Scripture

Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe towards those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off.

Observation

God’s people, the Jews, did not stumble and fall beyond recovery. God made salvation available to the Gentiles, wanting the Jews to be jealous and claim the blessing too.

Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy. But some of the branches of the family tree were not holy, so they were broken off. Then God grafted in the Gentiles in their place.

We should not become proud about this. If we should stop being obedient to Christ, we too could be broken off the tree.

Application

One of the problems with grace is that we can turn it into a kind of easy salvation: Just say the prayer and you are in.

But this is not how God works. He removed from His family tree those Jews who refused to obey Him. He will do the same to those of us Gentiles who refuse to obey Him.

We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works. In other words, my faith in Jesus should result in a life that, over time, becomes like Him. I turn away from sin and selfishness, towards a life of love and kindness.

To claim to be a christian while engaging in sin is nonsense. To go to church and continue to be untouched by holiness is hypocrisy.

Paul is clear that this kind of action will not be blessed by God. He is kind to those who accept His grace, but severe to those who refuse to obey Him.

Prayer

Lord, I don’t like to think of your judgement. Please help me to be obedient to you. May your Holy Spirit so transform me that I become like you. Amen.