#soap # Romans 9 ## Title: Chosen But Free ## Scripture: (Romans 9:16) “So then, it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on God who shows mercy.” (NET) ## Observation: There is this interesting dichotomy that separates the best of Christian friends if we let it. Is all this already determined or are we free to choose? It seems as though the answer has to be one way or another, but it is also possible the answer can be yes to both. This isn’t me trying to make everyone happy, because it actually makes no one happy. People seem to want to place our Limitless God into a limited box. He just won’t fit. I heard someone give a great example of this. Imagine you wanted to watch a football game but would not be home. You decide to record the game so you can watch it later. When you get home, the game is over and you’re watching it on replay. Even though the game has now ended and the score is decided, does that stop the players on your TV from having autonomous action? No. They still play, even though it’s already finished in real time. It’s a lot like that with God. Yes, He knows the end of time. He has to. He’s God. But, that doesn’t stop us from living in our present moment and deciding. We are chosen for salvation, but free to receive it or reject it. If that doesn’t hurt your head a little, keep thinking about it. ## Application: Choose to receive Jesus. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for giving us the chance to know You.