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You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.”<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n When we read Scripture we need to receive God\u2019s truth in humility, being careful not to filter it through our pride.<\/p>\n The words \u201cYou will say<\/span>\u201d are from ere\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto say or to declare.\u201d It is expressed in the active voice (action performed by the subject) and indicative mood (action that actually occurs). Paul is not saying \u201cyou could say\u201d or \u201cyou might say,\u201d rather he is saying \u201cyou will say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMight be grafted in<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek verb egkentridz\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which is a compound word made up of en<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cin\u201d implying a fixed position and kentridz\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto make a puncture.\u201d Thus we see that egkentridz\u014d<\/em> <\/span>means \u201cto insert by making a puncture or a small opening.\u201d This is precisely the process that is performed when a branch is engrafted to a root stock. The root stock is carefully cut open with a small incision and the branch, after having been sharpened on one end, is inserted into the opening. The verb is expressed here in the passive voice (action done to the subject) and subjunctive mood (implying that the action is possible or probable).<\/p>\n Paul is now stating what he expects will be a response from proud Gentiles, so that he can counter it in the following verse. Paul knows the heart of sinful man and is certain that his readers and hearers will react to what he is saying. He knows they will say, \u201cBut, the other branches were broken off just so we could be grafted in. It appears that it was God\u2019s purpose to reject those unbelieving Jews so that He could save us Gentiles. Therefore, we must be more important than the Jews; they were taken out of their place and we have been put in.\u201d<\/p>\n This sort of reasoning, however, assumes that God now considers the Gentiles more important than the Jews; otherwise, He wouldn\u2019t have rejected the Jews, would He? This type of reasoning is sinful and selfish. It is, in fact, the very same attitude that the Jews had before they were rejected, believing that they were better than the Gentiles because they were God\u2019s chosen people. In the next verse Paul will give a stern warning about such thinking.<\/p>\n We see this type of thinking today, particularly in Christians who believe they\u2019ve earned their salvation. They are proud of the fact that they believed and have been saved as a result, thinking that they are somehow better than the unsaved because they were smart enough or had faith enough to believe. When we realize that our salvation is totally God\u2019s work, we become aware of the fact that we don\u2019t deserve this salvation and become humbly thankful, giving God ALL THE GLORY!<\/p>\n the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” <\/span>(Revelation 4:10-11<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n Are you proud of the fact that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? Or are you humbled by the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ has chosen you to be His?<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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