September 05, 2021

Gentiles Not Boasting

Romans 11:17-24

17 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, 18 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. 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. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 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. 23 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. 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.

Gentiles Not Boasting — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:17-24
Sermon Series: Romans (68th sermon)
September 5, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Sheet
1.   In what ways does pride show up in the church, even subtly? How does a verse like 1 Corinthians 10:12 caution us against it?
2.   How does Paul want his Gentile readers to view their place in redemptive history? Why should this foster a sense of humble gratitude and wonder?
3.   What is the logic of Paul’s warning? Does it imply that a Christian can lose his or her salvation?
4.   How does this stage of redemptive history reveal God’s kindness as well as his severity? How does Paul’s warning spur us on towards reverence, vigilance, and diligence?
5.   How do the hopeful words of vv. 23-24 undermine Gentile boasting? How do they serve as a preview?
6.   As we near the end of Romans 11, how has this section impacted the way you view the Jewish people?

References: Jeremiah 11:16; Romans 11:16, 28; Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 2; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 8:31-39; Acts 13:43; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 4:11; 1 John 2:19; Romans 1:16; 11:25-27.