Bible Study Snacks, Romans 9:14-23

Hi, everyone!

As always, thank you so much for joining me as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans. I hope that all has been going well in your life! This time, we will be studying Chapter 9 verses 14-23. It is my most sincere hope that you'll find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening in your walk with God.

This week in summary...

Remember that God reminded the Israelites that true Israel is not simply the physical descendants of Israel, any more than the promises to Abraham were to be carried out through all of Abraham's descendants just because they were his physical descendants. Rather, it depended upon what God had chosen according to His Divine purpose. This was illustrated by contrasting what the Scriptures revealed about Isaac and Ishmael, and then about Jacob and Esau.

That God had made such distinction is illustrated further with the example of Pharaoh, where God chose to show mercy to some while He hardened others [who had already persistently rejected God's mercy. Also, that God has the right to make such choices is His as the potter over the clay.

So God chose to endure "vessels of wrath" with much longsuffering, that He might make known His glorious riches to "vessels of mercy" [a point expanded upon further in chapter eleven].

Let’s pray:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Carefully read through Romans 9:14-23. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there with you, sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. Rephrase the question found in Romans 9:14 in your own words?
2. How does Paul respond to this question (Romans 9:14)? {Notice he doesn’t wait for anybody’s answer!}
3. Write down the words God spoke to Moses (see both Exodus 33:19 and Romans 9:15).
4. What conclusion does Paul draw from the above quote (see Romans 9:16)?
5. What is one major reason God gave so much authority to Pharaoh (17)?
6. How does Romans 9:18 differ from Romans 9:15?
7. What problem did Paul anticipate that people would have with his former conclusion (Romans 9:19)?
8. How does Paul answer those doubts (Romans 9:20-21)?
9. What two kinds of objects (NIV) or vessels (NASB) do verses 22-23 mention?
10. Why did the Lord put up with sinners so long (Romans 9:22-23)?

Finally, after answering the study questions, re-read Romans Romans 9:14-23. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through our studies together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri