11:11 - Wild Branches

Presented, May 1, 2005 pm

WILD BRANCHES
Romans 11:11-36

Tonight we continue our study from the book of Romans. In this lesson we wish to conclude another major section of this letter. In fact, in Paul-ine style this brings to a conclusion the doctrinal portion of this book. Paul generally writes by spending about 2/3 of a book dealing with whatever doctrinal issue(s) he needs to address and then he makes practical application.

Thus far we have noted how Paul has established that all men have sinned, both Jew and Gentile alike, and are worthy of condemnation, and thus in need of God’s grace and mercy. In grace God sent His Son to die for us so that we through faith (the type of faith Abraham had – which acted based upon his belief) might be saved. In chapters 6-11 Paul has addressed why the Law of Moses needed to be changed, noting how none could keep it perfectly, and anticipated various questions that might be raised concerning the need for the Jews to obey the Gospel. In the latter part of this section, leading up to our study, Paul notes (chapters 9-11) it was Israel that rejected God, but their rejection by God is not final and total. There is still hope which is found in their need to be returned to His favor – and that is to obey the gospel the same way everyone needs to obey it. In this last section, Paul is actually appealing to the Gentiles (11:13) noting that Israel’s rejection is NOT final. IN fact he begins by pointing out that their hope rests in the rejection of God by Israel. Here Paul makes one final point that they too CAN be saved. He also notes how special this nation was to God even then, and now – and because of this, the Gentiles have no need to feel superior to this rejected nation.

In this lesson we will notice our text and then note some lessons to apply from this text.

I. The Text

a. A note about this section. Paul’s reference to Israel in these verses has two different meanings – concerning rejection it refers to the nation as a whole, but concerning their redemption reference is to the remnant – or the faithful few who obey the gospel. This is something we have seen throughout the book of Romans, especially chapters 9-11

b. (11:11) Have they stumbled that they should fall?

i. It is clear that because Israel stumbled that they WERE rejected by God. But Paul is asking, “Is that the end of it?” He answers “Certainly not!”
Another way to consider this, CAN ANY GOOD COME FROM ISRAEL’S FALL? He points out YES! In at least two ways -

ii. First, because of their rejection, God turned to the Gentiles. That’s us – the REST of mankind.

iii. Second in turning to the Gentiles God hopes “to provoke them to jealousy” (11:11). One might ask, Is God using the Gentiles to get to the Jews? Not in the sense of taking advantage of them.
But God does have the power to accomplish His will through the events of this world as they unfold. Romans 8:28 notes that all things work together for good to those who love God. In providence we see Him working to shape affairs for the good of mankind. So in that sense you could say, He was using the Gentiles to cause SOME of Israel to repent. But consider this fact – He also has used the Jews in the same way to bring salvation to the Gentiles. In all things God will and the good of mankind prevails.

c. (11:12) Their fall resulted in riches (or fullness – 11:25, John 1:16) to the Gentiles. If that be so, think of how much this “fullness” there would be for those of Israel who are saved.
Truly their rejection by God is great, but for those Jews who obey the gospel how much greater will their salvation mean to them.
I think of Acts 2:36-37 on Pentecost when Peter accuses the Jews of crucifying their Messiah. They realize it and are “cut to the heart” asking, “What shall we do?” Vs. 41 notes that “those who gladly believed his word were baptized…” The text after this indicates joy among those who ‘got it’.

d. (13-14) – As the apostle to the Gentiles he is not ashamed of his mission. But he still has great desires and hope for his Jewish brethren – that some of them might be saved.
Paul realizes that the nation is finished, but every Jew alive still has hope of salvation.
Knowing that one goal of His Father is to provoke Israel to Jealousy, he is willing to do his part and be God’s instrument in accomplishing this as it will result in the saving of some of them.
Are we willing to be used by God in that way?

e. Vs. 15 repeats the hope of verse 12, but expressing it in terms of eternal life.

f. Vs. 16 speaks of the firstfruits and root being holy and as a result of this, the lump (think in terms of leavening added to dough) and the branches growing out of the root are equally holy.

i. This is something we can understand
– If you are making sourdough bread and add sourdough starter to it, you are not going to get French bread.

ii. - If you plant the root of a rosebush in the ground, the branches will only produce roses.

iii. The firstfruits and root probably have reference to the patriarchs beginning with Abraham which God consecrated (set apart for Himself). Because they were set apart, the same could be said of their descendents AS God is fulfilling His purpose – they were special to God.

iv. Paul’s point is God is not utterly rejecting ALL who are of Israel – rather only those who are corrupt – i.e. Diseased branches. Those who faithfully served God as Jews throughout their 2000 year history up to this time were STILL acceptable to God.

g. Vs. 17– as these branches were broken off, others (wild olive branches) were grafted in (Gentiles) and as such they became part of the root (which is holy) and are nourished by it. This is the hope of the Gentiles.

h. Vs. 18-21 - nevertheless, they were NOT to boast and brag against those who had been cut off. Paul reminds them, they still need the root to live. IF as a wild, grafted branch you become unproductive you too can be removed and cast away.
This is a call for HUMILITY as they consider their place before God. Arrogance and boasting are attitudes that are sinful. 1 Peter 5:5-6, Romans 12:16 -
NOTE: The root supports you – you don’t support it. Let us never forget our place before Jesus – Acts 4:12

i. Vs. 22 – is a warning – consider both the goodness AND severity of God. He has been good to you, just as He was to the Jews. But NOW in His severity toward the Jews there is need for caution because if you rebel, you too will see His severity and also be cut off.
Question: Can a child of God so sin as to be lost? This text corroborates what is taught in so many other places. As a Christian you CAN be lost. Paul is dealing with God’s chosen people who have been rejected by God. Why? Because they rejected God. Are we better than they are? 2 Peter 2:20-22, Hebrews 10:26-27.
Note also – God has a severe side. Today there are many who want to overlook this. They focus on His goodness (and we ought to) but they pass over His severity. This prompts many think they don’t have to obey the gospel. They reason that simply living a good life is enough – it isn’t. Ask Cornelius – Acts 10:1-2, 6 & 11:14. Also Matthew 7:21-23

j. Vs 23-24 – Paul notes that God CAN graft the original branches back in again (IF THEY REPENT). He even notes that it is easier to do this (from a natural standpoint) that the feat accomplished by grafting in a “wild” olive branch.
Hope for us – Even when we sin and fall away, we can come back. God can graft us back in as well. 1 John 1:8-9

k. Vs. 25 – Paul clarifies WHY he is saying this – he does NOT want them to be unwise as Gentiles.
In this verse he speaks of them being wise in their own opinions. What were these opinions? They were the arrogance and boasting because of God’s rejection.
Do we rejoice in the fall and misfortune of the wicked? We shouldn’t. Their misery and hopeless state ought to tear at our hearts.

l. Vs. 26-29 – And so all Israel will be saved. The key to properly understanding these verses is found in the transition from the previous verses. Paul says, “and so” meaning, “In this manner” all Israel will be saved. Paul is saying IF salvation comes to anyone in Israel it is in the manner just described – THOUGH OBEYING THE GOSPEL.
Paul the quotes Isaiah 59:20-21 which anticipates the coming of a deliverer. Ultimately fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Note the quote Paul refers to, “The Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob, Says the LORD.” The actual idea of the original text was those in Israel who chose to repent – THE RIGHTEOUS REMNANT.
Vs. 27 is a quote from Isaiah 27:9 the first part of which says, “Therefore by this the iniquity of Jacob will be covered; And this is all the fruit of taking away his sin:…” This was something that was NOT fulfilled until the coming of Christ since forgiveness of sins is ONLY accomplished in His sacrifice – Romans 6:23, 3:23-25.
Vs. 28 – Paul notes the distinctions – while they are enemies concerning the gospel (those who resist it and you ), yet in their purpose they are special to Him.

m. Vs. 29 – Because God does not take back that which He gives.

n. Vs. 30-32 – Here Paul notes that extending hope to Jews is no different than the hope that has been extended to the Gentiles. They (the Jews) were disobedient and you have benefited from that. So just as you have received mercy, so they are entitled to mercy. Why? All are committed to disobedience. (See Romans 3:23 – all have sinned)

o. Vs. 33-36 – Paul simply is noting the greatness of God’s ways beyond ours. God does not act the same way men do. Considering this text, many has the tendency to boast and act in arrogance. Man would reject the Jew considering all they had done and were doing. But God is still willing to forgive.
Why? God does not desire that any should perish – 2 Peter 3:9. He shows no partiality in accepting the Gentiles.

Thus we can see Paul’s desire and hope for Israel. He already realizes that as a nation they are done. But ANY individual Jew can still be saved. And that keeps him going and praying and teaching. What about us? We live in a world that is so far gone there is no real hope for recovery. BUT, every individual in this world has a soul that possibly can change. ARE WE WILLING TO LOOK FOR THEM? Think about it.