When Paul was in Jerusalem, the Jewish mob said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth.” They hated him, but he loved his brethren so much that he wished to be cut off from Christ for them, if it were possible. The Jews boasted saying, “We have Abraham to our father,” but Galatians 3:77Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. (Galatians 3:7) says that only those that are of faith are the children of Abraham. So today, those who are not born again are not children of God. None of us deserved God’s salvation, but He has mercy and compassion, and some have been saved. God raised up others to demonstrate His power and to glorify His holy name in the earth. People who persist in their sins, unbelief and rebellion against God make themselves vessels fitted to destruction. However, in His sovereign grace, God shows mercy to vessels which He prepares for glory. We all deserved to be cut off, but God was determined to save some. As a nation, Israel found the Lord Jesus to be a rock of offense and a stumbling-stone, but if you believe on Him, you will never be ashamed, because your eternal destiny with Christ is secure.
1. Paul loved his brethren, the Jewish nation, so much that what did he wish for himself? __________ Romans 9:___
2. The children of the flesh are not the children of God. Who are counted for the seed? __________ Romans 9:___
3. God raised up Pharaoh to show His __________ and that His name would be __________ throughout the earth. Romans 9:___
4. What are God’s purposes for the vessels of mercy? __________ Romans 9:___
5. Christ is called both a stumbling-stone and a rock of offense. What is said of those who believe on Him? __________ Romans 9:___