Message Notes

Senior Sunday School 24 November 2024

Text: Romans 11

Subject: “Do not be haughty, but fear” Romans 11:20

19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.”

20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.

21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.

Romans 11:19-21

FALSE ARGUMENTS ADDRESSED

1. These are arguments/ thoughts of Gentile believers

a) Branches are broken off

b) That I might be granted in

c) Is this perception totally correct?

2. Paul had to explain this very carefully

a) Yes, there were branches that were broken off

b) Yes, Gentiles were grafted in

c) Those are undeniable

THE PROPER AND APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

1. Why were the branches broken off?

a) Because of unbelief

b) Can Gentiles also end up with unbelief?

c) Yes!

d) The same thing can happen to anyone, Jew or Gentile

2. Standing by faith

a) This is as it should be

b) Faith is truly needed (Hebrews 11:1, 6)

3. What are features that should accompany faith?

a) Not haughtiness!

b) But fear!

i) Reverence

ii) Holy regard

iii) A suitable sense of fear that we might end up with unbelief

THE JUSTICE OF GOD

1. God’s justice

a) It will be upheld

b) God is impartial

2. The example of God chastising unbelief

a) The Jewish branches were not spared

b) Neither would the Gentile branches be spared if unbelief sets in

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

1. This must be carefully

a) Comprehended

b) Checked

c) Corrected

d) Cultivated

2. The danger of backsliding

a) This is real

b) This problem needs to be addressed

c) Old Testament

Jeremiah 3

d) New Testament

Ephesians 2 and 4

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To fear the Lord

2. To see faith cultivated

3. To practise a life of faithfulness and fruitfulness