Parable Of The Olive Tree-New Life Revelation Series

ÞThe Jews had the fathers, the followers of the only living and true God; we had heathen, polytheistic fathers, fathers who created humanistic gods to suit their needs.

ÞThe Jews had the Word of God and the Savior; we had neither.

ÞThe Jews had the prophets of God; we had false humanistic prophets and priests of the world.

Let us walk in the fear of God and humility, fearing unbelief lest we too be broken off (Romans 11:17).

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).

Careful of God’s Goodness

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Romans 11:22

We need take a sharp look at the goodness and severity of God.

The severity of God is seen in the spiritual fall of Israel.

The word “severity” means abrupt, sharp, rough, cut off.

The Jews...

·developed an attitude of arrogance and boasting, refusing to carry the Word of God to the world around them.

·felt safe and secure, thinking themselves more acceptable than others.

“You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (Amos 3:2).

“And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes” (Luke 12:47).

“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:6).

“And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible” (Isaiah 13:11).

“But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it” (Jeremiah 21:14).

“And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil” (Zeph. 1:12).

But remember the severity…knowing the love of God we “continue” in God’s goodness. “Continue” means to remain, be steadfast, persevere, endure.

In both position and relationship.

The believer...

·is positioned in the goodness of God.

·is related to the goodness of God.

We are “good” as we abide in the house of God.

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).