Stand Fast By Faith

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
Romans 11:17-21

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Stand Fast By Faith
It is the work of the Gardener to tend the plants. He must prune and fertilize and water. He ensures that there is fruit and proper growth by grafting new branches into the vine and cutting and breaking out the ones that do not bear fruit. So many times in the Scriptures, God is compared to a gardener. In John 15, Jesus compares the Father to the Gardener and says that we are the branches that have been grafted into the vine that is Jesus. Paul picks that up here. You have been grafted into the vine. The Gardener has picked you. He broke off those who did not believe and he put you there instead. You receive the nourishment and love of the Vine, Jesus Christ, your Savior. This Gardener does not leave the Vine, but continues to care for it. Thanks be to God that he has given you the life saving forgiveness of Jesus and calls you by the Gospel, enlightens you with the gifts of the Spirit. This God makes you holy because the Vine is holy.