Wednesday Night Bible Study Romans 9:14-29
Romans: “The just shall live by faith”
Who Are You, O Man?
Read: Romans 9:14-29
Scripture and Key References:
“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?” 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 9:20-21
Duet. 29:29; 30: Job 38:1-40:2 Isaiah 29:16; 45:9 Hebrews 8:12; Titus 3:5
Daniel 4:34-37 1 Timothy 1:15-17
Introduction:
Paul knows that his presentation of the doctrine of election in Romans 9:13 will raise some questions. That is why he immediately says in verse 14 – “What shall we say? Is God unjust?” The “isn’t God being unfair?” question is the typical human reaction to this doctrine. And Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit gives a biblical answer to this question. But not just to this question. He also answers several other questions people ask about this doctrine, such as “Doesn’t election violate our free will?” and “What does the Old Testament teach about election?” Note as you read Romans 9, the essence of Paul’s answer is always the same – “God is God and we are not!”.
Discussion and Review Questions:
1. Can you remember a time before you were a believer in Jesus Christ? Did you desire to live for Him then? Did you actively try to please Him? What made the difference?
2. Do you still have questions about the doctrine of election that you need to wrestle with? How has this chapter helped you? How would you use Romans 9 to answer questions about the “fairness” of God?
3. Take a moment and meditate on Romans 9:20-21 posted above. Do you realize that you are simply a creature in the hands of your Creator? Are you aware of your need for God and your obligation to make much of Him?
4. How does the doctrine of “election” encourage us to share our faith with other? How does this doctrine help us evaluate Christendom’s place in American culture?
5. Did you realize “election” is throughout the Bible? If election is throughout Scripture why do we still have such a hard time embracing it?