Read with me...
Romans 9 (Read it here)
Paul is certain that non-Christian Jews wouldn't likely agree with what he's said thus far. The Jewish nation was built on the law of Moses and now Paul says that faith in Jesus is more important. In fact, doing all the good deeds in the world won't please God if faith isn't involved. By the way, this would offend people of many other philosophical positions, as well, not only Jews.
Paul assures the church in Rome that his truthful words are being guided by the Spirit. (v. 1) It breaks his heart that Jews can't separate themselves from the law to find the freedom in following Christ. He even wishes that he could trade his salvation in order for the Jewish people to fully trust in Christ. (vs. 2-3) To him, it is sad to think that the nation that was created and founded by God himself, the people who received all His prophecies and promises, would ultimately be left behind. (v. 4) If anyone were to know what God was doing through Jesus, it should've been the Israelites!
The fathers of the faith (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) are all precursors to the ultimate Israelite, Jesus. Here, in the latter part of verse 5, Paul makes no mistake in saying that Jesus is God; the ruler over everything and worthy of worship!
Since mentioning the human founder of the Israelite nation, Abraham, it was worth it to Paul to note an important distinction. Just because someone is a descendant of Abraham doesn't make that person a child of God! Only children of the promise (per the original Greek, the ones who God approves and deemed right) are considered to be God's children (v. 8) Jesus says something very similar to this in Luke 3:8.
What does this have to do with us in 21st century America? One glaring point should be clear. We do not inherit faith from a religious or church upbringing. If your parents are Christ-followers, you are not automatically lumped in with them by God until you yourself come to faith in Jesus. Faith and salvation are not assumed, they are sought after and contemplated carefully.
Abraham's son, Isaac, had another interesting set of immediate ancestors (we'll call them sons). Before the twins were born, Rebekah (Isaac's wife) was told by God that he was choosing the younger son, Jacob, to carry on the promise. (vs. 10-11, 13) God made His choice even before either son did anything right or wrong. Even though Jacob would have the terrible habit of deception, God still used him to grow the Israelite nation. Like Paul says, it really had nothing to do with one son being a better person than the other. (v. 12)
At first glance this does seem unfair, doesn't it? How could God predestine the older son to serve the younger? But do we know that? Perhaps God simply knew ahead of time that Esau would be so foolish as to give away his inheritance just for a bowl of soup! (Genesis 25:27-34)
Either way, we are not God. We don't know God's thoughts. Heck, we don't even know other people's thoughts. Who are we to judge? God can do what He wants; it ain't like any human being can stop Him! He can choose, show mercy and compassion to whomever He wants! (v. 15) We can't even earn God's mercy. (v. 16)
Now God used Pharaoh in a completely different way. God made an example of out Pharaoh, the king of Egypt and probably the most powerful man in the world at that time. (v. 17) For even Pharaoh, with all his power, was powerless in opposition to God. God exploited Pharaoh's arrogance and made him ignore Moses' warnings. (v. 18)
Is God is running around voiding people's free will? Paul asks, “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?” (v. 19) Again, how can we, the beings God created, question the Creator? (v. 20) Some of us are like vases, we hold and display beauty. Others are like trash cans, they seem to hold garbage. (v. 21) Even if Paul says this, does that mean that God creates the garbage (or evil) that people hold inside? Haven't we been talking about how humanity is naturally sinful? We don't need God to create evil for us to do, we instinctively do it. We are naturally hostile towards God. (Romans 8:7)
And, of course, God is patient with those who exhibit garbage can-like behavior; who have nothing but negativity, hatred and selfishness in them and are on the path of destruction (v. 22; both in destroying their own lives and in the symbolism of hell). There is a night and day difference between being in opposition to God and being one who accepts His mercy; there really is no comparison. Even though they both receive God's blessing of being created, those who accept His mercy will shine even brighter. (v. 23)
Even though God had created some as "vases" and others as "trash cans," that doesn't mean He can't change a person's destiny. Paul refers to the prophecy of Hosea that has been fulfilled. Hosea, speaking on God's behalf, said, “Those who were not my people, I will now call my people. And I will love those whom I did not love before." People who weren't considered His children will be called the children of the living God. (vs. 25-26) Does this not produce hope for any and all people? God truly can change any heart and does love every single person He has created.
In fact, many of the ones God created for a great purpose, namely the Israelites, will end up not being saved. (v. 27) Its not because He decided He didn't love them anymore. Paul has been telling us the answer; the Jews just don't believe in Jesus, God's true path to faith and salvation. Actually, if God wouldn't have provided this way (through Jesus), all civilizations would share the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. (v. 29)
Even those who never believed can be made right with God now through faith in Jesus. (v. 30) And, on the other hand, those who tried to earn God's love will never succeed without faith. (v. 31) Being a good person, even if its by God's law, has nothing to do with trusting and loving God. The law cannot be one's "god." (v. 32)
God knew this would happen, too. The prophet Isaiah referred to the law as a stone that people will stumble on and fall. It is right for a person to take note of the law and, of course, rectify what it points out. However, it should not be transformed into an idol; for even the law was God's creation. However, faith in Jesus, who is worthy of worship gives God glory! (v. 33)
Questions
1.) Why do you think that the statement, "you cannot please God without faith" offends so many people? How does it make you feel?
2.) Paul says that God makes some people to be like vases and others like garbage receptors. How does this make you feel? Either way, would you agree with the fact that no matter how a person is created that there's always an opportunity for a person to change is great news? If you had to pick, how do you think you were created; as a bastion of beauty or did you receive a bunch of trash?
3.) Do you think it is ironic for someone to make an idol out of God's law? How common do you think that is? Do you believe that many Christians have more faith in the law (or the rules) than they do in Jesus himself? How does empty faith like that hurt others?
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