How can any man be held accountable for his sin when God is sovereign over everything – even our sin?
II. Paul Addresses the Objection 20-21
A. Two answers 1. Who do you think you are to talk back to God? 2. Don't you know that He is the Creator God and you are the creature?
B. Two Interpretations from those who contradict God's Sovereignty 1. This has nothing to do with individuals, and speaks only of nations.
2. Others say God doesn't harden anyone unless they harden themselves first – and then they go to other Scriptures.
III. All Men Are Made of the Same Stuff 20-21
Paul's point is: All men are made of the same stuff. The difference between men is the purpose God has for them It is the Creator's right to do what He will with His creation.
IV. The Potter and the Clay 20-21
A. God as a Potter
B. The Potter Imagery comes from the Old Testament Isa. 29:15-16; Isa. 45:9; Isa. 64:8; Jeremiah 18:1-6
V. Positive Purposes Served by Evil 22-23
A. It shows forth the wrath of God
B. It serves to make His power known
C. It shows God's justice and His grace by way of contrast between His wrath on the lost and the richness of His mercy to those He chose before time.
D. It proves He is a longsuffering God -- 2 Peter 3:9
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Great Sermon! The Potter and the Clay has become quite popular these days. I notice a lot of figurines in the Christian bookstores, and online, bringing attention to these verses of Scripture. I believe the popular thinking about the Potter and the clay doesn't go far enough and this sermon will show that. There is a superficial view of how God is forming us from these verses, but the main point is missed, especially here in Romans 9. This is a really good sermon it gives the hearer proper understanding, or I should say, it teaches the full extent of the meaning of the Potter and the clay. I guess some people will hate this sermon because they can't accept the truth of God's absolute sovereignty.
Pastor Steve came to Christ at the age of 11. He graduated from Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College in 1979 with a B.A. in theology as the Valedictorian of his class. He joined our church in 1978, came on staff, full-time in 1980, was ordained as an Elder in 1982, and became...