Message Notes

Gods Mysterious Mercy

Even when we are uncertain, we can have confidence because God is certain.

Romans 9:10-13 ESV

10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

God’s purposes stand outside of our earning capabilities.

In the midst of the uncertainty, find rest in what is certain.

Romans 9:14-18 ESV

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

Two Certain Truths

I. God is Merciful

Romans 11:32 ESV

32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

God's mercy is unlimited.

Does God know the day you will die? Yes. Has God appointed that day? Yes. Can you do anything to change that day? No. Then why do you eat? To live. What happens if you don’t eat? You die. Then if you don’t eat and die, then would that be the day that God had appointed for you to die?...

Stop asking stupid questions and just eat. Eating is the preordained way God has appointed for the living.

A.A. Hodge

Romans 9:19-21 ESV

19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?

Two Certain Truths

I. God is Merciful

II. God is Sovereign

Romans 11:33-36 ESV

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

God doesn’t create people for wrath; He endures us so that we might become people of mercy.

God patiently endures a world of sin so that He may make known His wrath and power because in doing so He is able to make known His mercy and goodness.

God has appointed you to live today with confidence in His sovereignty and His mercy.