Read Romans 9:10-18
As we continue to wade through the doctrine of election and predestination we have already seen that our hearts should yearn and cry out for the lost. We have seen that Abraham’s children are the children of the promise not just the physical children.
In vs10-18 Paul talks about two specific examples in the Old Testament. Rebekah, wife of Isaac (who was Abraham’s promised son) had twins; Esau
11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand:
12 not by works but by Him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”
13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
Notice carefully what is stated here in God’s Word. God chose the younger one before the twins were born so that it could not be conceived to be a choice based on what either person had done. Verse 12 states clearly that it was not by works but by Him who calls. God in His eternal wisdom chose Jacob over Esau so that His purpose would be worked out. If we comprehend what has just been said, we might want to cry out, ‘Is God unjust?’ Paul anticipates this and deals with it in verse 16. The answer is quickly given, ‘Not at all!’.
Moses, as the second example, is immediately brought onto the stage. God said to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ This is followed with an incredible teaching. Read Romans 9:16 very carefully. It does NOT depend on man’s desire or effort but solely and wholly on God’s mercy. Verse 18 is the pivotal statement. God does what ever He pleases.
In terms of our relationship with God we are the clay and God is the potter. God can make out of the clay whatever He chooses. He can make items for noble use and some for common use out of the same lump of clay. Added to this, God has chosen to make the riches of His glory known to the objects of His mercy by the way He made us. He has chosen to bring glory and honour to Himself in this particular way. We can rail against God. We can argue with God or we can praise Him as Paul does at the end of this section. At the end of chapter 11 we read an anthem of praise to God.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable His judgments,
and His paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His counsellor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?”
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
What will your reaction to the God who elects be?
Prayer:
Having read today’s passage and notes jot down various prayer points in each:
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¨ Ask the Lord to bring wisdom and insight and godliness to us as we seek to understand this doctrine.
¨ Pray that we would be led by God to a position of adoration and praise as in Romans 11:30-33 as we study this difficult doctrine.
When you read the Word don’t just skim. Think carefully about what’s being said. Consider the flow of the passage and the main point being made. As you actually read what’s written you’ll get a few surprises.
1. Some people argue that election destroys the need for evangelism, but J I Packer says it should motivate us all the more. What do you think?
2. How do you answer the charge that God is unfair in election and predestination?
3. What difficulties or issues arise from thinking about this doctrine?
Intro: In our relationship with God we need to come to the point where we trust God completely. Even when we don’t know what God is doing we need to trust Him.
Discuss some areas in your own life where you have had difficulty trusting God. How did you grow in trust?
Read Romans 8:28-30
What can we be assured of even when life is tough?
What good does God promise to do for us?
Pray together that you would grow in trust of God.
Intro: In our relationship with God we need to come to the point where we trust God completely. Even when we don’t know what God is doing we need to trust Him.
Discuss some areas in your own life where you have had difficulty trusting God. How did you grow in trust?
Read Romans 8:28-30
What can we be assured of even when life is tough?
What good does God promise to do for us?
Pray together that you would grow in trust of God.
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