Romans 9 – Expository Bible Preaching Sermon and Study Guide for Church Leaders

Overview

Romans 9 marks a significant theological shift in Paul’s epistle. After the glorious assurance of salvation in Romans 8, Paul turns to address a troubling question: If God’s promises are sure, why are so many Israelites rejecting the gospel? Paul’s response centers on God’s sovereign choice in salvation history.

In this chapter, Paul mourns Israel’s unbelief but firmly upholds the justice and faithfulness of God. He demonstrates from Scripture that God’s purposes have always been fulfilled through His sovereign election — not through human effort, lineage, or merit. Paul appeals to Old Testament examples (Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Esau, Pharaoh) to affirm that God’s purposes stand on the basis of His calling, not man’s will.

Key theological emphasis:

God’s sovereignty in election
God’s righteousness and mercy
The distinction between physical Israel and the remnant chosen by grace
God’s plan to include Gentiles in salvation

This chapter defends the inerrancy of Scripture by showing how the Old Testament consistently supports God’s sovereign will, even in the face of human objections. Paul emphasizes that God’s Word has not failed—it has always operated according to divine initiative, not human entitlement.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background

Romans was written around A.D. 56-58, during Paul’s third missionary journey, likely from Corinth. The church at Rome consisted of both Jewish and Gentile believers. With tensions rising due to ethnic and theological differences, Paul seeks to unite them under the gospel.

In Romans 9-11, Paul addresses the problem of Jewish unbelief—why so many of God’s chosen people have rejected the Messiah. This was not only a pastoral issue but a doctrinal challenge. It raised concerns about God’s faithfulness and the validity of His promises to Israel.

Literary Context

Romans 9 begins a new section in the epistle (Romans 9-11) dealing with God’s redemptive plan for Israel and the inclusion of the Gentiles. It follows the crescendo of Romans 8, which ends with nothing separating believers from God’s love. Chapter 9 grounds that assurance in God’s absolute sovereignty and His faithful governance of redemptive history.

Paul uses diatribe, a common rhetorical device, by anticipating objections and answering them forcefully (e.g., “What then shall we say?” v.14). He weaves together Old Testament citations to establish continuity between the gospel and God’s historic dealings with Israel.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. God’s Sovereignty in Election (vv.6–24)

Paul demonstrates that not all physical descendants of Abraham are recipients of the promise. The examples of Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau make it clear that God’s choosing is not based on works or ancestry, but on His sovereign will.

Doctrinal Emphasis: God’s election is unconditional.
Evangelical Viewpoint: Salvation is by grace, not human effort or heritage (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9).
Key verse: “It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” (v.16)

2. Divine Justice and Mercy (vv.14–18)

Paul anticipates the objection: Is God unjust in choosing some and not others? He answers by affirming God’s perfect righteousness. God’s mercy is freely given, never owed.

Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy…” (v.15)
Pharaoh: God raised him up to display His power and proclaim His name.
Application: God is never unjust; He is holy and perfect in all His dealings.

3. The Potter and the Clay (vv.19–21)

Paul uses the image of a potter and clay to assert God’s authority over His creation. As Creator, He has the right to form vessels for different purposes—some for honor, others for destruction.

Doctrinal Point: God’s sovereign rule over all creation does not negate human responsibility.
Implication for Preaching: We must humble ourselves before God’s authority, trusting in His wisdom even when we do not fully understand His purposes.

4. God’s Inclusion of the Gentiles (vv.25–26)

Paul quotes Hosea to show that God foretold the inclusion of the Gentiles. Though once “not His people,” they are now called “children of the living God.”

Evangelical Emphasis: God’s salvation plan has always included people from every nation.
Encouragement for the Church: The gospel is for all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

5. The Remnant of Israel (vv.27–29)

Quoting Isaiah, Paul explains that only a remnant of Israel will be saved. This does not mean God has failed, but that His plan was always based on sovereign grace.

Doctrinal Truth: God’s Word has not failed; His promises are fulfilled according to His perfect will.

Conclusion

Romans 9 stands as a powerful declaration of God’s absolute sovereignty and the righteousness of His redemptive purposes. While difficult for some to accept, this truth leads to awe and worship, not accusation. God is not arbitrary but perfectly just and merciful. His plan, from Abraham to the inclusion of Gentiles, reveals a sovereign Lord who is faithful to His covenant and gracious to sinners.

This chapter calls the church to trust deeply in God’s character, humbly submit to His will, and proclaim the gospel to all, knowing that salvation belongs to the Lord.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis of Romans 9

Verses 1–5 – Paul’s Anguish for Israel

“I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—” (v.1)

Paul begins with a solemn oath, expressing deep sorrow over Israel’s rejection of Christ. His conscience is informed by the Holy Spirit, which affirms the emotional and theological weight of what follows.

Doctrinal Insight: A true evangelistic heart grieves over the lost (cf. Matthew 23:37).
Application: Church leaders should possess a burden for the lost, especially those in their own communities and families.

“Theirs is the adoption… the promises…” (v.4)

Paul lists Israel’s spiritual privileges, affirming their unique place in redemptive history—yet these blessings do not guarantee salvation apart from faith in Christ.

Cross-reference: Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Exodus 19:5-6.
Theological Insight: Privilege does not equal salvation; the necessity of personal faith remains.

“…from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.” (v.5)

This is one of the clearest statements of Christ’s deity in Paul’s letters.

Christology: Jesus is both the Jewish Messiah and eternal God.
Application: The gospel is rooted in the Old Testament but fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Verses 6–13 – God’s Sovereign Choice

“It is not as though God’s word had failed.” (v.6)

Paul clarifies: the rejection of Christ by many Israelites does not mean God’s promises failed—because true Israel is defined by God’s promise, not mere physical descent.

Cross-reference: Galatians 3:7, “those who have faith are children of Abraham.”

“Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” (v.13, quoting Malachi 1:2-3)

This reflects God’s sovereign right to choose whom He will use for His purposes. “Hated” signifies rejection in redemptive history, not arbitrary hatred.

Doctrinal Insight: Election is based on God’s will, not human merit (Ephesians 1:4-5).
Application: Believers must submit to God’s sovereign rule, trusting in His wisdom.

Verses 14–18 – Is God Unjust?

“Is God unjust? Not at all!” (v.14)

Paul preempts an objection: If God chooses some and not others, is He unfair?

Answer: God owes mercy to no one. If He shows mercy, it is grace. If He judges, it is justice.
Cross-reference: Exodus 33:19 – God reveals His character to Moses by declaring His freedom in showing mercy.

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy…” (v.15)

God is sovereign in dispensing mercy, not bound by human expectation.

Application: Humility before God is the only right response (Romans 11:33-36).

Verses 19–24 – The Potter and the Clay

“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?” (v.20)

This powerful rhetorical question rebukes human arrogance and reminds us of God’s Creator-rights.

Imagery: God is the Potter (cf. Isaiah 45:9; Jeremiah 18:6).
Application: Trust in God’s justice, even when it’s beyond our comprehension.

Verses 25–29 – Gentiles Called, a Remnant Saved

“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people…” (v.25, Hosea 2:23)

God foretold that Gentiles would be included in His people—a radical truth confirmed in Christ.

Cross-reference: 1 Peter 2:10 – Peter applies this directly to the church.

“Though the number of Israelites be like the sand… only the remnant will be saved.” (v.27)

Paul affirms God’s faithfulness through a preserved remnant, not a rejection of Israel altogether.

Verses 30–33 – Righteousness by Faith, Not Works

“Israel… pursued a law of righteousness, but has not attained it.” (v.31)

Israel’s failure was not the law itself, but their self-righteous pursuit of it apart from faith.

Key Verse: “They stumbled over the stumbling stone.” (v.32, cf. Isaiah 8:14)

“The one who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (v.33)

Jesus is the cornerstone of salvation and the stumbling block for those who reject Him.

Christ-centered Application: Faith in Christ alone is the path to righteousness.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

1. Christ as the Fulfillment of the Promises (v.5)

Paul identifies Jesus as the Messiah, born from Israel, yet God over all. He is the center of all God’s redemptive promises. Romans 9 shows that Christ is:

The true Israel (Matthew 2:15, Hosea 11:1)
The cornerstone that determines salvation or stumbling (Romans 9:33)
The embodiment of mercy through whom God’s sovereign plan of salvation is revealed (John 1:14-17)

2. Christ as the End of the Law for Righteousness

While not stated directly in chapter 9, this is Paul’s point in the flow from chapter 8 to 10: Jesus is the end-goal of the law (Romans 10:4). Faith in Him, not ancestry or legalism, brings righteousness.

3. Christ and the Vessels of Mercy

Those “prepared in advance for glory” (v.23) find their identity and hope in Christ, the firstfruit of the redeemed. He is the vessel of God’s mercy, the firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:29).

Connection to the Father

Romans 9 repeatedly emphasizes the sovereign will of God the Father:

The Father elects: He chooses individuals and nations for specific purposes in redemptive history (vv.11–13).
The Father dispenses mercy: He does so freely, as part of His divine prerogative (vv.15–16).
The Father fulfills covenant: His faithfulness to Israel is maintained through a remnant (vv.27–29), and He extends salvation to Gentiles in keeping with His plan (vv.25–26).
The Father sends the Son: Christ, “who is God over all” (v.5), is given through Israel but for the salvation of the world.

God the Father is presented as the eternal Author of salvation history, executing a plan that centers on grace, not entitlement, and culminating in faith in Jesus Christ.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Though Romans 9 focuses heavily on God the Father’s sovereignty and election, the Holy Spirit is not absent. His presence is foundational and assumed, especially in Paul‘s emotional and spiritual posture at the chapter’s opening.

1. Affirming Truth in the Spirit (v.1)

“…my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit…”

Paul speaks truth in Christ, validated by his conscience and the witness of the Holy Spirit. This illustrates how:
- The Spirit affirms gospel integrity.
- The Spirit stirs a godly burden for the lost.
- The Spirit cultivates honest conviction and love for people.

2. The Spirit and Paul’s Grief

The deep sorrow Paul expresses for Israel is not fleshly despair but Spirit-filled intercession, echoing the Spirit’s groaning in Romans 8:26.
Application: The Holy Spirit aligns our hearts with God’s mission—even in the pain of rejection.

3. Spirit and Sovereignty

While not explicitly stated, the entire theology of divine calling, mercy, and election in Romans 9 works in tandem with the Spirit’s role in Romans 8.
- The Spirit calls (Romans 8:30), confirms (8:16), and applies God’s sovereign work in the believer’s heart.

4. Spirit and Evangelism

The call to preach and pray for the lost in Romans 9 flows from a Spirit-filled life.
Church leaders must depend on the Holy Spirit for boldness, discernment, and compassion in evangelism.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “The God Who Chooses: Trusting the Sovereign Lord of Mercy”
Text: Romans 9
Theme: God’s sovereignty in election reveals His justice, mercy, and purpose in salvation, calling us to worship, humility, and faith.

I. Introduction: The Heart of a Broken Evangelist (vv.1–5)

Illustration: A missionary returning from a closed country weeping over the people who rejected Christ.
Main Point: A Spirit-filled life grieves for the lost—especially those closest to us.
Transition: If God’s people rejected Christ, does that mean His promises failed?

II. God’s Word Has Not Failed – Sovereignty in Election (vv.6–13)

Explanation: God’s promise operates through divine calling, not lineage.
Example: Isaac vs. Ishmael, Jacob vs. Esau.
Application: Faith, not heritage or effort, secures salvation.
Doctrinal Emphasis: Election is based on God’s purpose and mercy—not works (Ephesians 1:4-6).

III. Is God Unjust? No—He Is Merciful and Just (vv.14–18)

Illustration: A teacher giving mercy to a failing student without obligation. No one can demand grace.
Main Point: God’s mercy is freely given and never deserved.
Transition: If God chooses, can we still be held responsible?

IV. The Potter and the Clay – God’s Rightful Authority (vv.19–24)

Analogy: A sculptor shaping clay into vessels for noble and ordinary use.
Main Point: As Creator, God has every right to direct creation for His glory.
Application: Humble submission to God produces trust, not rebellion.

V. The Inclusion of the Gentiles and the Remnant of Israel (vv.25–29)

Example: The church made up of “unlikely” believers—former addicts, criminals, and atheists—now redeemed.
Main Point: God’s mercy reaches the outsider and preserves a faithful remnant.
Cross-reference: Hosea, Isaiah.

VI. Faith, Not Works – The Stumbling Stone (vv.30–33)

Illustration: A man trying to climb a mountain with a ladder of good deeds, falling short. Another trusts a rope (Christ) and is safely lifted.
Main Point: Israel stumbled because they sought righteousness by works, not faith.
Call to Action: Trust in Christ alone as the foundation of salvation.

Conclusion:

God is sovereign, merciful, and just.
The gospel excludes boasting and demands faith.
Be humbled by God’s choosing, moved by Paul‘s burden, and anchored in Christ the cornerstone.

Call to Action:

For Leaders: Preach the whole counsel of God, including hard doctrines like election, with love and clarity.
For Believers: Rest in God’s mercy and respond in obedience and worship.
For Seekers: Don’t stumble over Christ—receive Him by faith today.

Illustrations and Examples

1. A Family Adoption Story (v.8)

A couple adopts a child not based on the child’s performance but out of pure love and choice.
Tie-in: God adopts spiritual children by grace, not merit.

2. Job Applications and Unmerited Favor (v.15)

Imagine someone being chosen for a job they never applied for and didn’t deserve. The employer had the right to choose.
Tie-in: God’s mercy is not earned; it is given by His will.

3. The Potter Analogy (vv.20–21)

Use a real-life potter’s wheel or video clip showing how a potter reshapes clay.
Tie-in: The clay does not question the hands that form it. The potter has a vision the clay cannot see.

4. Modern “Stumbling Stone” (v.33)

Many reject Christ not because of evidence, but because He demands humility and surrender.
Example: A CEO refusing the gospel because he refuses to admit need—Jesus becomes a stumbling block.

Application for Today’s Christian

Romans 9, though doctrinally weighty, offers rich and essential truths for everyday Christian living. Understanding God’s sovereignty shapes how believers live, worship, and serve. Here are practical applications in the areas of discipleship, stewardship, and faithful witness:

1. Discipleship: Walk in Humility and Gratitude

Truth: We are not saved by effort, ancestry, or merit, but by God’s mercy.
Application: Christians must live with humble dependence on God, resisting pride or spiritual entitlement.
Practice: Reflect daily on God’s undeserved mercy in prayer and journal thanksgiving for God’s sovereign grace (Psalm 103:10).

2. Stewardship: Steward Your Calling with Reverence

Truth: God prepares vessels for noble use (v.21).
Application: Use your time, gifts, and resources in ways that honor your divine purpose.
Practice: Serve intentionally in your church or community as a “vessel of mercy” (Ephesians 2:10), recognizing that your life is not your own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

3. Evangelism: Grieve Over the Lost and Share the Gospel Boldly

Truth: Like Paul, we are to have a burden for the unsaved, especially those near to us.
Application: Share the gospel with love, knowing that salvation belongs to the Lord, but the message must still be preached.
Practice: Write down five people in your circle who don’t know Christ. Pray for them consistently, and seek Spirit-led opportunities to share Christ.

4. Faith and Trust: Rest in God’s Sovereignty

Truth: Even when life feels chaotic or unfair, God is ruling with purpose and mercy.
Application: Trust God’s plan, especially in seasons of waiting, pain, or confusion.
Practice: Memorize and meditate on Romans 9:16 — “It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.”

Connection to God’s Love

At first glance, Romans 9 may appear focused only on God’s sovereignty and justice, but underneath it is a profound declaration of God’s love and care in the redemptive plan:

1. God’s Love is Sovereign, Not Sentimental

Example: God’s choosing of Jacob over Esau shows that His love operates by grace, not favoritism or obligation.
Implication: We can rest in a love that does not shift based on our performance.

2. God’s Love Grieves for the Lost (vv.1–3)

Paul’s anguish over Israel reflects the heart of God, who is not indifferent to rebellion. His love reaches out even to those who resist Him.

“The Lord is not slow… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish…” (2 Peter 3:9)

3. God’s Love Preserves a Remnant (vv.27–29)

God’s faithfulness is seen in His preservation of a people for Himself, despite human rebellion.
His love is persistent, covenantal, and redemptive.

4. God’s Love Includes the Outsider (vv.25–26)

Quoting Hosea, Paul reminds us that God’s love reaches the “not my people” and makes them “children of the living God.”
This is a picture of God adopting rebels into His family through grace.

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Broader Biblical Themes

Romans 9 fits beautifully into the grand narrative of the Bible, tying together multiple theological and redemptive themes:

1. Creation and Sovereignty

Theme: God as Creator has the right to shape and govern His creation (vv.20–21).
Genesis Connection: God formed man from the dust (Genesis 2:7) — Romans 9 continues that theme with the potter analogy, emphasizing that the Creator has divine authority over His creatures.

2. Covenant and Election

Theme: God’s covenant promises to Abraham and Isaac are continued not through bloodline, but through promise and calling.
Biblical Narrative: Romans 9 reaffirms God’s covenant fidelity seen throughout the Old Testament (cf. Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6).

3. Redemption through Faith

Theme: The righteousness that saves has always been by faith, not works.
Cross-reference: Romans 4 (Abraham justified by faith), Galatians 3 (faith vs. law).
Connection: Romans 9 sets the stage for Romans 10, where Paul says “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

4. God’s Global Mission

Theme: The inclusion of the Gentiles (vv.24–26) shows that salvation is for all nations.
Biblical Echoes: Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 49:6), Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Revelation’s multitudes from every nation (Revelation 7:9).
Message: Romans 9 affirms that God’s heart has always included the whole world in His redemptive plan.

Reflection Questions

For Personal Study and Small Group Discussion

Use these questions to encourage deeper engagement with the truths of Romans 9. They are designed to promote spiritual growth, foster humility, and inspire worship of God’s wisdom and mercy.

1. What emotions do you notice in Paul’s heart at the beginning of Romans 9? (vv.1–3)

How does Paul’s grief for the lost challenge your attitude toward people who reject the gospel?
Do you regularly pray for those who do not know Christ? Who in your life needs your prayers and witness?

2. In verses 6–13, Paul shows that not all of Abraham’s descendants were chosen. What does this teach us about how God works?

How does this truth help you better understand grace?
What difference does it make in your life to know that salvation is based on God’s promise, not human effort or family background?

3. Paul raises the question of whether God is unjust in verses 14–18. How does Paul respond to this objection?

Why is it important to understand that God owes mercy to no one?
How does this deepen your understanding of God’s holiness and justice?

4. What does the image of the potter and the clay (vv.19–21) reveal about our relationship to God as Creator?

Are there areas in your life where you struggle to submit to God’s authority?
How can you grow in trusting God’s purpose, even when you don’t understand His ways?

5. Paul explains that God has called not only Jews but also Gentiles to be His people (vv.24–26). How does this impact your view of God’s love and mission?

What are some ways your church can better reflect the inclusive nature of God’s salvation plan?
How can you personally take part in God’s mission to reach people from every background?

6. According to verses 30–33, why did Israel stumble, and how can we avoid the same mistake?

What does it mean to pursue righteousness by faith rather than works?
Is there any part of your walk with God where you rely more on performance than on faith?

7. How does Romans 9 give you assurance about God’s control over salvation and history?

When life feels confusing or unfair, how does God’s sovereignty bring you peace?
How can you encourage others to trust God’s plan, especially when they’re facing hard questions?

8. How does this chapter lead you to worship?

Take time to reflect on God’s mercy in your life.
What would it look like to live each day as a “vessel of mercy” prepared for His glory (v.23)?