The BIG Picture (Shorts)

Part 3 of 3 • ⏱️ 2-Min Read Passage: Rom.9:1-16:27 Scripture Focus: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Rom.12:1) Recap Reminder We finish our journey through Romans by looking at chapters 9 through 16. In these chapters, Paul answers the difficult question about Israel. We learned that God is entirely sovereign. His promises to Israel have not failed, but He has temporarily paused His national dealings with them to extend mercy to the Gentiles. This is the revelation of the mystery. We saw that God has the right to show mercy on whom He will. But then, having established this deep doctrine, Paul shifts to our practical response. Because of all these mercies, we are called to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, not conformed to this world. We learned to walk in genuine love, to be...

Part 3 of 4 • ⏱️ 2-Min Read Passage: Romans 9:14-24 Scripture Focus: "What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." (Rom.9:14-15) Today's Lesson Paul addresses the objection of whether God is unrighteous for setting aside national Israel in favour of a new administration. The apostle refutes this, demonstrating that God owes mercy to no man. Quoting Exodus, Paul reminds us that God's mercy is governed by His sovereign grace rather than human effort or willing. Using Pharaoh as a historical illustration, Paul shows how God endured a rebellious ruler to demonstrate His power and make His name known throughout the earth. God displays His righteousness both in showing mercy and in allowing stubborn unbelief to manifest its full consequences. When Paul speaks of vessels fitted to destruction, he is referring to national ...