Paul's anguish over his privileged people caused him to testify to his own recognition of Christ as God.

Romans 9:5 "... Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. "

Physical relationship to God's people is no guarantee of a place in God's family.

Romans 9:6 "But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel,"

God called all the nation of Israel and granted His blessings to all - but within the nation there is a separation, that of unbelieving Israel and believing Israel. The spiritual descendants of Abraham depend on faith for righteousness and are Abraham's true sons (Galatians 3:6 ). Becoming a member of God's family is never by human descent or human achievement (John 1:13 ) It is dependent on receiving the free gift of God in Christ by faith, which results from being born of God. There is always an Israel within Israel who effectively receive God's promise (Romans 9:7-8 ).

God sovereignly has the right to choose and give special service to individuals and nations. God is sovereign and His election for service is illustrated by Jacob and Esau (Romans 9:9-13 ). To Moses God announces His sovereign right to show mercy and compassion. If He were not, there would be no mercy, for no one deserves His grace, and it cannot be earned. If God had not chosen in mercy, if by descent of Abraham, as Israel held to, then Ishmael and Esau, and their descendants would be heir of the promises. God chose by grace of Abraham's descendants, the Isaac, the Jacob - indicating His operating in grace towards all mankind (Romans 9:8-16 ).

There is an election for service that is God's right alone, and He can select Jacob for a higher purpose than he has in mind for Esau. Faith embraces God's purposes (Romans 9:12-13 ). That God is free to exercise wrath and judgment is illustrated by Pharaoh (Romans 9:17-18 ).

Romans 9:17 "For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, 'For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.'"

God's sovereign actions are in accordance with His own righteous being.

He is not obliged to those who misinterpret His being and action (Romans 9:19-24 ).

Romans 9:19 "You will say to me then, 'Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?'"

The claim of such a questioner is because God is sovereign, his fate is undeserved. Paul rebukes this preposterous interpretation. A potter can do what he wishes with his vessels. Certainly God can with His. Anyone who has true knowledge of God knows that God always acts in justice, righteousness and mercy. The illustration of the potter is used by the Lord in Jeremiah 18:1-17.

"Here is emphasised the conditional character of prophecy, even Jeremiah's sternest declaration of doom, like Jonah's (Jonah 3:4 ), presupposes an opportunity to repent. This parable also teaches the divine potter's patience". Wycliffe Commentary

This presents us with the background for Paul's use of the potter in his inspired teaching (Romans 9:21,22 ). Paul's point is that God can do as He wills with His creation, and that God has been exceedingly patient with those who unrepentantly give themselves to sin and rebellion against Himself, and so have made themselves fit only for destruction (Romans 2:5 )

Romans 9:23,24 "And He has a right to take others such as ourselves, who have been made for pouring the riches of His glory into, and to be kind to us so that everyone can see how very great His glory is." (Living Bible)

Those who repent and believe on the Lord Jesus are the vessels of mercy (Romans 9:23 ) which in Christ "He had prepared beforehand for glory," whether a believer Jew or Gentile. That God called to righteousness by faith from among Jews and Gentiles is supported by quotations from Old Testament prophets (Romans 9:25-29 ).

---

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you think, as a believer, you should have, like Paul, a deep concern for your nation (Romans 9:2 )?

2. Will nations, cities, individuals, be more severely judged because of abuse of privilege (Romans 9:4-5; Matthew 10:15; 11:24 )?

3. Who are the true descendents of Abraham (Romans 9:6-8; Galatians 3:6 )?

4. How would you minister to an Esau in your group, knowing that God calls and chooses in His own sovereign grace (Romans 9:9-16 )?

5. What is it that Paul rebukes by use of the illustration of the power of the potter over the clay (Romans 9:19-24 )?