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Northwest Bible Church – Dec. 12, 2004 Worship Service – Alan Conner
Rom. 11:18-22
Warning against Pride
INTRO
Roman church were basically a spiritual church but they had a tendency toward pride which is the problem Paul is dealing with in this passage concerning the Gentiles.
For this problem see Paul’s attention in 12:3, 16; 14:1, 3-4, 10, 13.
A. REASONS WHY GENTILE BELIEVERS SHOULD NOT BE ARROGANT.
1) "the root supports you" (v. 18). The root = patriarchs and includes idea of God’s gracious election.
a) "Do not be arrogant".
b) Reasons behind their arogance.
c) The "root" was Jewish.
2) Gentiles are from a "wild olive tree." See 11:17, 19, 24; Rom. 1; Eph. 4, etc.
In. v. 19 Paul now puts words in the mouth of the Gentiles who have this attitude, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." This is their reasoning to justify their feeling of superiority over the Jews. The pronoun "I" is emphatic to indicate the self-centeredness of the Gentile Christians.
3) Faith is the only reason for your ingrafting (v. 20a).
The "breaking off" of Jews is due to unbelief and the Gentiles’ "standing" is by faith (v. 20). "Stand" means to be in a grafted position in the tree, to be a part of the tree and to enjoy the blessings from the rich root.
The idea is to remind the Gentiles that they were both grafted into the tree by faith and continue to remain in the tree only by faith so they have nothing to boast in.
4) Fear God for He will cut you off too for unbelief (vv. 20b-21).
Conceited means to think high thoughts about yourself. Fear combines reverential thoughts of God’s majesty and glory and a healthy concern of God’s discipline or judgment for sin.
5) Behold, the kindness and severity of God. (v. 22).
We need to understand both sides of God’s character.
B. DO NOT ABIDE IN PRIDE.
1) Can Christians struggle with pride?
2) What are the qualities of a proud heart?
a) The heart is not right with God
b) He is deceived about his abilities and even the very presence of pride.
c) Self-idolatry.
3) What are the consequences of pride?
a) You forget the Lord, Deut. 8:14.
b) Give no return to God for your blessings. 2Chr. 32:25.
c) Disobedient to God. Neh. 9:29.
d) Pride goes before dishonor, destruction, and stumbling, pride will bring you low (Prov. 11:1; 16:5, 18; 29:23).
4) What does God think of pride?
a) God is opposed to pride, James 4:6.
b) God hates it, Prov. 6:16-17.
c) It is an abomination, Prov. 16:5.
d) God will tear down their house, Prov. 15:25
CONCLUSION
1) Arrogance is often the first step toward apostasy, and if not apostasy, then spiritual decline.
2) The antidote to pride is to know and fear God (v. 20).
3) Clothe ourselves in humility. Phil. 2:3. NO BOASTING SAVE IN THE CROSS Gal. 6:14.
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