"The Fullness"

Israel’s Hardening

There’s something more to this.

What is the underlying reason? (vv. 13-16)

For the Gentiles to be save and for Israel to be jealous (v. 11)

“Fall” - destroyed, finally beyond recovery; goes further than question in verse 1.

“Trespass” - unbelief in Christ (9:30-10:4).

This is a good kind of jealousy (v. 12)

Good results - “full inclusion” - fullness (same as v. 25) - complete number

Paul took the gospel to the Gentiles after it was rejected by the Jews.

So Gentiles became recipients of the gospel riches, but when the full number of Jews are saved, even more riches are coming for all.

So Paul’s ministry was ultimately for both Gentiles and Jews (vv. 13-14).

Paul saw his ministry to Gentiles as a ministry to Jews.

How? By this jealousy, which would lead to their salvation.

Big picture summary of all of this (v. 15).

“From the dead” - resurrection or spiritual life, certainly both are true.

Both the full number of Gentiles and the full number of Jews are destined for this.

Two illustrations (v. 16)

The first part is offered as representation of the whole to come.

The root affects the whole.

For believing Israel this would be the believing Patriarchs and possible even the remnant. There’s more to come.

What is the appropriate response? (vv. 17-24)

Paul expands the second illustration (v. 17).

Branches don’t graft themselves; they are grated by someone else.

Think of a cultivated olive tree and it’s root as the people of God (Jeremiah 11:16; Hosea 14:6).

And the Gentiles then are wild branches grafted in, and therefore, enjoy the benefits of the good tree and root.

Since Gentiles can enjoy the benefits…(v. 18).

They might be tempted with pride (v. 19).

Remember how you are saved (v. 20).

Paul emphasizes Who’s doing the grafting (v. 21-23)

Application

There is a temptation to view unsaved people as lesser in some way than saved people - Jews to Gentiles, even Gentiles to Jews.

Remembering how and why you are saved, and Who saved you will minimize this temptation.

Benediction: Romans 11:33–36

Scripture Reading: John 15:1–17