Hello there! Romans chapter 9 has 33 verses. It takes us closer to understanding the truth behind our designation as children of God. It helps us realize that we are Christians because God chose us, first. We see that our journey in Christianity is not by our effort. It is by God and God working out the willing in us. We see also the stumbling stone that makes the difference between righteousness and unrighteousness. Amen.
You may read through the entire chapter 9 on your own, firstly, then you may return to read through my summary which follows immediately after this paragraph. As always, feel free to comment based on your own understanding. I would love to read through! Amen.
Paul, in this chapter, was in great pain concerning the children whom by descent (after the inheritance by flesh) bore the name of Israelites and Jews, but who were far away from Christ. So therefore, by the flesh, they were Jews, but by the divine, they were not. This further explains the fact that God is no respecter of persons. To be among the flock of Christ, we must accept Christ into us. It is not a matter of inheritance by the flesh. It is a matter of righteousness by faith.
Again, the chapter tries to make us understand the truth behind our salvation. Many Christians are usually blinded and puffed up, believing that their Christianity is from their efforts. They believe they are Christians by their power. However, in this chapter, Paul makes us understand that both the willing and the working are by God and for the good pleasure of God. In other words, we did not become Christian by our effort, we have not accepted the gospel by our effort, it is God who has caused this to happen. No one comes to God unless he/she is drawn to God, amen.
God has seen it fit to make us to be vessels unto honor. Vessels to contain Him as our content and life-supply so that we may express Him. This is the doing of the Lord and it is marvelous in our eyes, amen.
These things are so great to think about. It makes some questions begin to arise in our hearts. Especially questions regarding the concept of free will. But we must understand the sort of God that we worship. He is a God that knows the very end from the beginning, hence it is not something that we need to struggle with. By the enlightenment of the Spirit, we should become comfortable hearing that God knows those who are vessels unto honor and those who are vessels unto dishonor.
O blessed Lord, sanctify our hearts and make us vessels unto your purpose. Vessels unto honor, for your good pleasure. Keep us in your flock, Lord for you facilitate both the willing and the working for your good pleasure, amen.
Experiences of journeying humans 