July 20, 2025

ROMANS: CHOSEN TO CHOOSE

July 20, 2025

Teaching Pastor Charles Billingsley

As we continue through the Book of Romans, we find a shift in emotion as Paul begins, in Chapter 9, to focus on his nation, the Jews—or Israelites. In his life before salvation, Paul had been a Pharisee, a religious leader of the people, with incredible knowledge of the Law of Moses. He was so devout in the Jewish faith he became zealous to destroy anyone who followed the Man, Jesus of Nazareth, whom Paul believed to be an infidel. After Jesus’ crucifixion, Paul was accosted on his way to Damascus by Jesus Christ, finally recognizing the truth that Jesus was the Son of God. His life was changed forever, and he began preaching salvation by grace alone, in Christ alone, not by following the Mosaic law. In today’s text we see him brokenhearted as his own people reject Jesus as Messiah. Paul preaches the sovereignty of God, His plan to provide a Savior for all people who will turn from their sinful lifestyles and accept His free gift of salvation.

Focal Passages: Romans 9, 10.

God is sovereign: He always has a plan

  • Read Romans 9:1-5. What does ‘God is sovereign’ really mean? What are the characteristics of God that no one else can attain to? What do each of the qualities mean (for instance, omnipotent)? Do you believe you can trust Him to care for you?
  • In vv. 1-3, why does Paul emphasize his truthfulness? What causes him continual grief and sorrow? How far would Paul go to see his brethren saved? Would you say this for Americans? Is there anyone you would give up your eternal life for?
  • What seven blessings had God given Israel, and what did each mean to the Jewish people (vv. 4-5)? Why were they so blind that they did not recognize Jesus as being from God?

God is sovereign: His plans always have a purpose

  • Read vv. 6-9. Is Israel made up of those who are the direct descendants of Abraham? Who are the children of God? Read 1 John 3:10, Gal. 3:26, and Rom. 8:16. Are these references to believers through history, or Israel? Read Jer. 29:11. Do you know this is for you?
  • What had God’s promise meant to Abraham and Sarah? How had they tried to take control of the situation? Were Abraham’s sons by his concubines counted as heirs of the promise?
  • Read vv. 10-13. What did the word ‘hate’ mean? Read Lu. 14:26. What does it mean here?

God is sovereign: His character is perfect

  • Read verses 14-17. Is God ever unrighteous? If we feel God is unfair, what is our problem? If God has made salvation available to all, why do people still reject Jesus?
  • Read vv. 17-18. What is the literal meaning of this Scripture when God hardens a heart?
  • When God looks at us, what does He see? When we look at others, can we see their heart? How does that affect what we think about them?

God is sovereign: His plans are merciful and just

  • How is God merciful? What does He ask for the free gift of salvation?
  • If we reject the saving grace of Jesus Christ, how does God’s justice prevail?

The Doctrine of Predestination/Election

If you did not see the sermon, please watch it. Charles’ handling of this passage was done in truth and compassion, bringing these two beautiful, Biblical, doctrines into perfect harmony.

The Gospel is available to all of us—therefore, all of us are accountable

  • Read Rom. 1:19-20. Even without the Bible, how can people know there is a God? Will they be held accountable when they stand before God?

The Gospel is Universal—therefore, it is available to all of us

  • Read Rom. 10:11-13. Who can be saved?
  • Read John 1:11. What must one do to be saved?

The Gospel is simple—therefore, everyone has the chance to understand

  • Read Rom. 10:16-19. What did God do when the Jews rejected Jesus?

The Gospel is receivable—therefore, we must open our minds and hearts in order to receive it

  • Read Rom. 10:20-21. What two groups of people did Paul quote from Isaiah?
  • Read 2 Peter 3:9. What characteristic does God have that might explain why some people are given years to repent of their sins? Why is He long-suffering?

Close:

Many years ago, a pastor talked about his life before salvation. His father had abandoned the family while the son was a small child, and later, as a young teen, he moved out and lived on the streets. Eventually he was hungry, drug-addicted, and had no job or money. He walked by a church, pushed on the door and went in, only to find the pastor of the church inside. It was then he heard about Jesus Christ and the free gift of salvation. He thought, ‘I’m hungry, I have no job, money, family or home, and I live on the streets, taking drugs. I have a chance to have peace and happiness, because Someone loves me. I would be foolish to turn Him down.’ He accepted Jesus.

We all know that every day there are thousands of people dying all over the world, having rejected the free gift offered by God. Why? Perhaps they won’t trust Him, or don’t want to turn control of their life over to someone else. It would take only one day in hell before those who are there would wish to again be offered eternal life with Jesus, wouldn’t it?

By Sandy Day
July 20, 2025

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