God's Grace & God's People 

Scripture Reading: Romans 9:1-29.

Memory Verse: "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace" (Romans 11:5).

Introduction: In this discourse to the Romans, Paul expounds on who the children of God are. He begins this chapter with a strong conviction. He urgently desires to win their confidence (for he was regarded by the Jews as one who was not at all interested in their salvation). Paul was sorrowful because they could not see the truth. They were stubborn and set in their own traditions.--Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7,700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times, p. 1202.
  Charles Spurgeon once preached a great sermon from a very short text. The text consisted of only four words: "If children, then heirs" (Romans 8:17). The truth and force of those words came through as he stripped them of what they did not say.
  Mr. Spurgeon gave this exposition: The words did not say, if creatures, then heirs. Many people think that we are in the family of God, but the Bible does not say that we are heirs just because we are His creation. Neither does the text say, if children of Abraham, then heirs. That is what many Israelites believed. In fact, that is the proud attitude Paul was opposing when he wrote this part of Romans. The Israelites thought they were automatically children of God because they were children of Abraham's lineage. However, to some of them, Jesus said, "Ye are of your father, the devil" (John 8:44).
  The text expounded by Mr. Spurgeon also ruled out baptism, church membership, confirmation and other works and rites. He emphasized the truth that we must be spiritually born into God's family. If children, even "the poor of this world [are]...heirs of the kingdom" (James 2:5).--The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible, Romans, Volume 7, p. 172.
  A striking and decisive proof of God's election is seen in the choice of Jacob over Esau. It is also a striking proof that salvation is solely by the grace of God and not by the works and goodness of men. There are three main thoughts that can be gleaned from this example:
  1. The promise to Rebecca was given before Jacob and Esau were born.
  2. The promise was by election, not because of 'any good or evil' in the children. Unquestionably, when we accept Scripture for what it says, our minds stagger at this argument. But there is one great truth that must always be remembered: neither Jacob nor Esau deserved mercy.
  3. Election (being children of the promise) is not of works, but of God who calls men to salvation!--The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible, Romans, Volume 7, p. 173.

Lesson Questions:

1. Analyze Paul's great love and burden for the Jews. Romans 9:1-3; 10:1; 1 Corinthians 9:22; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 John 3:16; Jude 21-23.

2. In what ways did Paul respect his heritage? Romans 9:4,5.

3. Who are the true children of God? Romans 9:6-9; John 1:12,13; Matthew 7:21; Romans 2:28,29; Galatians 3:26-29.

4. Discuss how man's selection and salvation are by God's own election and grace, and not by personal merit.Romans 9:10-13.
"Esau I hated." This does not mean to hate in the sense of despising. It is merely a deliberate decision on the part of God for Jacob to be the child of promise instead of Esau...God was illustrating that man was to receive His promises by grace."--Donald Grey Barnhouse, God's Covenants, pp. 67,68.

5. Is God being unfair when He selects one man and rejects another, or when He favors one people and not all? Romans 9:14-18; Deuteronomy 32:4; John 21:20-22; 12:37-41.

6. Does man have any right to question God, or to dispute God's sovereignty? Romans 9:19-21; Isaiah 29:15,16; 45:9; Job 9:1-4; 40:1-5.

7. Why is it wise for men not to strive against God's timetable? Romans 9:22-24; 2 Peter 3:7-12; Matthew 25:13; Luke 12:37;
1 Thessalonians 5:5,6; Revelation 16:15.

8. If God has rejected the Jews, then who are the "chosen?" Romans 9:25-29; Hosea 2:23; Acts 10:43; 1 John 5:1; Romans 11:5;
2 Corinthians 6:17,18.