Lesson 10—God Chooses to Save Believers (Chapter 9)
for November 12, 2000

Introduction

Much of the letter to the Romans deals with the “Jewish problem”, that is, misunderstandings the Jews had regarding the law, faith, and salvation. In chapter 9, Paul clarifies the longtime (special) relationship of the Jews with God. He also delves into the meaning of the sovereignty of God.

Paul’s concern for his people

What a great love Paul had for his own people that he would offer himself if it would (spiritually) save the Jews! He was willing to be cursed, or condemned to eternal destruction on their behalf. Though Paul is often referred to as the apostle to the Gentiles (see Romans 11:13), he had a great burden for his own people, too.

The Jews had so many advantages, which are listed in vv. 4-5. Paul is decrying the situation—with so many advantages, why are the Jews (as a whole) still lost? What else could be done for them? The answer is nothing. It would do no good for Paul to give himself, if they have not understood all that has already been done for them.

Lest someone think otherwise, the fault does not lie with God. It is not that God is unable to save the Jews (v. 6). With illustrations, Paul explains that God’s true children are those he has called by his grace. It is not a matter of physical heritage or birth. Abraham had several children, but the promise came only through Isaac (see vv. 6-9). Again, with Isaac and Rebekah—they had two children, but only one was chosen to be the child of promise. God chooses those he decides. The main point of this section is that God chooses to make righteous those who have faith (see 9:30-31).

God’s sovereignty

Paul illustrates God’s ultimate power to choose using the Pharaoh of the Exodus. God raised up that king of Egypt to demonstrate his power (vv. 17-18). Why does it seem that God is deserting the Jews now? They had been God’s chosen people, yet they are not in God’s grace now, since (as a whole) they have rejected God’s son, the Christ. God has not rejected them, but he has chosen to save those with faith in Jesus, instead of those who follow the law. That is, he will show his compassion and mercy in the way he chooses.

I heard it explained this way once. God could have saved us in any way he wanted, because he is God (and sovereign). He could have chosen to save those who put a lampshade on their head and run around a house, but he did not. Instead he has chosen to extend his grace to those who have faith in Jesus Christ.

We cannot make God subject to man; God is the potter and we are the clay (vv. 19-21). He can choose to do as he wishes. However, God does not act in an unloving manner. He has shown his patience throughout history (vv. 22-24).

Credit card agreements will often have a paragraph that states (in my very unlegal paraphrase), “Just because we don’t pursue our legal rights against you one time, doesn’t mean we can’t do it another time if we want.” Meaning, if they don’t charge you a late fee one time, they can still do it the next time if they want. That seems to be part of the point of vv. 22-24. God has been very patient with people, especially his chosen people the Jews. When he could have punished (or destroyed) a people, he has allowed them to continue, and made them objects of mercy. That mercy comes through Jesus.

Paul uses Old Testament passages to illustrate God’s plan. All along it was in God’s plan to extend his grace beyond the Jews to the Gentiles. God has known all along that few Jews would accept his grace through faith (vv. 27-29). Even with all God has done for them, they still have rejected him for the most part (vv. 30-33).

Though one of their own, Jesus is a great stumbling block to the Jews (v. 33). Israel cannot get past the law, and stumble over Jesus as Messiah and Savior.

A tough question

Some think that Romans 9:19 ff. teaches predestination. However, this does not correlate with the rest of God’s word and does not have to be understood that way. Jimmy Allen explains that if there is any predestination in the passage, it is that God has predestined to be saved (as a group or class of people) those who have faith.
God does not arbitrarily choose one individual over another. When Paul asks, “Who resists his will?”, the answer is implied that no one can. One can choose to follow God voluntarily, or God can use someone for his purposes anyway.

Questions

1. List the advantages of the Jews.
2. According to this chapter, who are God’s children?
3. “God will have mercy on whom he has mercy.” Who is it that receives God’s mercy?
4. Which passages that Paul quotes show God’s plan to include the Gentiles?
5. How have the Gentiles, while not trying to obtain righteousness, obtained it (v. 30)?

Application

What would it take for Christians today to have a burden for the lost as did Paul? Do we need a better understanding of “lostness”? Do we need greater love for the lost?

Can you give reasons the Jews would not put their faith in Jesus? Why do people not put their faith in Jesus today?

The Jews put their faith in their physical heritage. What might we put our faith in besides Jesus as the way of salvation?

In your mind, does God have the right to give mercy to whom and in the way he desires?