Romans 11:11-24 "The Kindness and Severity of God"

Introduction

I am thankful to once and again preach the Word of God to you this morning. This week I had the privilege of attending the Breakfast on the Farm chamber meeting. Typically this event is held at the arboretum here in town. However, due to the much needed rain the even had to be moved to the CFSB center. The venue change was welcome by all of the farming attendee’s. A major point of discussion in the presentation was the apparent difficulty and adversity that farmers face in raising their crops and livestock to fruition. I was thoughtfully reminded that the bread that I eat, the sausage on my biscuit, and the coffee in my cup is there because a farmer somewhere did their job. This is an obvious fact that I take for granted so much. This sermon is not about Farmers . However, as we come to our text this morning you are going to notice that Paul uses an illustration that many of us may not understand. You see, not too many of us have had to raise our food by growing it. We have entrusted that Job to those who farm commercially. In Israel in the first century AD they did not have the Olive Giant grocery store. The society was largely agrarian meaning that they lived off of the land. In illustrating his point, the apostle Paul points to an olive tree. If you have ever seen an olive tree you likely remember exactly what it looks like. To our Kentucky eyes, a mature olive tree might look like a really strong stump with a large branch system coming from the top. In order for an olive tree to reach maturity continual work in pruning and at times even grafting in parts of less mature trees is done to contribute to the health of the tree. In our text this practice of grafting is used to describe how the gentiles have come to share of the same root as the Jews. Though the Lord has had to cut away some of the branches on the olive tree, that does not mean that the Lord has forgotten his people. If you will remember, Paul reminded us in our text from last week that the Lord has not forgotten the Jewish people. Rather, he has retained a remnant for his own possession.

As we move to our text this morning, I will break down our text in the three following points:

Sermon Points

Rejection & Acceptance (Romans 11:11-16)

Beware the Sin of Presumption (Romans 11:17-22)

Grafted In (Romans 11:23-24)

Romans 11:11-24

Romans 11:9–24 ESV

And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.” So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 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! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 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. And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 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.

Exposition

1. Rejection and Acceptance (Romans 11:11-12)

As has been customary the apostle Paul begins our text with one of those rhetorical questions. Indeed, the emphatic answers that are expected are akin to a stage hand holding up the sign that says “applause or laugh” to the live audience of a sitcom. The questions that the apostle Paul asks are no laughing matter though. He asks the question Romans 11:11 “So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall?” In which an emphatic “By no means!” is expected. The question he asks stems from the hard words that he said in verses 9-10.

If you look above you will see the quotation from Psalm 69 that we ended on last week.

Romans 11:9–10 “And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.””

This quotation was to stand as a judgement against the people because they had been hardened and had hardened themselves against the message of the gospel. Paul picks up on this when he asks “did they stumble in order that they might fall?” Or in other words ‘Did they stumble for the sake of stumbling?’ In which we are to respond, “No!”

Through the stumbling of the Jews the Lord was working out the salvation of the gentiles. Think for a moment about what this means. The salvation of the gentiles was the outworking of the Jewish rejection. Those who should have recognized the truth about Jesus. Those who should have known that righteousness does not come from the keeping of the law but it comes from the grace of the lawgiver, had failed to understand this amazing truth and in the process opened the door that those who were considered a wild olive shoot were grafted in. It was through the rejection of the Lord by the Jews that the gentiles received their acceptance before God.

This brings to mind the special doctrine of God’s providence. The doctrine of Gods providence can be both sweet and bitter. The rejection of the Jews and the acceptance of the gentiles is an example of God working things according to his providence.

To use an OT example brothers and sisters I would point only to one verse Genesis 50:20. This verse may be familiar to you. Before I read it It is important to give you the context in which this verse was uttered by Joseph. If you will remember, Joseph who had a coat of many colors was despised by his brothers. They disliked him so much that they left him for dead and considered him as much. However, through a miraculous string of God’s providence, the Lord kept Joseph alive through a series of imprisonments, and near death experiences eventually to find himself the highest in command in Egypt. You will also remember that there was eventually a famine in the land where his hateful brothers who had presumed Joseph dead came to him unknowingly to request food. What a change the one left for dead had now become their salvation from death.

In response to all of these events Joseph speaking to His brothers has something to say about God’s providence Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

What was meant by an evil act in the hearts of Joseph’s brothers was actually a miraculous work of Gods goodness and benevolence.

This is the argument Paul is making here in v.11-12. It is through this rejection of the Jews that God actually brought about the salvation of a multitude of wild olive branches.

Note that the salvation of the gentiles had a purpose. It was to provoke the Jews to Jealousy that they would see the goodness of God to the gentiles and would turn from their hardness of heart and entrust themselves by faith to God. And just think for a moment. If their rejection opened the door for the gentiles to come to salvation think of what would happen if the Jews were to fully embrace Jesus as their Lord and savior! Paul’s commend at the end of v12 reminds of what he says in v1-10 of chapter 11. Though there has been a widespread rejection of the gospel by the Jews how much more good would come if they were restored?

Paul specifically moves to discuss the rejection of the Jews to the gentiles in the congregation. In case you were wondering this part is for you:

He magnifies his ministry as one who was called to minister to the gentiles. He does this to persuade some of his kindred to come to faith in Christ. How great would it be if those who once rejected came to accept the gospel?

Before we go to our next point It is important that we spend some time dealing with what Paul says in Verse 16.

Romans 11:16 “If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.”

As we move into our next point, Paul speaks of the root multiple times. There has been much discussion on what “root” he is referring to. However, the most obvious symbol that he is pointing to is the Root of the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This root is the deposit of faith that was given to the Jews. This covenant was given to the Jews initially and now we have come to see that rightly understood that covenant includes not only Jews but gentiles. We will continue discussing this as we transition to our next point.

2. Beware the Sin Of Presumption (Romans 11:17-22)

Continuing to speak to the gentiles Paul uses the illustration of the olive tree to describe the relationship of the Jews and gentiles in relation to the root that is the deposit of faith given to Israel.

As an aside when I am using the term deposit of faith I am not speaking of the RC tradition around that but about the scripture that God gave when he revealed himself to Israel in the OT.

In his illustration the branches that were broken off are the Jews who have failed to obey the gospel by faith. In that the Jews have become broken off from their root. This root was all about Jesus.

Jesus said this to the Jews John 5:39–47 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?””

The branches who were once attached to the root have become broken off. In their place a people who at one time were pagans and not a people have now been brought in. The same root of faith that at one time sustained the Jews is now the root that sustains us. In many ways as gentiles we have inherited something that doesn’t belong to us. Ultimately these promises and covenants that we now share in belonged foremost to Israel Gods ethnically chosen people. Paul was concerned that the gentiles might forget this grace that has been extended to them.

That is why he addresses the clear danger of arrogance that could creep in for the gentiles. Paul essentially says - Do not forget where your food comes from. Do not forget that it was from the Jews that the Lord Jesus our salvation finds His earthly heritage.

Think about the implications of this. As gentiles in the American church we have the tendency to think that the OT was for the Jews and that the NT is for us. We will write off entire portions of scripture as for the Jews and not for the church today. Yet, here we see that actually this root, this tree that we have been grafted into is what actually supports and nourishes us. Brothers and sisters, in our passage of scripture we do not find two different tree’s. We do not find two different roots. We don’t see the olive tree of the Jews on one side and the olive tree of the Christians on the other. We find one root and that ultimately being the Lord.

Because we are the recipients of this grace, we must not be puffed up against the Jews. But we should rather see their rejection and have a humble fear before God. We should be reminded that we are the recipients of Gods grace by nature of being grafted into the family. We should see their rejection and hardness of heart and earnestly repent and pray to God that we would not fall into the same hardness of heart. We should pray for them that the Lord would open their eyes and confess and believe in the Lord.

Paul says as much in our text today:

Romans 11:21–22 “For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 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.”

This passage of scripture presents us with a sharp warning brothers and sisters. We must beware of the sin of presumption. To presume that because we are connected to the root that we can live in rank and outward idolatry. To presume that because you have grown up hearing the promises of God that you can disobey the gospel and be okay.

One commentator puts it this way “The manifestation of this kindness is, however, not unconditional. It requires genuine faith on man’s part. Says Paul, “toward you God’s kindness, if you remain in his kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.” William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker

I mention this not to say that a true Christian can lose their salvation. But it is to point to the reality of what Martin Luther so often said “ we are saved by faith alone but not a faith that is alone.”. That is to say that true faith ignites a complete change in the believer. We are not to be like the Jews Jesus spoke to in our passage we read from John chapter 5. The fact that you grew up going to church is not going to save you. The fact that you prayed the sinners prayer sometime in your life is not going to save you, your obedience in presenting your money as an offering every week is not going to save you but only faith in Jesus Christ. True faith is a faith that has substance.

The same commentator I quoted earlier says this “Absolute, unconditional promises, guaranteeing salvation to either Gentiles or Jews, no matter how they live exist only in people’s imaginations, not in Scripture.” William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, 375.

True salvation is salvation unto God not unto your self centered desires. The salvation of God is not on your terms but the Lords.

Paul points us to two very important Characteristics about God here:

His kindness and Severity.

Please turn your bibles to John 15:1–11

John 15:1–11 ESV

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Jesus in this text uses the same imagery that the Apostle Paul uses in our text today. Are you abiding in the vine? Are you connected to the nourishing root by faith? If so, consider the kindness of the Lord.

If not, be afraid for the Lord is severe towards those who have fallen.

This brings us to our final point

3. Grafted In (Romans 11:23-24)

Despite the stupor and hardness of heart that the Jews currently have, they are not consigned to remain there forever. But today, they can turn, today they can believe and be grafted back in to the root.

Consider the amazing work that God has brought in bringing gentiles to faith in Christ. If he can take a people who were not a people and graft them in, how much more can he take the branches that are natural and graft them in again.

Note here again that the olive tree that is discussed here is one Olive tree. There is only 1 root mentioned. This is important as we continue our way through Romans 11 next week. There are some interpretations that seek to split the kingdom into two by claiming that there is a kingdom of Jews and a kingdom of Christians. However, if we stay grounded in the context of Romans we will find that this popular view has no biblical warrant.

As we close today, I pray that you would consider the kindness and the severity of God. Paul has taken us on a journey of how the Lord has worked these things with the gentiles and the Jews according to his providence. Do you today walk around with the sin of presumption. Presuming on the kindness of the Lord and forgetting that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Maybe you are presuming on the fact that you were raised in a Christian home, Maybe you are presuming upon your own perceived goodness. If you know the Lord today, I pray that your plea would be nothing other than “nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling.”

Let us pray.