Message Notes

SSS4 22 April 2018
Reflections on Romans

(I) Text: Romans 8: 28 – 30

1. We know (“oidamen”)

a. The “oida” word is a word in the perfective tense (Romans 8: 28)

i. This knowledge was acquired in the past

ii. But it now has a present significance

b. The “oida” word is to be understood in light of the text

i. “We do not know” (Romans 8: 26)

ii. “He who searches the hearts knows…” (Romans 8: 27)

iii. “But we know that…” (Romans 8: 28)

c. Gaining knowledge

i. Theory

ii. Experience

iii. Divine knowledge

d. Coming to a point of certainty

i. Of knowledge

ii. Of faith in the Lord

2. All things work together for good

a. Group of people addressed (Romans 8: 28)

i. Those who love God

ii. Those who are the called according to His purpose

b. Overall controlling factor: God’s divine purpose

i. He will work all things out

ii. It is our privilege to be part of those who are called

3. God’s profound plan will be fulfilled

a. Every aspect will take place (Romans 8: 30)

i. Predestination

ii. Calling

iii. Justification

iv. Glorification

b. Our privilege

i. That He would choose us

ii. That we can have a part in His plan

c. Our response

i. To treasure this privilege

ii. To understand God’s plan through His Word

iii. To discover how we may fit into His profound plan

(II) Text: Romans 9:16

So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy (Romans 9:16)

UNDERSTANDING THE DOCTRINE OF ELECTION WITH THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

1. Not human

a. Not of him who wills

b. Nor of him who runs

2. But Divine

a. But of God who shows mercy

b. The contrast is highlighted (use of the Greek word “alla”)

THE PROBLEMS OF HAVING A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE

1. Being human

a. We are limited

b. We can get trapped by our own thinking

c. We can become futile in our thoughts (Cf. Romans 1:21)

2. The problem of sin and self

a. We cannot accept that we are at the mercy of God

b. Inwardly, we resist the will of God

THE POWER OF GOD REVEALED IN HIS ELECTION

Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens (Romans 9:18)

1. We stand in awe of His power

a. His Sovereignty

b. His Supreme Divinity

2. We can find confidence in His power

a. Nothing can change God’s will

b. We can be sure and certain of our election in God