God's Sovereignty In Election (Romans 9) (Romans 9:1-13)
Rev. William L. Barron, November 28, 2018Part of the Wednesday Bible Study series, preached at a Wednesday Bible Study service
All Christians, and especially those holding to Reformed doctrines, are called to embrace the whole counsel of God. Romans 9 is one of those passages that are less preached on or taught about in many churches. This chapter deals with God's sovereignty in election, established in eternity past within the counsels of the Holy Trinity and applied throughout redemptive history. As Reformed, Presbyterian people, we are often challenged by our Arminian brothers about election or predestination. Since many of these dear people have doubts about their assurance of salvation, understanding this chapter can help us bring blessings to these folks by bringing to them the clear teaching of scripture about our inability to save ourselves, God's love expressed in grace and also His wrath against sin. Pastor Barron in this session works us through Romans 9: 1-13. If you missed the session, you might find this helpful in "...always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience..." (1 Peter 3: 15-16).
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Romans 9:1–13 (Listen)
9:1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 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. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 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. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 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—12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
(ESV)