Your July 14th Expository Sermon

God's Gracious Grafting (Romans 11:1-24)

Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

Sermon Title: GOD’S GRACIOUS GRAFTING (Romans 11:1-24)

Introduction:

Romans 11:1-24 addresses the question of Israel's rejection and God's continued plan for His chosen people. Paul emphasizes that God has not rejected Israel entirely but has preserved a remnant by grace. He explains the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles, using the metaphor of an olive tree to illustrate God's inclusive plan of salvation. This passage teaches us about God's faithfulness, the importance of humility, and the mystery of His sovereign plan.

I. Preservation of the Remnant (Romans 11:1-6)

Divine Remnant:

"I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin" (Romans 11:1, ESV). Paul begins by affirming that God has not rejected His people entirely. Paul himself is evidence of this, as he is an Israelite who has received God's grace.

Scriptural Proof:

"God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel?" (Romans 11:2, ESV). Paul refers to the story of Elijah to demonstrate that God always preserves a faithful remnant, even when it seems like everyone has turned away.

Grace over Works:

"So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace" (Romans 11:5-6, ESV). The remnant exists not because of their works, but because of God's grace. This emphasizes the unmerited favor that God bestows upon His people.

II. Purposeful Hardening (Romans 11:7-10)

Divine Hardening:

"What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened" (Romans 11:7, ESV). Paul explains that while the elect among Israel have obtained righteousness, the rest have been hardened.

Prophetic Fulfillment:

As it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day" (Romans 11:8, ESV). Paul quotes Isaiah and Deuteronomy to show that Israel's hardening was prophesied in Scripture. This hardening serves a purpose in God's sovereign plan.

Consequential Blindness:

"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'" (Romans 11:9-10, ESV). Paul quotes David to illustrate the consequences of Israel's hardening. This blindness leads to stumbling and judgment, emphasizing the severity of rejecting God's grace.

III. Provoking Jealousy (Romans 11:11-15)

Gentile Inclusion:

"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" (Romans 11:11, ESV). Paul explains that Israel's stumbling is not final. Their rejection has allowed salvation to come to the Gentiles, with the purpose of provoking Israel to jealousy.

Riches for the World:

"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!" (Romans 11:12, ESV). The failure of Israel has brought blessings to the Gentiles. Paul anticipates even greater blessings when Israel is fully included.

Reconciliation and Resurrection:

"For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?" (Romans 11:15, ESV). Paul looks forward to the future acceptance of Israel, which he likens to a resurrection from the dead, bringing life and reconciliation.

IV. Parable of the Olive Tree (Romans 11:16-21)

Holy Roots:

"If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches" (Romans 11:16, ESV). Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to explain the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles. The root, representing the patriarchs, is holy, making the branches holy as well.

Natural and Wild 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" (Romans 11:17, ESV). Paul explains that some natural branches (Israelites) were broken off due to unbelief, allowing wild branches (Gentiles) to be grafted in.

Warning Against Arrogance:

"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" (Romans 11:18, ESV). Paul warns the Gentiles against pride and arrogance. They must remember that they are supported by the root and not the other way around.

Faith over Fear:

"That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear" (Romans 11:20, ESV). The Gentiles are reminded that their standing is based on faith, not superiority. They should remain humble and reverent.

Severity and Kindness:

"For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you" (Romans 11:21, ESV). Paul emphasizes God's severity towards unbelief and His kindness towards faith. This serves as a sober reminder to remain in God’s kindness.

V. Potential Restoration (Romans 11:22-24)

Condition of Continuance:

"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" (Romans 11:22, ESV). Paul highlights the dual aspects of God's character—severity towards those who fall and kindness towards those who continue in faith.

Promise of Grafting:

"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" (Romans 11:23, ESV). Paul reassures that if Israel turns from unbelief, God has the power to graft them back into the olive tree.

Greater Restoration:

"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" (Romans 11:24, ESV). Paul concludes with the hope of Israel’s full restoration. If God can graft in wild branches, He can certainly restore the natural branches.

Conclusion:

Romans 11:1-24 reveals God’s intricate plan of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. We see His faithfulness in preserving a remnant, His purpose in hardening, His strategy in provoking jealousy, and His power in grafting both natural and wild branches into His olive tree. As believers, we are called to appreciate the depth of God's mercy, remain humble in our faith, and trust in His sovereign plan for the ultimate restoration of His people. Let us marvel at God's gracious grafting and strive to live lives that reflect His kindness and inclusivity.

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