Paul quotes Hosea in today’s key verses, highlighting words that were written as a promise from God to restore a then-exiled Israel. Paul connects these verses to how God would also call Gentiles into redemption. BibleRef’s commentary on Romans highlights how the pride of the Jewish audience led them to believe that their role as "God's chosen people" would make them the only ones who could be redeemed by God.  

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Paul argues against this throughout Romans by demonstrating that no one is owed or deserving of mercy. He first tackles our sin: “there is no one righteous, not even one” and “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:10, 23). Then Paul makes the case in Romans 9:20-21 for God’s sovereign authority to show mercy where He chooses. Paul saw Israel as a spiritual nation united by Christ that was not limited to one traditional nation or people group.

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When Romans 9 is discussed among believers, how salvation or election “works” for someone to become a follower of Christ often comes up. One thing that is abundantly clear is that regardless of how any of us feels about it, God is God, and we are not. Thank God for the gospel and Jesus’ finished work on the cross. I was a “not my people” who now gets to be part of God’s people, only because of what God chose to do through Jesus.

In addition, the chapter also reminds me of verses like Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” God uniquely forms each of us, as Psalm 139:13–14 reminds. When we decide to follow Jesus, this includes spiritual gifts and prepared good works for us to participate in. Some of these things are unique to the individual believer! This is more evidence of how God loves and sees each of us individually, and not just as an anonymous part of the great collection of the Church.

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Have you ever been surprised by someone’s God story—like the way that God used them, their family, or worked in their life? The Bible is full of stories of God using the unlikely and unexpected, both in people and circumstances, to bring about a greater purpose that brings Him glory. God is unchanging. That means He’s still in the business of doing things like that today. That’s the fun part! We get to marvel at the amazing things God does in us, through us, and around us.  

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The harder part is accepting that it is not our role to always understand how or why God does something. We may not even agree that it’s the “best” solution or plan! But God doesn’t need or ask for our approval. That’s part of the point Paul makes in Romans 9. Ultimately, we have to choose to trust God and His Word.

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Remember what we read in the last chapter, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose?” (Romans 8:28). When I don’t understand the things life throws my way, I can remember that our good God showed me undeserved mercy, and I can reflect on the good things He’s done in my life and in the lives around me. I can also rest in the promises that He’s holding it all together (Col.1:17) and working it all together for good (Rom. 8:28).

Today, spend some time in prayer thanking God for His sovereignty and how He chose to extend mercy to all of us, even when we did not deserve it. If you feel like you don’t see your spiritual gifts or the good things God is calling you to work toward, ask God to reveal those things to you. If you feel like you already see those things in your life, ask God to grow your gifts so that you can better use them, and to give you the wisdom to see opportunities for “good works” He may put in front of you. You might be surprised at how God uses you when you’re willing to be open!

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A note of encouragement to those who wrestle: Romans 9 can be a tough chapter to wrap your head around. If no one’s ever told you, it’s okay to wrestle with God’s truth. I sure have! But it’s important to wrestle well. If this is a section of Scripture that you struggle through, let me encourage you to first take your questions, concerns, and comments to God in prayer. Part of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is illuminating Scripture. God is way bigger than any questions or doubts you have! Second, studying Scripture together and talking it out with other believers is a great support beyond your personal reading and prayer life. This is one of the great things about ACF Life Groups. Many of them discuss the sermon series and study the passages together. It’s a great place to wrestle well through Scripture with others. Get plugged in if you aren't already!