Read Romans 9:6-9.
Having shared his heart in vs1-5, Paul begins to unravel the incredibly difficult and painful topic of election and predestination – a topic that has divided Christendom since these words were first written. This topic of election and predestination is not a topic to be taken lightly or treated flippantly. At the core
The doctrine should not be taken lightly and even in Christian company should be spoken of carefully and with the utmost of care. At no point do we wish to paint an air of superiority or an attitude of looking down our noses at others. At no point do we wish to suggest that we are better than anyone else, or more deserving of God’s salvation than anyone else. Such heresies are not tolerated in the Bible, nor in this church.
The Westminster Confession of Faith sums it up beautifully in chapter 3, section VIII
The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care, that men, attending the will of God revealed in His Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election. So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God; and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the Gospel.
In vs6-9 Paul raises two points to make one truth - namely that God’s Word had not failed. In verse 6 Paul shows that being born from Israel does not make you a true Israelite. This would have been shocking heresy to the Jews of Paul’s day. They prided themselves on their heritage and nationality. Then in verse 7 he shows that simply having Abraham as your physical forefather doesn’t automatically make you a child of God. It is the children of the promise who are the children of God not the natural children (vs8).
For centuries the Jews had regarded themselves as God’s children. Now Paul writes words that contradict everything they had held true for so long. They are hard words to come to grips with. They are hard words to understand and to fit into our theology. We need to carefully consider these words, weigh them up and seek God’s wisdom in understanding.
God has said over and over again in the Old Testament that circumcision of the heart was what mattered, not merely physical circumcision. He had called the people over and over again to love Him with their heart, soul, mind and strength.
God had said to them that He looks at the inside even though man looks at the outside.
Many believers deal with the hard bits of the Bible in the wrong way. Some ignore the hard teachings and simply refuse to read them and to incorporate them into their theology. Some make up schools of theology that give them a semblance of solid ground on which to dismiss the hard bits of the Bible. Others have, sadly, simply walked away from the faith.
When we come to difficult doctrines in the Bible we must immerse ourselves in prayer, search the Scriptures diligently, get much counsel and read widely. It is imperative that we read all sides of the issue and consider the various options before we make up our minds. But even so, Scripture must always remain our ultimate authority.
Prayer:
Having read today’s passage and notes jot down various prayer points in each:
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¨ Pray that God would help us understand this difficult doctrine and its implications.
¨ Pray that we would be sensitive and caring and loving as we discuss this issue in cell groups and other groups.
¨ Pray that Scripture would remain our ultimate authority.
¨ Pray against pride and arrogance.
To wrestle with the Word of God is to grow and mature. Don’t be afraid of asking the hard questions.
1. What are you thoughts so far on the doctrine of election/predestination?
2. What dangers are ever present when we talk about this doctrine?
3. Should this be a doctrine discussed with unbelievers? Why/why not?
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