Romans 9:14-29

Learning the Way - Romans 9:14-29

In these passages, we’re diving deep into the nature of God. Is your picture of God based on scripture, or on your thoughts about who he is? Difficult paraphrase from the message: “When I come across something in scripture that doesn’t correlate with my view of God, it’s my understanding that needs adjusting, not the scriptures.” We can’t pick and choose passages that fashion a God that makes us feel comfortable. That’s idolatry. Talk with your group about your understanding of God and His nature as revealed in this passage.

Have you ever thought of God as not being fair? What were the circumstances? Do you think of yourself as being worthy of God’s mercy and grace? 

In Exodus we see God hardening Pharaoh’s heart, but we also see Pharaoh hardening his own heart. Talk with your group about God’s sovereignty and our responsibility for our actions.

As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” - Romans 9:25-26

Paul ends this passage with reminders about God’s amazing ability to redeem. Hosea is a story of one of these “surprise reversals.” As a believer, do you ever think about the surprise reversal of your destiny? Instead of being condemned and punished accordingly, we are now called sons and daughters of the living God. How does this make you feel? Where would you be if God left you to your own will?