Romans 9

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Paul has explained our need for salvation (Romans 1:18 – 3:20), God’s rescue plan (Romans 3:21 – 4:25), and the benefits of justification (Romans 5:1 – 8:37). Now he turns to the spiritual condition of Israel.

Potter’s desire

Divine election is compared to a potter fashioning clay in Romans 9:19-23. Jeremiah used this analogy to show how God treats nations that rebel and repent (Jeremiah 18:1-10). Jeremiah shows that God is not arbitrary. Isaiah proclaims God’s sovereignty with the same figure (Isaiah 29:16, 45:9-11).

God’s proclamation for Jacob and Esau related to their descendants, not to individuals. Applying one person’s attributes to a group is called “corporate personality.”

The hardening of God is the confirming of a person’s hardness (2 Thessalonians 2:11, Romans 1:28). Pharaoh hardened his own heart by rejecting God’s will (Exodus 9:34 – 10:1).

Romans 9 Outline

9:1-5
Anguish for Israel
9:1-3
Paul’s deep love and grief (Exodus 32:32)
9:4-5
Israel’s extraordinary heritage
9:6-29
God’s sovereign election and mercy
9:6-8
Children of the promise
9:9-13
Election illustrated by Israel and Edom
9:14-18
God’s purpose and mercy illustrated
9:14-16
Mercy on Moses (Exodus 33:19)
9:17-18
Hardened Pharaoh (Exodus 9:34 – 10:1)
9:19-24
The sovereign potter’s preparation
9:25-26
Inclusion of gentiles declared by Hosea
9:27-29
Exclusion of Israel declared by Isaiah
9:30-33
Pursuit of righteousness
9:30-32
Success by faith. Failure by works.
9:32-33
The stumbling stone

Profitable for teaching

To show that God’s plan for Israel did not fail (Romans 9:6), Paul produced a topical study on God’s providence.

  • Romans 9:7 – Genesis 21:12
  • Romans 9:9 – Gen 18:10, 14
  • Romans 9:12 – Genesis 25:23
  • Romans 9:13 – Malachi 1:2-3
  • Romans 9:15 – Exodus 33:19
  • Romans 9:17 – Exodus 9:16
  • Romans 9:25 – Hosea 2:23
  • Romans 9:26 – Hosea 1:10
  • Romans 9:27 – Isaiah 10:22-23
  • Romans 9:29 – Isaiah 1:9
  • Romans 9:33 – Isaiah 28:16
  • Romans 9:33 – Isaiah 8:13-15

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