Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 11
Christians should have humble attitudes towards other people. That is, they should not become proud; they must not consider themselves superior to other people.
That is especially true in relation to the Jews (Israel’s people, who come from the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). It is true that many Jews have not put their trust in Christ. While they continue in an attitude of unbelief, they do not have their proper place in God’s plans. They are like branches that a gardener removes from a tree. However, God is able to bring them back to their proper place (11:23).
Christians have a right relationship with God because of their trust in Christ. Therefore, they might start to become proud against those Jews who do not yet believe in Christ. However, that would be a very foolish attitude.
Very many things that the Christian religion depends on, belong firstly to the Jews (9:4-5). For example, God gave the Bible to the Jews. We all need the Bible, to teach us, to encourage us, and to give us hope (15:4). God gave his promises to the Jews. Those promises include his promises to people from other nations (Genesis 12:3). Therefore, Christians need those promises (15:8-12). God showed the Jews how to pray to God, and how to serve him properly. Christians need those instructions in order to serve God in a proper manner (15:4).
So Christians cannot separate themselves from what God has given to the Jews. To do that would separate them from Christ, who is himself a Jew (9:5). That is why Christians must always deal with the Jews in an attitude of love, and never of pride (proud attitudes).
Next part: A Christian who forgets God's kindness, his power and his promises (Romans 11:19)
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