THE GREAT BRAIN TEASER (22 OF 34)
by Keith Krell
Scripture: Romans 9:14-29
This content is part of a series.
The Great Brain Teaser (22 of 34)
Series: Good News from God
Keith Krell
Romans 9:14-29
Albert Einstein's wife was asked the question, "Do you understand the theory of relativity?" She responded immediately, "No, but I know Albert, and he can be trusted." This brilliant response by Meliva Einstein provides a tremendous principle for accurate biblical interpretation. There are some portions of Scripture that are so deep that we can't understand them fully in this life. As finite beings we just can't understand the infinite. However, we know God, and He can be trusted.
In Rom 9:14-29 we encounter what may be the most difficult section in the entire Bible. This passage on predestination has been notoriously labeled a "pastor's graveyard." Paul's words are not terribly difficult at face value, but they seem to contradict other passages that emphasize human responsibility. Thus, many well-meaning Bible students attempt to marginalize predestination verses instead of letting any tension remain. However, when we study texts that deal with God's election, we need to accept them as they stand and not try to figure out details that God has not chosen to reveal. Deut 29:29a states, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God." In Isa 55:8-9 the Lord declares, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways . . . For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Similarly, Rom 9 is written from the perspective of heaven looking over God's shoulder. Hence, I don't claim to fully understand it, I just claim to believe it.
Perhaps you're reading this sermon and you're thinking, "Keith, can't you give me something more relevant? What about my marriage, family, work, school, and financial concerns? I need something that will touch my felt needs." I can appreciate your sentiments; however, I believe that if your understanding of God increases and you grow closer to Him, that many o ...
Series: Good News from God
Keith Krell
Romans 9:14-29
Albert Einstein's wife was asked the question, "Do you understand the theory of relativity?" She responded immediately, "No, but I know Albert, and he can be trusted." This brilliant response by Meliva Einstein provides a tremendous principle for accurate biblical interpretation. There are some portions of Scripture that are so deep that we can't understand them fully in this life. As finite beings we just can't understand the infinite. However, we know God, and He can be trusted.
In Rom 9:14-29 we encounter what may be the most difficult section in the entire Bible. This passage on predestination has been notoriously labeled a "pastor's graveyard." Paul's words are not terribly difficult at face value, but they seem to contradict other passages that emphasize human responsibility. Thus, many well-meaning Bible students attempt to marginalize predestination verses instead of letting any tension remain. However, when we study texts that deal with God's election, we need to accept them as they stand and not try to figure out details that God has not chosen to reveal. Deut 29:29a states, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God." In Isa 55:8-9 the Lord declares, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways . . . For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Similarly, Rom 9 is written from the perspective of heaven looking over God's shoulder. Hence, I don't claim to fully understand it, I just claim to believe it.
Perhaps you're reading this sermon and you're thinking, "Keith, can't you give me something more relevant? What about my marriage, family, work, school, and financial concerns? I need something that will touch my felt needs." I can appreciate your sentiments; however, I believe that if your understanding of God increases and you grow closer to Him, that many o ...
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