The Sovereignty of God - Part 2
This exploration of Romans 9 tackles the profound tension between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. Through Pharaoh and Moses, we see a difficult truth: God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, yet gave him ten chances to choose differently. This isn't about unfairness; it’s about a God who is just by His standards, not ours. Like clay in the Potter's hands, we are crafted for His purposes. Most strikingly, we see God’s mercy—from clothing Adam and Eve to protecting Cain. His patience is intended to lead us to repentance, proving we are never too far gone.
---
## **SERMON NOTES: Romans 9 – Sovereignty & Mercy**
### **1. The Big Idea**
God is absolutely sovereign and unimaginably merciful. His sovereignty does not erase our choices; He repeatedly offers mercy and calls us to respond.
### **2. Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart (Exodus 7–12)**
* **The Tension:** Romans 9:15–18 says God hardens whom He wills, yet Exodus shows Pharaoh hardening his own heart.
* **The Reality:** God gave Pharaoh 10 real opportunities to obey. Pharaoh’s repeated refusal led to Egypt’s devastation, proving God’s purposes never fail.
### **3. Sovereignty & Responsibility**
* **The Potter & Clay:** Romans 9:19–21 explains that the Potter has the right to shape vessels for different purposes.
* **Justice vs. Fairness:** God is not "fair" by human standards; He is just. He owes mercy to no one; when He gives it, it is pure grace.
* **Patience:** He endures "vessels of wrath" with great patience to make His glory known to "vessels of mercy" (Rom. 9:22–24).
### **4. OT Pictures of Mercy**
* **Cain (Gen. 4):** Despite murder and defiance, God spared Cain and marked him for protection.
* **Adam & Eve (Gen. 2–3):** God didn't strike them dead instantly. He sacrificed animals to cover them, acting for their ultimate good even in judgment.
### **5. Identity as Clay**
* **Unique Design:** You are shaped for His purposes, not mass-produced for comparison (Isa. 64:8).
* **Divine Empowerment:** Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God gives us both the *desire* and the *power* to please Him.
### **6. The Two Sons (Luke 15)**
* **The Prodigal:** Wastes everything but is restored to sonship, not just servanthood.
* **The Older Brother:** Resentful and entitled. He refuses to celebrate his brother’s return.
* **The Call:** God’s mercy calls both the rebellious and the self-righteous home.
---
## **PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS**
1. **Respond Now:** Don't presume on God's patience. Repent before hardness sets in.
2. **Rest in Sovereignty:** Release the illusion of control. Pray: "Your will, not mine."
3. **Stop Comparing:** Embrace your design as clay in the Potter's hands.
4. **Check Your Heart:** Reject "Older Brother" resentment when others are blessed.
5. **Come Home:** If you’ve wandered, return. God restores you fully.
---
## **DISCUSSION QUESTIONS**
1. How do you see both God’s sovereignty and Pharaoh’s responsibility in Exodus?
2. Where have you experienced God’s patience while you were resisting Him?
3. In what area are you tempted to demand "fairness" from God instead of trusting His justice?
4. Do you relate more to the prodigal or the older brother right now?
5. What practical step of repentance do you need to take today?
6. How does being "clay" change how you view your current limitations?