I.  A Perplexing Question  19

     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