Date: January 21, 2024 Location: Wildwood Church, East Moline, Illinois Pastor: Brian Smith

Summary:

Perhaps no doctrine of the Church is more divisive than the doctrine of election. Predestination, Calvinism, election, and doctrines of grace (TULIP) are hot topics in many Christian circles. When we began the series through Romans 18 months ago, we knew Romans 9 was coming. And with Romans 9, election. Paul didn’t shy away from election and neither should we. We invite you to join us in our study of Romans 9 with a humble heart and open mind, seeking to know what God has revealed in His Word.

Introduction:

• Delve into the divisive nature of the doctrine of election and its prevalence in Christian circles.
• Discuss the relevance of election, predestination, and TULIP (doctrines of grace) in the context of Romans 9.
• Emphasize the importance of approaching the topic with humility and an open mind.

Segment 1: God's Sovereignty Explored

• Explore R.C. Sproul's insights on God's sovereignty over nature, the law, and the contentious domain of granting mercy.
• Address the common objection of fairness in God's selective mercy, drawing attention to the need for humility in understanding divine justice.

Segment 2: Biblical Foundations (Romans 9:14-18)

• Analyze key verses from Romans 9:14-18, addressing the question of injustice on God's part.
• Highlight the significance of divine mercy and compassion in the context of Moses' plea for forgiveness in Exodus 33:19.
• Emphasize the revelation of God's name through His acts of mercy and compassion.

Segment 3: Wrestling with God's Sovereignty

• Discuss the modern tendency to question God's justice and the reversal of roles in perceiving God as the accused.
• Quote C.S. Lewis and Daniel Doriani on the shift in the relationship between man and God in the contemporary mindset.
• Reiterate the profound mercy of God, surpassing the demands of justice.

Segment 4: Human Enmity and God's Sovereignty

• Examine Charles Spurgeon's perspective on human enmity in response to the doctrine of God's sovereignty.
• Explore Romans 9:16 to affirm the exclusion of human will as the fundamental factor in divine election.
• Stress the importance of understanding the order of salvation (ordo salutis) and its impact on the Christian life.

Segment 5: Pharaoh's Role in God's Plan

• Examine the role of Pharaoh in God's plan, referencing Exodus 9:16 and God's purpose in raising him up.
• Emphasize God's supremacy over earthly powers and His use of Pharaoh to manifest His glory.
• Address objections to the perceived unfairness in God's dealings with Pharaoh.

Segment 6: Soli Deo Gloria – Living for God's Glory

• Connect Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom of God with the purpose of the Church in proclaiming the gospel.
• Stress the significance of living "soli deo gloria" – for the glory of God alone.
• Conclude with the anticipation of every knee bowing to Jesus Christ on judgment day.

Conclusion and Encouragement:

• Offer words of encouragement, highlighting the limitless reach of God's mercy.
• Reassure believers of the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints and God's commitment to completing the work He began.
• Encourage repentance and belief for those who feel hopeless, emphasizing the gospel's transformative power.