Romans 9:22
Verse
Context
God’s Sovereign Choice
21Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?22What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction?23What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory—
Sermons
David Wilkerson
Colin Anderson
Norman Grubb
John G. Reisinger
Chuck Smith
William MacDonald
John PiperSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
What if God, willing to show his wrath - The apostle refers here to the case of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and to which he applies Jeremiah's parable of the potter, and, from them, to the then state of the Jews. Pharaoh and the Egyptians were vessels of wrath - persons deeply guilty before God; and by their obstinate refusal of his grace, and abuse of his goodness, they had fitted themselves for that destruction which the wrath, the vindictive justice of God, inflicted, after he had endured their obstinate rebellion with much long-suffering; which is a most absolute proof that the hardening of their hearts, and their ultimate punishment, were the consequences of their obstinate refusal of his grace and abuse of his goodness; as the history in Exodus sufficiently shows. As the Jews of the apostle's time had sinned after the similitude of the Egyptians, hardening their hearts and abusing his goodness, after every display of his long-suffering kindness, being now fitted for destruction, they were ripe for punishment; and that power, which God was making known for their salvation, having been so long and so much abused and provoked, was now about to show itself in their destruction as a nation. But even in this case there is not a word of their final damnation; much less that either they or any others were, by a sovereign decree, reprobated from all eternity; and that their very sins, the proximate cause of their punishment, were the necessary effect of that decree which had from all eternity doomed them to endless torments. As such a doctrine could never come from God, so it never can be found in the words of his apostle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
What if God, willing to show--"designing to manifest" his wrath--His holy displeasure against sin. and to make his power--to punish it known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath--that is, "destined to wrath"; just as "vessels of mercy," in Rom 9:23, mean "vessels destined to mercy"; compare Eph 2:3, "children of wrath." fitted for destruction--It is well remarked by STUART that the "difficulties which such statements involve are not to be got rid of by softening the language of one text, while so many others meet us which are of the same tenor; and even if we give up the Bible itself, so long as we acknowledge an omnipotent and omniscient God we cannot abate in the least degree from any of the difficulties which such texts make." Be it observed, however, that if God, as the apostle teaches, expressly "designed to manifest His wrath, and to make His power (in the way of wrath) known," it could only be by punishing some, while He pardons others; and if the choice between the two classes was not to be founded, as our apostle also teaches, on their own doings but on God's good pleasure, the decision behooved ultimately to rest with God. Yet, even in the necessary punishment of the wicked, as HODGE observes, so far from proceeding with undue severity, the apostle would have it remarked that God "endures with much long-suffering" those objects of His righteous displeasure.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that he might make known the riches of his glory,.... That is, his glorious riches, the perfections of his nature, his love, grace, and mercy, his wisdom, power, faithfulness, justice, and holiness; all which are most evidently displayed in the salvation of his people, here called vessels of mercy, which he hath afore prepared unto glory. They are said to be vessels, and so considered as creatures, made and brought into being; "vessels of mercy", and so fallen creatures, and by sin become miserable, for only such are objects of mercy: they are not called so, because deserving of mercy more than others, they are in no wise better than others, and are by nature children of wrath, even as others; but because God of his infinite goodness fills them with his mercy, displays it in them, in the redemption of them by his Son, in the regeneration of them by his Spirit, and in their eternal salvation: and these are by him "afore prepared unto glory"; to everlasting happiness, which he has chosen them to before time, and calls them to in time; to this glory he does not take them, until he has prepared them for it; which act of preparation does not regard the eternal predestination of them to eternal life, but an act of his grace towards them in time; and which lies in putting upon them the righteousness of his Son, and in putting his grace in them; or in other words, in justifying them by the imputation and application of the righteousness of his Son unto them, and by the regeneration, renovation, and sanctification of their hearts, by his Spirit. Now what if God willing to make known his glorious perfections, by displaying his mercy to such sinners, and by preparing them for heaven in a way consistent with his holiness and justice, what can any man that has the exercise of his reason object to this? The whole of his conduct is free from blame and censure; the vessels of wrath he shows his wrath upon, are such as fit themselves for destruction, and whom he endures with much longsuffering and patience, and therefore he cannot be chargeable with cruelty; the vessels of mercy he brings to glory, none of them are taken thither, until they are prepared for it, in a way of righteousness and holiness, and therefore he cannot be charged with acting contrary to the perfections of his nature.
Romans 9:22
God’s Sovereign Choice
21Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?22What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction?23What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory—
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hell - Part 1
By David Wilkerson9.8K45:10HellEZK 22:20JHN 3:36ROM 1:18ROM 9:22REV 19:11REV 21:23In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of hell and the judgment of God. He emphasizes that even before eternity comes, God will pour out His judgments on the earth, including scorching men with fire through His angels of wrath. The preacher also mentions the belief of millions of Iranians who have been promised paradise by the Ayatollah Khomeini, but warns that they will wake up in hell instead. He concludes by describing the never-ending nature of hell and referencing the biblical description of Jesus as the one who will judge and make war with righteousness.
Balance Arminianism Calvanism?
By Colin Anderson2.7K43:21CalvinismJHN 6:37ROM 9:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by using a metaphor of a mountain range to illustrate the journey of life and the challenges we face in understanding divine election and predestination. He acknowledges that there are aspects of these concepts that may be beyond our intellectual grasp, but emphasizes the importance of seeking and understanding what the Word of God teaches on the subject. The speaker then shares a personal anecdote about running with his son and feeling a sense of urgency to convey a message, similar to his urgency in discussing the biblical balance between minimalism and maximalism. He concludes by urging the audience to turn to the Word of God and reads a portion from Psalm 139 as a theme for the sermon.
God Only
By Norman Grubb2.4K53:51GodGEN 4:10GEN 5:24ROM 9:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being a slave to what we choose. He emphasizes that our ability to choose is our royalty, and we are fixed by the choices we make. The speaker explains that while we may be caught up in temporary things like food or worldly desires, the true change comes from God who motivates us. The sermon also highlights the idea that Satan has distorted and enslaved us, leading us to live self-centered lives. However, through faith and a realization of our need for something more, we can find true fulfillment and become lovers of God.
The Patience and Longsuffering of God
By John G. Reisinger1.9K47:46ROM 2:4ROM 9:18ROM 9:222PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the kindness and patience of God towards sinners. He uses the analogy of a person falling from a building, saying that sinners may think everything is fine, but it is only because of God's kindness. The preacher quotes Romans 2:4, highlighting that God's kindness leads to repentance. He warns against using God's kindness as an excuse for more sin and self-assurance, as it will lead to storing up wrath for the day of judgment. The preacher also emphasizes that God does not change and is slow to anger, contrasting with our own changing emotions. He concludes by praising God for His unchanging grace and urging listeners to preach and witness God as He truly is.
The Secrets of the Heart
By Chuck Smith1.8K32:51SecretsPSA 139:1PRO 24:10ECC 8:11EZK 3:18ROM 9:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing before God's judgment seat and giving an account of our actions. He highlights that as Christians, we will face the judgment seat of Christ, where all secrets will be revealed. The preacher urges listeners to consider if they are fulfilling their responsibilities of sharing the love and truth of God with others. He emphasizes the need to share the gospel of God's love and forgiveness with a lost and dying world, warning that failing to do so may result in the blood of those who die in their sins being required at our hands. The preacher also cautions against mistaking God's patience and longsuffering for ignorance or lack of judgment, reminding listeners that God sees and knows all.
Attributes of God - Grace, Mercy, Longsuffering and Goodness
By William MacDonald1.7K37:04Attributes of GodEXO 34:6PSA 31:19PSA 52:1PSA 119:68NAM 1:3MAT 5:7LUK 6:36JHN 1:16ROM 3:4ROM 9:22ROM 12:8ROM 15:52CO 8:9EPH 2:81PE 5:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the smallness of the earth in the vast universe, highlighting the insignificance of humanity in comparison. However, despite our sinful state, God showed incredible grace by sending his son Jesus to be born in Bethlehem and suffer on the cross for our salvation. The speaker lists numerous ways in which God has blessed and transformed believers, including indwelling them with the Holy Spirit and adopting them as his children. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of showing mercy, citing biblical verses that encourage believers to be merciful as God is merciful.
He Set His Face to Go to Jerusalem
By John Piper1.1K30:36JerusalemLUK 9:44LUK 9:51ROM 9:22In this sermon, Pastor John Piper discusses the significance of Palm Sunday and the anticipation of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He describes the scene of believers waving palm branches and praises Jesus for dying for each one of them. The sermon then transitions to the scripture passage in Luke 9:51, where Jesus sets his face towards Jerusalem. The Pharisees are threatened by Jesus' authority and popularity, leading them to ask Jesus to rebuke his disciples. However, Jesus affirms his kingship and declares that even if the disciples were silent, the stones would cry out in praise.
Soul Winning - Part 1
By Roy Daniel8701:27:28Soul WinningMRK 16:15JHN 14:15ROM 9:22ROM 10:14EPH 5:22EPH 5:25COL 3:20In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the importance of taking action and not making excuses. He shares his desire to sing and gather crowds to preach, but acknowledges his limitations. The preacher emphasizes the need to apply the message of the sermon in one's life and shares examples of how his previous sermons have led to radical changes in people's lives. He encourages the audience to embrace their weaknesses and trust in God's power to work through them. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer and a reminder to obey God's command to preach the gospel to all.
The Sovereignty of God
By Thomas Brooks0Judgment and MercySovereignty Of GodPSA 103:19ROM 9:22Thomas Brooks emphasizes the sovereignty of God as a powerful force that demands submission, either through His word or through His works, mercies, or judgments. He warns that failure to submit to God's authority will lead to dire consequences, as often it is through judgments that God captures the attention of the intractable world. Brooks highlights that God's judgments reveal His power, justice, and anger towards sin, serving as a reminder that a one-sided view of God as solely merciful can lead to atheism and profaneness. Ultimately, he asserts that God's severity is a means to prevent utter ruin and misery, showcasing His sovereignty in both mercy and judgment.
Exposition on Psalm 59
By St. Augustine01SA 19:11MAT 27:37JHN 19:21ACT 7:58ROM 5:20ROM 9:22ROM 11:252CO 12:10EPH 2:20EPH 6:17HEB 12:6St. Augustine preaches about the conversion of the Jews and Gentiles, highlighting the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. He discusses the sins of the Jews, their blindness to Christ, and the need for confession and repentance. St. Augustine emphasizes the mercy and grace of God, the power of humility, and the unity of believers from different backgrounds in the Church. He encourages believers to rely on God's strength, confess their sins, and seek perfection through humility and faith.
True Grace Distinguished From the Experience of Devils
By Jonathan Edwards0PRO 4:11ISA 2:10LUK 13:28ROM 9:22JAS 2:19Jonathan Edwards preaches about the distinction between true grace and the experiences of devils, emphasizing that mere intellectual belief, earnest desires for salvation, a sense of divine things, and a knowledge of God's attributes are not sure signs of saving grace. He explains that even the devils have these experiences and knowledge, yet lack true holiness. Edwards warns against relying on external manifestations or emotional experiences as evidence of genuine conversion, highlighting the need for spiritual fruits and a transformed heart as the true marks of God's work in a person's life.
Psalm 66
By Henry Law0ROM 2:4ROM 9:222CO 6:6GAL 5:22EPH 4:2COL 1:11COL 3:121TI 1:162TI 4:2Charles Spurgeon preaches on the importance of patience, describing it as the ability to endure provocation, misfortune, and unfavorable circumstances with emotional calm and quietness. He emphasizes that patience is the capacity to be wronged and not retaliate, manifesting forbearance under provocation, and reflecting God's patience towards sinful men. Spurgeon urges believers to imitate God's patience and never give up, even in times of adversity, exhibiting self-restraint and enduring to the end without hastily retaliating wrongs.
The Sermon on the Mount - Part 1
By St. Augustine0MAT 4:21MRK 1:19LUK 6:40ROM 9:221CO 1:102CO 13:11GAL 6:11TH 3:10HEB 10:5HEB 11:31PE 5:10The preacher from Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'katartízō,' which signifies fitting or joining together to mend or repair, restoring to a former condition. This term is used in various contexts in the New Testament and the Septuagint, emphasizing equipping, restoring, and making whole. The essence of 'katartízō' is to prepare, equip, and supply what is lacking, ultimately restoring individuals to their intended purpose and completeness, especially in the face of trials and suffering.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
What if God, willing to show his wrath - The apostle refers here to the case of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and to which he applies Jeremiah's parable of the potter, and, from them, to the then state of the Jews. Pharaoh and the Egyptians were vessels of wrath - persons deeply guilty before God; and by their obstinate refusal of his grace, and abuse of his goodness, they had fitted themselves for that destruction which the wrath, the vindictive justice of God, inflicted, after he had endured their obstinate rebellion with much long-suffering; which is a most absolute proof that the hardening of their hearts, and their ultimate punishment, were the consequences of their obstinate refusal of his grace and abuse of his goodness; as the history in Exodus sufficiently shows. As the Jews of the apostle's time had sinned after the similitude of the Egyptians, hardening their hearts and abusing his goodness, after every display of his long-suffering kindness, being now fitted for destruction, they were ripe for punishment; and that power, which God was making known for their salvation, having been so long and so much abused and provoked, was now about to show itself in their destruction as a nation. But even in this case there is not a word of their final damnation; much less that either they or any others were, by a sovereign decree, reprobated from all eternity; and that their very sins, the proximate cause of their punishment, were the necessary effect of that decree which had from all eternity doomed them to endless torments. As such a doctrine could never come from God, so it never can be found in the words of his apostle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
What if God, willing to show--"designing to manifest" his wrath--His holy displeasure against sin. and to make his power--to punish it known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath--that is, "destined to wrath"; just as "vessels of mercy," in Rom 9:23, mean "vessels destined to mercy"; compare Eph 2:3, "children of wrath." fitted for destruction--It is well remarked by STUART that the "difficulties which such statements involve are not to be got rid of by softening the language of one text, while so many others meet us which are of the same tenor; and even if we give up the Bible itself, so long as we acknowledge an omnipotent and omniscient God we cannot abate in the least degree from any of the difficulties which such texts make." Be it observed, however, that if God, as the apostle teaches, expressly "designed to manifest His wrath, and to make His power (in the way of wrath) known," it could only be by punishing some, while He pardons others; and if the choice between the two classes was not to be founded, as our apostle also teaches, on their own doings but on God's good pleasure, the decision behooved ultimately to rest with God. Yet, even in the necessary punishment of the wicked, as HODGE observes, so far from proceeding with undue severity, the apostle would have it remarked that God "endures with much long-suffering" those objects of His righteous displeasure.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that he might make known the riches of his glory,.... That is, his glorious riches, the perfections of his nature, his love, grace, and mercy, his wisdom, power, faithfulness, justice, and holiness; all which are most evidently displayed in the salvation of his people, here called vessels of mercy, which he hath afore prepared unto glory. They are said to be vessels, and so considered as creatures, made and brought into being; "vessels of mercy", and so fallen creatures, and by sin become miserable, for only such are objects of mercy: they are not called so, because deserving of mercy more than others, they are in no wise better than others, and are by nature children of wrath, even as others; but because God of his infinite goodness fills them with his mercy, displays it in them, in the redemption of them by his Son, in the regeneration of them by his Spirit, and in their eternal salvation: and these are by him "afore prepared unto glory"; to everlasting happiness, which he has chosen them to before time, and calls them to in time; to this glory he does not take them, until he has prepared them for it; which act of preparation does not regard the eternal predestination of them to eternal life, but an act of his grace towards them in time; and which lies in putting upon them the righteousness of his Son, and in putting his grace in them; or in other words, in justifying them by the imputation and application of the righteousness of his Son unto them, and by the regeneration, renovation, and sanctification of their hearts, by his Spirit. Now what if God willing to make known his glorious perfections, by displaying his mercy to such sinners, and by preparing them for heaven in a way consistent with his holiness and justice, what can any man that has the exercise of his reason object to this? The whole of his conduct is free from blame and censure; the vessels of wrath he shows his wrath upon, are such as fit themselves for destruction, and whom he endures with much longsuffering and patience, and therefore he cannot be chargeable with cruelty; the vessels of mercy he brings to glory, none of them are taken thither, until they are prepared for it, in a way of righteousness and holiness, and therefore he cannot be charged with acting contrary to the perfections of his nature.