God has done so much for us, has longed for us and loved us so deeply. In our hearts we have challenged his love and mercy … just as Israel did … we must depend on and allow our lives to fall into His mercy.
1. Never Blessed Enough: the curse of humanity (Romans 9:1-5). In spite of all that God did for/with/through Israel, it was just not enough for them. Identify? I can. Yet in the face of this curse of humanity God boldly chooses to be merciful (Romans 9:6-16).
2. Never Difficult Enough: the curse of religion (Romans 9:30-10:7) When God’s mercy is rejected, religion takes its place. Rules, regulations, judgments, continual failures plague those who trust religion to save them. God emerges as the champion of faith … choosing to show us the path towards His heart (Romans 10:8-13).
3. Never Willing Enough: the curse of disobedience (Romans 10:16-21). God has not demanded the impossible of us … but even while His creation chooses the disobedient path, God has made another choice. His grace reigns in the hearts of those who have faith (Romans 11:2-6).
4. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy… (Romans 12:1-2)
*Seek Mercy: Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
*Seek Faith: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
*Seek Grace: Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you…
Praise Him for His Wonderful Choices
Doxology: Romans 11:33-36
33Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34″Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35″Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?”
36For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Thanks for reading,
John
Very encouraging message. Thanks
I think I gained 5 pounds just listening to your lesson last night – it was that rich! And then I get to munch on it again today! Wonderful.
I appreciate your efforts and scholarship.
Great post Brother. May we always be instruments of God’s mercy towards each other.
Praying that Gustav makes a turn away for all of you on the Gulf Coast.
Mercy, Faith, God’s Grace – I still struggle with my sin nature. Why do I still look to the world to give my life meaning? Without mercy there would be no hope, faith could not exist.