Bill Acton :: Romans 9:19-21 - God's Absolute Sovereignty in Predestination

Sermon Outline for Romans 9:19-21

God’s Absolute Sovereignty in Predestination

1. The Objections
   1. God is unrighteous
   2. God cannot blame those whom He hardens
2. The Answer – “Who are you, O man?”
3. God’s Sovereignty Expressed
   1. The illustration of the potter and the clay
      1. The potter has power over the clay
         1. The power is not just strength
         2. The power is the authority, the right to do as the potter pleases
      2. The vessels cannot question or protest the potter’s purpose
      3. The difference in the vessels
         1. Some are unto honor
         2. Some are unto dishonor
      4. The purpose is to reveal God’s sovereignty to determine the final destiny
         1. to honor / to dishonor
         2. to salvation / to damnation
         3. without regard to works
4. God’s Sovereignty Questioned
   1. The issue
5. God’s Sovereignty Confirmed
   1. Paul does not give in to the objection, and does not change the truth expressed
   2. Paul does not apologize or water down God’s absolute sovereignty
   3. Paul’s interest does not include being popular
   4. Paul’s answer
      1. You are talking back against God
         1. Rebellion
         2. Contradiction
      2. “Who are you, O man?”
         1. The Creator and the creature
            1. The Almighty
            2. The human – proud, haughty, arrogant, wicked, evil, rebellious, selfish speck of dust
         2. The creature has no right to ever reply against the Creator – “What are you doing?”