2. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL Romans 9 Understanding God

3. V. 14-15; 19-20 Indicate a Misunderstanding of God Romans 9:14-15; 19-20 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Is there injustice with God’s choices? God’s fault for making me like this? Does God make capricious choices? Or selfish?

4. God’s Character is Defined by Holiness Psalm 5:4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. 1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Our God is completely free from evil God’s nature of Holiness makes him “good,” and worthy of… Praise Honor Love Devotion Desire to serve Desire to be with Him

5. His Holiness is Demonstrated in 2 Apects Psalm 33:4-5 For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. Psalm 89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. JUSTICE and LOVE God’s justice denies unfair treatment of mankind

6. His Holiness is Demonstrated in 2 Apects Deuteronomy 32:4 The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. JUSTICE and LOVE God’s justice denies unfair treatment of mankind Isaiah 46: 8-11 “Remember this and stand firm, … for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ 11 …I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.

7. His Holiness is Demonstrated in 2 Aspects JUSTICE and LOVE His justice is complimented by His love 1 Peter 1:15-17 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 1 Cor. 16:14; 1 John 4:7; John 13:35 His justice is always fair and sure, but in the context of love

8. His Holiness is Offended by Sin 1 John 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. God’s justice demands a price to be paid ~ and there is only one Isaiah 59:2 your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you

9. God’s Love Balances out His Justice A living faith responds to grace in obedience. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Justice = getting what we deserve Mercy = NOT getting what we deserve Grace = getting what we DON’T deserve

10. What’s the Point? We CAN trust in God’s decisions, His fairness, His impartiality His justice is tempered with mercy, grace, and patience His choices will be the best and His leadership will be for our good Will you trust Him?