Your June 23rd Expository Sermon

God's Sovereign Mercy (Romans 9:14-33)

Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

Sermon Title: God's Sovereign Mercy (Romans 9:14-33)

Introduction

Romans 9:14-33 leads us into a detailed examination of God's sovereign right to extend mercy and execute justice. Paul addresses the objections that may arise regarding God's righteousness in His sovereign election. This passage challenges our human perspectives on fairness, emphasizing God's absolute authority and purposeful plan in salvation. As we delve into these verses, we will uncover the depth of God’s mercy, the breadth of His justice, and the mystery of His divine will.

I. Righteous Ruling (Romans 9:14-18)

Paul begins with a direct question about God’s justice: "What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part?" (Romans 9:14). He answers decisively, "By no means!" (Romans 9:14). This section asserts God's righteousness in His decisions.

• God’s Prerogative:

  • "For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’" (Romans 9:15). God's mercy is not obligated by human actions but is an expression of His sovereign will.

• Human Limitation:

  • "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy." (Romans 9:16). Our efforts or desires do not determine God's mercy; it is solely His gift.

• Divine Demonstration:

  • "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.’" (Romans 9:17). Even those who oppose God serve His purposes, showcasing His power and sovereignty.

II. Purposeful Predestination (Romans 9:19-24)

Anticipating objections, Paul addresses the question of God’s fault-finding: "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" (Romans 9:19). He reminds us of our position as creatures before our Creator.

• Creator's Authority:

  • "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?’" (Romans 9:20). We are not in a position to question God’s decisions.

• Potter and Clay:

  • "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?" (Romans 9:21). God, as the divine potter, has the right to shape His creation according to His purposes.

• Glorious Revelation:

  • "In order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—" (Romans 9:23). God’s actions reveal His glory and mercy, prepared for those He has called.

III. Merciful Manifestation (Romans 9:25-29)

Paul shifts to the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan, quoting the prophets to emphasize God's mercy extending beyond Israel.

• Prophetic Fulfillment:

  • "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.’" (Romans 9:25). God’s mercy reaches those outside the original covenant, fulfilling His promises.

• Remnant of Grace:

  • "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,’" (Romans 9:27). Even within Israel, a remnant chosen by grace will be saved, highlighting God’s selective mercy.

IV. Faithful Foundation (Romans 9:30-33)

Paul concludes by contrasting the pursuit of righteousness through the law with the attainment of righteousness through faith.

• Faith over Works:

  • "What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith;" (Romans 9:30). The Gentiles attained righteousness through faith, not by the law.

• Stumbling Stone:

  • "As it is written, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’" (Romans 9:33). Christ is the cornerstone, a foundation for those who believe, yet a stumbling block for those who seek righteousness by their works.

Conclusion

Romans 9:14-33 offers a sobering and profound teaching on God’s sovereign mercy and justice. It calls us to trust in His perfect will and to embrace the mystery of His election. Our salvation is not based on our merit but on His gracious choice. Let this truth deepen our humility, inspire our worship, and embolden our witness, knowing that our God is just, merciful, and sovereign. May we rest in His sovereign grace and proclaim His gospel with the same passion Paul had for his people.

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