Pay attention to the Farmer of the branches. Notice it is His severity, pruning, and His kindness that is supposed to be the focus. Life is about God's objectives being fulfilled, not ours. We continue in God's goodness as we seek to be used by Him. Paul warns that the Churches would be removed from usefulness if they lose their God-focused identity. many churches have started with what is useful to God but over time they focus upon what is useful to them. God will finish what He started as He always has. The Gentiles are informed of the mystery of Israel's salvation so that they would not grow arrogant and think of themselves more highly than they ought. The truth of our position should always bring greater trust in God not greater self-reliance.