Faith of the Remnant

Summary:Paul addresses the question of God's justice in choosing whom to show mercy or harden. He anticipates objections, such as: "Why does God still find fault if no one can resist His will?" Paul responds by emphasizing God's sovereign authority as Creator—just as a potter has the right to shape clay as he desires, God has the right to show mercy or bring judgment according to His purpose. Paul then explains that God shows great patience even toward those destined for destruction, in order to make His glory known to those He has prepared for mercy—both Jews and Gentiles. This inclusion of Gentiles fulfills prophetic words from Hosea and Isaiah, showing that God's people now include those who were not formerly His people, and that only a remnant of Israel will be saved. Teaching:We fully deserve to die because of our sins. But God, in His love, has called us. Especially we who are in the church—He has purchased us with the blood of Jesus, who is the head of the church. “And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon objects of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, namely us, whom He also called, not only from among Jews, but also from among Gentiles,” We were all objects of God’s wrath, yet God patiently endured until He brought us into the church. He showed us mercy so that we could be here. Focus on what God has spoken to us. When you do, you will be filled with gratitude for His grace. Even the fact that we are still alive and not dead is purely by God’s grace. So, know this grace deeply. Don’t take church life lightly—commit your whole life to it. And when you hear the Word, don’t listen according to your own desires and wants. Instead, discern what God’s will is, and live according to His will as the holy people of God. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, July 30, 2025Roman 9:19-29(D-30)