Romans 9:1-13

Sunday School

Romans 9:1–13 is a profound and often debated passage in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul addresses God's sovereignty, election, and the role of Israel in God's redemptive plan. Here are key things we can take away from our story:

Paul loves his people and grieves for their rejection of the Messiah.

God's promises are fulfilled through His sovereign choice, not human lineage.

God's choice is based on His purpose, not on human merit or effort.

Romans 9:1–13 NASB95

I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “through Isaac your descendants will be named.” That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son.” And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Why might it appear that Paul in such deep sorrow at the beginning of Romans 9? Paul is heartbroken because many of his fellow Israelites have not accepted Christ, despite their rich spiritual heritage. His anguish shows his deep love and concern for their salvation.

What might Paul's sorrow tell us about his heart for others? It shows Paul's deep compassion and selflessness. He demonstrates a Christ-like love, willing to suffer personally for the sake of others’ salvation.

Today, Should we have such sorrow and pain for others and for what reasons? Absolutely. The things that break God’s heart should break ours. Sin on display and celebrated should deeply disturb us and compel us to pray intercessory prayers and speak up to point to God’s condemnation of such according to His Word, so that repentance may occur.

According to verses 4 and 5, What blessings did Israel receive from God? Adoption as God's people, divine glory, covenants, the law, temple worship, promises, and the patriarchs; and from them, Christ (the Messiah) came.

Why might it be significant that Christ came from Israel? It emphasizes the honor and role of Israel in God's salvation history, and affirms God’s faithfulness to His promises through them.

What does Paul mean by saying, “not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel” in verse 6? Paul is distinguishing between ethnic Israel (descendants by blood) and spiritual Israel (those who are part of God's people through faith and God's promise). True belonging to God's people comes by God’s calling and promise, not simply ancestry.

How does the example of Isaac and Ishmael support Paul’s argument? Although both were Abraham’s sons, only Isaac was the child of promise, showing that God’s blessing and covenant continue through divine selection, not merely through human lineage or effort.

How does the story of Jacob and Esau significant to Paul’s argument about election?Jacob and Esau were twins, sharing the same parents and born at the same time, yet God chose Jacob over Esau before they had done anything. This emphasizes that election is rooted in God’s purpose, not human actions or worthiness.

What does “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” mean? Isn’t that unfair? This statement (from Malachi 1:2-3) is about God’s choice to establish His covenant through Jacob, not Esau. "Hated" in this context means "rejected" or "not chosen" in contrast to "loved" or "chosen." It emphasizes God's sovereign right to choose whom He will for His purposes. Paul will address concerns about fairness in later verses.

What does this passage teach us about God's sovereignty? It teaches that God has the authority and freedom to choose according to His purpose and will. His decisions are not based on human effort or merit, but on His divine plan and mercy.

How might this passage challenge modern ideas about fairness or entitlement? In a culture that prizes fairness and equality (participation trophies), God's sovereign election may seem harsh or unjust. However, Paul emphasizes that God’s ways and purposes transcend human ideas of fairness. It challenges readers to trust in God's wisdom and righteousness. We are to lean not unto our our understanding but to trust God in His wisdom in all things.

How do I respond to the idea that God’s purposes may not align with my own sense of fairness? If God is truly infinite and all-knowing, it makes sense that there will be things I can’t grasp. What feels unfair now might make more sense in a broader, eternal view. God sees the bigger picture.

What are we relying on to define our standing with God? Is it heritage, actions, or God’s grace? Hopefully, God’s grace.

Do we share Paul’s deep burden for those who are not yet part of God’s family why or why not? We absolutely should, however, just like a toddler, those f us who are infants in Christ have a selfish mindset. We only care about ourselves or those closest to us.