Rom. 11:16, If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith…
He is the vine and we are the branches. Because of our union with Christ we have been grafted in to his very life; to the rich root of the olive tree of which we are now partakers. Having been grafted in, we are not just branches attached to the vine; instead, we are part of the vine that is called branch through which the vine bears fruit. Everything the vine possesses is shared with the branch for they are one. As example: If Jesus the vine has wisdom can the branch, that is one with Vine, not have that wisdom? If the vine has power must not the branch also have that power; and according to these verses if the root, or vine, is holy, then the branches are too? You see we as branches don’t by our own strength or our own sincere best effort support the root, but it’s the root that supports us. Our part according to verse 20 is to simply stand in faith, trusting in the rich life of the root and Vine to keep supporting us, step-by-step. Restfully trusting Him, who is the source of all ability to live the Christian life in holiness, is what it means to abide in Him.