God is Sovereign outline

Romans 9:1–29 ESV

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’ ” “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ ” And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” And as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.”

The Sovereign Choice of God

Bible Passage: Romans 9:1–29

Summary: In Romans 9:1-29, Paul addresses the sovereignty of God in election, highlighting God's freedom to choose whom He wills to bless and save. He argues that God's choices are not based on human merit but on His own purpose and mercy.

Application: This passage reminds Christians of the foundational truth that God's sovereignty reigns over all aspects of life, including salvation. Understanding this doctrine can bring comfort and assurance during times of uncertainty and doubt, helping believers to trust in God's plan regardless of their circumstances.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on the nature of God's sovereignty, emphasizing that His choices are based on His will and purpose rather than human actions or understanding. This challenges believers to reflect on their own reliance on grace and humility in light of God's unmatched authority.

How this passage could point to Christ: The sovereignty of God ultimately leads to the revelation of Christ as the chosen one who fulfills God's plans for redemption. Throughout Scripture, God's sovereign choices point to the fulfillment of His promises in Jesus, establishing Him as both the means and the purpose of divine election.

Big Idea: God's sovereign choice is a profound truth that invites us to live in confidence of His plans, reminding us that His grace and mercy are the foundation of our salvation and relationship with Him.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the theological implications of divine election and its interconnections with predestination. Utilize your Logos library to explore various perspectives from church history, such as Augustine's views compared to those of Arminius. Additionally, examine relevant commentaries on Romans to understand the nuances of Paul's arguments, particularly how this passage fits into the broader context of Romans.

1. Paul's Passionate Plea

Romans 9:1-5

You could begin by highlighting how Paul expresses his deep sorrow and anguish for his fellow Israelites. These verses introduce the theme of God's sovereign choice by showing that not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Emphasize that God's promises are sure but are fulfilled according to His sovereign plan. Despite ancestral lineage, divine selection is not based on ethnicity but God's purpose. Paul's lament can encourage believers to trust deeply in God's plan for salvation, rooted in divine mercy rather than human merit.

2. Chosen Without Conditions

Romans 9:6-13

Perhaps focus on God's choice of Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau to illustrate that His election transcends human heritage and actions. God's purpose is fulfilled through His calling, emphasizing His sovereign right to orchestrate His plan. These examples challenge the audience to reflect on the unmerited nature of God's grace in their lives, inviting a response of humility and gratitude in light of being chosen by God, not by works, but by His divine will and purpose. Highlight the assurance that comes from God's unwavering promises.

3. Mercy Mysteriously Magnified

Romans 9:14-18

Maybe explore the question of God's justice as Paul addresses it. These verses elaborate on how God, in His sovereignty, has mercy on whom He has mercy. Discuss the example of Pharaoh, used by God to demonstrate His power and reveal His name throughout the earth. Encourage the congregation to trust God's wisdom and embrace His mysteries, accepting that human understanding is limited. Reinforce that God's mercy is a gift, leading us to a deeper dependence on Him and confidence in His plan.

4. Purpose of the Potter

Romans 9:19-29

You could conclude by discussing the metaphor of the potter and the clay, illustrating God's authority and the rightful response of the created to the Creator. Emphasize that faith in the sovereign God entails recognizing His rightful place as the one who shapes destiny. Highlight how God's election includes the gathering of the Gentiles, fulfilling prophetic promises. This reminder of God's overarching narrative affirms our place in His sovereign plan, giving us assurance of not only our individual purpose but our collective role in His story.

If you find yourself constantly worrying about your family's future or health, remember that God is sovereign over your life.

Take time this week to sit down with your family and pray together, expressing your concerns and entrusting them to God.

In the workplace, you might face uncertainty with projects or job security, leading to stress and anxiety. This week, choose to accept that God is sovereign over your career as well. Consider setting aside time each morning to pray specifically about your work situations and ask for guidance.

Consider the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned unjustly, Joseph's journey seemed marked by suffering. Yet, God was sovereign over every twist and turn, ultimately positioning Joseph to save nations from famine. The key verse, 'You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good' (Genesis 50:20), illustrates how God's sovereignty works through human actions to fulfill His divine plans, even in our darkest times.

In ancient Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar's dream troubled him greatly. Despite being the most powerful ruler, he learned that even kings are not beyond the reach of God’s sovereign will. When Daniel interpreted the dream, he explained that God raises up and casts down kings for His purposes. This episode teaches us that God reigns supreme over all earthly authority, reminding us that nothing escapes His control, and we can trust Him with our lives and world affairs.

Reflect on the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. When her people faced annihilation, she was hesitant but reminded of her unique position: 'For such a time as this' (Esther 4:14). God's sovereign design allowed Esther to rise in a time of crisis, showcasing His hand in human history. Her bravery teaches us that God places each of us where we are for His purposes, emphasizing the beauty of His sovereign plan for our lives.