World. & Israel's ACCEPTANCE of Christ will mean . . . Life from the dead.

In Eze Ch 37 God takes Ezekiel to a valley of dry bones, & tells Ezekiel; speak to these bones, and . . . Dem Bones Gonna Rise Again! & Eze 37 is about Israel being resurrected both as a Nation and Spiritually. & we've seen Israel be resurrected as a Nation, & we will see them Resurrected Spiritually (in the end times). Now, that doesn’t mean every Jewish person will receive Christ. It means as a nation - Israel will accept Christ as their Messiah. & all key "end-times" scriptures support that fact.

Now, in V.16, Paul gives two illustrations to help explain what he's trying to say - that Israel (as a nation) will be restored to God's Plan in Jesus Christ.

Rom 11:16 - ESV
16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

The 1st illustration is taken from the law, in Num Ch 15, where God instructs Israel to take the FirstFruits (first portion) of the first wheat harvested in the Promised Land, & give it to the Lord as an offering - so that the entire Harvest would be made Holy. And the lesson was; if the firstfruits are dedicated to the Lord, then the whole LUMP (batch) is made holy - by that offering. Which is the same way we dedicate all of our Finances - & our Lives to the Lord.

When we are faithful to give the firstfruits of our income to the Lord, then He promises to take care of the rest. Because it has ALL been sanctified (set apart) to Him. & when we give the First-fruits of our day to the Lord, then our entire day has been "set-apart" unto the Lord.

Paul is specifically referring here to the FirstFruits of the Patriarch's - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob making Israel "set-apart" for the Lord, but it's just as true for our Finances, & our Days, among other areas of our lives.

Then Paul uses the 2nd illustration to set us up the rest of today's text. At the end of Rom 11:16, he says;

Rom 11:16 . . . and if the root is holy, so are the branches

The principle is the same in both illustrations. The "Spiritual Character" of the "First-Fruits," (or the "Root"), will affect all of what is connected to it. & again, the "Root" here are the Patriarch's - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. & because they were Sanctified (set-apart) for the Lord, then so are their branches (Israel).

But remember, Paul has made it very clear that being descended from Abraham does not give you automatic Salvation. Paul's not talking about salvation here, he's talking about the Nation being "Set Apart" for God, & he's talking about the assurance that they (as a nation) will return to God.

So now, he's going to continue with the illustration of the 'Root'. & he's going to talk about some branches being "Broken Off," & some branches being "Grafted In" (that's the part we like).

Vs.17 & 18 actually go together, but we need to take each verse by itself. & please allow me to use the NLT, for these 2 Vs's.

Rom 11:17 - NLT
17 But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.

This is a perfect picture - - but it is a picture of individuals - Not nations. Those "people of Israel" who refused to believe God, are like branches that have been broken off the Spiritual Olive Tree of God's Grace. & those Gentiles who have believed God

We are like wild olive branches that have been grafted into the Spiritual Olive Tree of God's Grace. & so now - unbelievably - we also receive the blessing that God promised Abraham & his children, & we share in the rich nourishment from the ROOT of God's special Olive Tree, which is ISRAEL. That is incredible! As Gentiles, this is the Greatest Blessing God could give us. That we have been grafted into the root of God's Blessings. It is incredible, & it is wonderful . . . But - we have been grafted in, we have not replaced the Root (Israel).

Rom 11:18 - NLT
18 But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.

The ESV says
18 . . . remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.

Be careful !! - do not BRAG (be arrogant) toward Israel. Remember, it is not you who supports Israel, but SPIRITUALLY - Israel supports YOU! We must never be arrogant about being Grafted In to the Promises of Abraham. And we must never, ever, think, we have replaced Israel. AND, we must never think we are beyond being broken off ourselves.

In the next 3 Verses is a Very Clear warning to both Jews & Gentiles who might arrogantly think they are beyond being "Broken Off."

Rom 11:19-20 - ESV
19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”
20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.

Israel came to think they were secure with God, regardless of their actions. And there are Christians who also think they are secure with God, regardless of their actions. But verse 20 makes our role in this whole "breaking off" & "grafting in" thing perfectly clear. (V.20) They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.

What is it that caused some in Israel to be "Broken Off" - unbelief. And what is it that caused some Gentiles to be "Grafted Into" - faith. And the words unbelief &faith, are the our part - part.

And so, at the end of verse 20, Paul says; So do not become proud, but fear. FEAR WHAT? Fear the unbelief that caused some in Israel to be broken off. Fear, what do you mean Fear? I thought I was God's new chosen one, grafted in, in place of Israel? Are you saying God would dare to break ME off of the root of His grace? Well, let's just read the next verse and see.

Rom 11:21 - ESV
21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.

That seems to be worded pretty clear - doesn’t it? And we see it again in verse 22

Rom 11:22 - ESV
22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

The NLT translates Rom 11:22
22 . . . God is . . . kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off.

We have heard the "Security of the Saints" taught in Romans over & over again. But please hear me; The Bible teaches TWO truths - side by side:
1) It is BY GOD that we are Saved and secure in our Salvation.
2) It OUR RESPONSIBILITY to exercise FAITH to believe & to not fall away.

The Bible teaches both. And it never says we have to pick one over the other (that's man's idea).

The important thing is, there's still time for Israel to be grafted back in.

Rom 11:23 - ESV
23 And even they (Israel), if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again.

Israel can turn, at any minute, and embrace Jesus Christ. And God will immediately graft them in again.
Which is exactly what is going to happen in the end times. But this is also true for each of us. As long as there is breath in your lungs, it's not too late for you to turn from your unbelief & turn back to God. It's true for Israel, and it's true for each of us.

And in verse 24, Paul explains God's desire to graft Israel back into the true root of faith & blessing.

Rom 11:24 - ESV
24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.

God has not abandoned Israel. Israel has abandoned God. And God is waiting for the day when he will graft Israel back into their own olive tree of His blessing. There is a day coming, when God's Spirit will fall on Israel, and Israel will turn back to God, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ! And that time, has to do with the fullness of the salvation of the Gentiles.

And now, these next 2 verses are absolutely critical end times verses.

Rom 11:25 - ESV
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

A "mystery" in scripture means "a truth previously unrevealed." And Paul's saying; Here is a truth that is being revealed for the very 1st time. A partial hardening has come upon Israel UNTIL the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

This hardening of Israel is;
1) Partial
2) Until the full number of Gentiles have come to Salvation

And what is the full number of Gentiles that will come to salvation? Only God knows that! But when that full number comes in, this Partial Hardening of Israel will be lifted. And then, as we read back in v.12, how much more will their full inclusion mean!

Now, most pre-tribulation scholars believe this 'fullness' of the Gentiles to come in, is a reference to the rapture. And so, the 'full inclusion' of Israel will not come until after the rapture. But, the important point for today is, there WILL BE a 'full inclusion' of Israel. Look at the beginning of Rom 11:26;

Rom 11:26 - ESV
26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, . . .

This word "Saved" is not how we use the word "Saved." It does not mean ALL Israel will Receive Jesus Christ as Savior, it means "DELIVERED." As a Nation, Israel will be delivered from their hardness, & they will be delivered from the tribulation. To confirm this, Paul quotes from Isaiah in the rest of V.26-27;

Rom 11:26-27 - ESV
26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27 “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

Paul is basically paraphrasing from Isaiah. And here he is talking about Israel, as a NATION. He is NOT guaranteeing the personal salvation of each person. And he's talking about events that will occur AFTER the Rapture of the Church.

But isn’t it absolutely incredible to see how God has worked with Israel, all the way back to Abraham, to bring salvation to the entire world, even through, & right in the middle of, Israel's disobedience. And all the time, NEVER abandoning Israel. But instead, working right in the midst of Israel's disobedience, for the salvation of the Gentiles. And we see that clearly as we continue;

Rom 11:28 - ESV
28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.

As regards the "Gospel" (of Jesus Christ) Israel is actually at war with God. But it's actually For Your Sake! Because that's the way the Gospel has come to the Gentiles. AND as regards God's Election of Israel, they are Beloved by God, & always will be, because of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob. And what does that Faithfulness of God to Israel, mean to you & me? It means a ton! Look at Rom 11:29;

Rom 11:29 - ESV
29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

What does that mean to you? It means the gifts that God has given you, & the calling of God on your life, are irrevocable. Why? Because God sees the end from the beginning. And when He gifts & calls a person, or a nation, nothing happens that surprises Him. And nothing happens that would make him change His Gifts or Calling on your life. That is true for us personally, & that is also true for Israel. God knew of their disobedience when He chose them to bring Salvation to the world. Just like He knew of your disobedience when He chose to pour out His Mercy on you.

Rom 11:30-31 - ESV
30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.

Incredible. God has it all worked out. He knew you were going to be disobedient when He poured out his Mercy on you. And He knew Israel would be disobedient, when He poured out His Mercy on Israel. God really does have it all worked out, & it all is going to work out just as He has planned it!

In our final Vs today, just look at how God works within our disobedience to bring His Mercy into a world that should ALL be judged.

Rom 11:32 - ESV
32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

The word 'consigned' means 'imprisoned.' God has imprisoned us all in our disobedience, so that He could have Mercy on each one of us. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. And God has made it clear, we have been rebels, & Israel has been rebels. & God is going to use us all to show His mercy to all of creation - in HIS TIME!

We can trust God's plan. Both for Israel, & for Us
1) We have been GRAFTED IN to God's promises to Abraham
2) God is NOT FINISHED bringing Salvation to Israel yet

Let's trust Him, & watch Him work. Looking forward to the Fullness of the Gentiles to come in. Because that's when we get to take . . . The RAPTURE POSITION !

Let's Pray; Heavenly Father, help us to see today in the light of eternity. Help us to see our circumstances in the light of our salvation. Help us to see, even our disobedience, and the imprisonment that comes from it, in the light of your desire to have mercy on us, and to save us. I pray that we would stop fighting you Lord, that we would trust you. And more than anything else, that we would be part of the fullness of the Gentiles that will come in. We thank you for it all today, in Jesus' name, Amen.
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