God's Sovereign Plan (Romans 9:1-29) - 5/29/24

Romans 9:1-29 – Our 3rd study on election.

THE TRAGEDY OF ISRAEL’S UNBELIEF – vv. 1-5

Paul’s Sorrow

• Even though God had blessed them so.

• 8 blessing bestowed upon them

• Adoption, glory, the covenants, the law, the worship, the promises, belong to the patriarchs, Christ will come from their race.
  

THIS UNBELIEF IS PART OF GOD’S PLAN – vv. 6-13

God’s Sovereignty

• God’s sovereignty = the fulfilment of His purpose and plan

• We often think, hear or say:

• Why did this happen? What is the good in this? This in not fair. God is too loving to allow things that this to happen.

• Yet, when we consider that the Bible teaches us ALL THINGS work together (Romans 8:28 specifically but throughout Scripture) we see God’s hand in all of the affairs of life.  Then we can understand that ALL THINGS pertains to God’s eternal purpose and plan.  The small details of life fit perfectly together in the Big Picture of God’s eternal plan and purpose.

• Our mind in not capable of processing the eternal plan and purposes of God.
  

The Word of God has not failed – Ishmael and Isaac – vv. 6-9

• God chose Isaac (Abraham’s son through Sarah) over Ishmael (Abraham’s son through Hagar)

• Ishmael – First born of Abraham and viewed as a patriarch of Islam.
  

In order that God’s purpose of election may continue – Esau and Jacob – vv. 10-13

• He chose Jacob the second born twin over Esau.

• He made this decision long before they were born (vv. 11-12)

GOD’S PLAN FOR ISRAEL’S UNBELIEF IS NOT UNFAIR, PUT PERFECTLY JUST – VV. 14-29

God’s mercy – Moses and Pharaoh – vv. 14-24

• I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. Ex. 33:19

• I raised you up, that I MIGHT SHOW MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED IN ALL THE EARTH. Ex. 9:16

God’s grace – Hosea – vv. 25-26

• Hos. 1:10

• God’s grace not limited to Israel only.

God’s remnant – Isaiah – vv. 27-29

• Isaiah 10:22

• A remnant will be saved.

Questions we tend to ask:

Is God unfair to choose some and not others?

• Focus on His mercy. (not getting what we ALL deserve. We are all sinners.)
  

How can people be blamed for rejecting God, if He in some way determines who will accept Him?

• Who are we to answer back to God? Has the potter no right over the clay?

• The creature has no grounds to question the creator.

Can we really/truly understand God?

• We cannot put God into our mind. We will struggle because we cannot know His ultimate ways and purpose.

• Run to the WORD.  BE IN AWE OF THE GOD OF SCRIPTURE!

• God of mercy and love. He is fair and just in everything He does.