Lesson for 8/14

Hey all, the Sunday School lesson for tomorrow comes from Romans 9:6-18. Its titled, "Living under God's Mercy" The title itself here speaks substantial volume, one may interpret this in such a way that this is referring to "everyone." I encourage you to read these set of verses and understand the context. Last week we spoke we mentioned in Romans 8:28 that, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Very good, which may pose the question of what about those who don't love God? In verse 17 of this lesson we see Paul use the example of Pharaoh during the time of Exodus. It says, "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, even for this same PURPOSE, I have raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout the earth." We recall from the time of Moses, Pharaoh constantly refused to release the people of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. This verse is saying although Pharaoh didn't love God, He still was used to fulfill God's purpose and plan for the Isrealites. Think about it, if Pharaoh, an oppressor would have freely let the people of Israel go, that would've been okay - but God probably would not have been as glorified as much. With Pharaoh carrying out his purpose as oppressor, the Isrealites were able to witness the power and glory of God; ranging from turning the river into blood in Exo. 7:17 to parting the Red Sea in Exo. 14:21. Exodus 7 reminds us that Pharaoh's heart was hardened, which is why he refused to let the Isrelaites go. Verse 18 of this lesson says, "therefore hath God have mercy on whom He will have mercy, and who he will, he hardeneth. Powerful! I pray this makes sense, but again, it would not have been the same if Pharaoh's purpose didn't get carried out. To apply Romans 8:28 to the time of Exodus, we recall that all things work together for the good to those that love God; the Isrealites loved God! We know that Pharaoh didn't love God, so things didn't work together for him, yet both served according to God's purpose. Pharaoh remained hardedned, which led to the witnessing of God's miraculous glory as He freed His people from bondage. Paul's purpose in this teaching was to reveal to them who the true decedents and inheritors of God's promise. I encourage you to read the entire Roman's 9!

God bless and thanks for reading!