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"For the Scripture says..."

Text: Romans 9:17

A RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF THE SOVEREIGN WILL OF GOD

The apostle Paul knew how important it was to have a right comprehension of the sovereign will of God. Thus he pursued this discussion with yet another quotation from the Holy Writ.

“For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh,
‘For this very purpose I have raised you up,
that I may show My power in you,
and that My name may be declared in all the earth.’
Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills,
and whom He wills He hardens.”
Romans 9:17-18

1. For the Scripture says

Paul was highlighting the authority of the Scriptures here!

2. The historical context (Cf. Exodus 1-11)

a) Israel was enslaved by a wicked Pharaoh.

b) Moses was sent to Pharaoh with God’s demand that Israel be set free.

3. The story understood from another perspective

a) God had a purpose in allowing this Pharaoh to come into power.

b) His purpose was threefold:-

i) To demonstrate the supreme power of God.

ii) To glorify His Holy Name in all the earth.

iii) To show His Sovereignty.

4. Avoiding any misunderstanding

a) We must not think that the Pharaoh was shorn off his physical powers.

b) Pharaoh exercised his wicked will, resisting God at every step of the way.

c) God’s victory over Pharaoh only demonstrates His will.

i) To have mercy on whom He will have mercy (Israel).

ii) To harden whom He will (though Pharaoh also hardened his own heart).