Romans 9:1-18

GOD’s SOVERIGN MERCY

Keywords 9:16

It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

 

1. Paul’s anguish (1-5)

Paul was a Jew. His heart was broken because his own people rejected the

Christ. He would have exchanged his own salvation for theirs, had it been

possible. Israel enjoyed the privileges of being God’s sons, having his covenant

and being eyewitnesses of his glory. God dwelt with them and provided the way of

forgiveness and worship. Their greatest glory was the Christ, who is God over all.

But they rejected Christ and lost their privilege. Heritage is valuable, but the point

is knowing and serving Jesus, who is God over all.

 

2. God’s unfailing mercy (6-18)

Israel failed, but God did not fail. God fulfilled his promise to Abraham that all

nations would be blessed through his offspring. In his sovereign mercy God chose

Jacob rather than Esau. When Pharaoh opposed God, God used him anyway to

proclaim his name in all the earth. No one can belong to God by their own desire

or effort, only by God’s sovereign mercy.

 

Prayer Lord, I believe your promises; teach me to depend on your unfailing

mercy.

One Word Depend on God’s mercy