Last week, we came to the conclusion that God shows mercy to whom He wills and it is not something we can earn in our own efforts. And for some, that can be a bit disheartening, leading us to ask, “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist His will?” (Romans 9:19). 

But that is where God’s glory is found. If God showed undeserved mercy on all, or condemned everyone as we deserve, we would not see His glory. Yes, God can save everyone, but He chooses not to, and that is the mystery Paul is trying to unravel in this week’s passage. 

Read Romans 9:19-29 and journal through the following questions this week: 

• Read Job 38:1-41 and 42:1-6. What is God’s response to our questions about why He does things the way He does? 

• Read Jeremiah 18:1-6. What does the analogy of the potter and the clay teach us about our relationship with God and the power He has over His creation? 

• Read 2 Timothy 2:20-21. Study this passage to answer the following questions (this article goes deeper into this passage too):

  • What are the different types of vessels the Lord has at His disposal?

  • What distinguishes these vessels? 

  • How does one make their vessel ready for honorable use? 

• What does God “show” in judging those on whom he has not had mercy? (v. 22)

• What does God “make known” in His mercy and His judgement? (v. 23)

• Read Romans 1:18-24 and Ephesians 2:1-3. Who prepares for destruction the objects of wrath? (v. 22). 

• Who prepares vessels of mercy? (v. 23)

• How is God’s glory shown in showing mercy to some, but not all? 

• Paul then quotes prophets Hosea (Hosea 2:23 and 1:10) and Isaiah (Isaiah 10:23 and 1:9) to support his points (v. 25-29)

  • What is the promise found in Hosea’s prophecy? 

  • What is the promise found in Isaiah’s prophecy? 

  • Why does Paul include these Old Testament passages here? What point does this support? 

Reflect & Respond

• What does this passage teach me about God?

• How does this change the way I live? 

Scripture to Memorize

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” -2 Timothy 2:21

Catch up on previous weeks here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yelena is the founder and editor in chief Tirzah. Yelena works as an attorney in tax and in her spare time, she is working on her first book for unmarried twenty-something women in extended waiting seasons and running Tirzah. She has a passion for pointing young women to Christ, and enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her family. Yelena lives in Indiana with her husband, Daniel.