December 5, 2024
Take Comfort that God is Sovereign and in Control.
Genesis 17:15-19; Romans 9:1-13
Hil Bowman
Big Book Idea
God with us.
Key Verse | Romans 9:8
This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.
Genesis 17:15-19
Isaac's Birth Promised
15 And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah 1 17:15 Sarai and Sarah mean princess shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give 2 17:16 Hebrew have given you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” 19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. 3 17:19 Isaac means he laughs I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Genesis
Timeline
Author, Date, and Recipients
Traditionally, Moses is considered to have been the author of Genesis and the rest of the Pentateuch (see Num. 33:2; Deut. 31:24; John 5:46). Of course, Moses lived much later than the events of Genesis. Presumably, stories were passed down about those earlier events, and Moses brought them all together.
The first audience would have been the Israelites Moses led through the wilderness. For readers today, Genesis is an essential introduction to the rest of the Bible. It is rightly called the book of beginnings.
Theme
The theme of Genesis is creation, sin, and re-creation. God made the world very good, but first cursed it and then destroyed it in the flood because of man’s disobedience. The new world after the flood was also spoiled by human sin (ch. 11). God chose Abraham for a special purpose. Through his family, all nations would be blessed (12:1–3). God’s purpose will eventually be fulfilled through Abraham’s descendants (ch. 49).
Key Themes
- The Lord God commissions human beings to be his representatives on earth. They are to take care of the earth and govern the other creatures (1:1–2:25).
- Instead of acting as God’s representatives on earth, the first man and woman—Adam and Eve—listen to the serpent and follow his advice. Their disobedience has devastating results for all mankind and for the entire created world (3:1–24; 6:5–6).
- God graciously announces that Eve’s offspring will free humanity from the serpent’s control (3:15). Genesis then begins tracing the history of one family that will become the people of Israel. This family has a special relationship with God and will become a source of blessing to fallen humanity (12:1–3).
- As a result of Adam’s disobedience, his unique relationship with the ground degenerates, resulting in hard work and later in flood and famine. But the special family descending from Adam also brings relief from the difficulties (3:17–19; 5:29; 50:19–21).
- While Eve’s punishment centers on pain in bearing children (3:16), women play an essential role in continuing the unique family line. With God’s help, even barrenness is overcome (11:30; 21:1–7; 25:21; 38:1–30).
- The corruption of human nature causes families to be torn apart (4:1–16; 13:5–8; 25:22–23; 27:41–45; 37:2–35). Although Genesis shows the reality of family conflicts, individual members of the chosen family can also help resolve those conflicts (13:8–11; 33:1–11; 45:1–28; 50:15–21).
- The wicked are exiled from Eden and scattered throughout the earth (3:22–24; 4:12–16; 11:9), but God is kind to his chosen people and promises them a land of their own (12:1–2, 7; 15:7–21; 28:13–14; 50:24).
- God is prepared to destroy almost the entire human race because of its corruption (6:7, 11–12; 18:17–33), but he still wants his world to be populated by righteous people (1:28; 9:1; 15:1–5; 35:11).
Outline
- Primeval History (1:1–11:26)
- Patriarchal History (11:27–50:26)
- Terah’s descendants (11:27–25:18)
- Isaac’s descendants (25:19–37:1)
- Jacob’s descendants (37:2–50:26)
The Near East at the Time of Genesis
Fact: In the Beginning
In the Hebrew Bible, the title of Genesis is In the Beginning, the book’s first words. The English title is related to the Greek word genesis, which means “beginning.”
Fact: Genesis through Deuteronomy
Genesis through Deuteronomy are the foundation of the Bible. They introduce the key promises that show God’s purposes in history and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Fact: The Sadducees
The Sadducees were a small but powerful group of Jewish leaders who did not believe in the resurrection (12:18). This may have been because of their emphasis on the Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy), which does not seem to explicitly mention the resurrection. But Jesus showed them that the idea of resurrection can, in fact, be found in the Pentateuch (Mark 12:26–27).
Fact: All things were made through him
All things were made through him. John begins his Gospel in the same way that Genesis begins: with creation (1:1–5; Gen. 1:1). He reveals that Jesus, God’s Son, existed eternally with God the Father, and the whole creation was made through him (Col. 1:15–16; compare 1 Cor. 8:6).
Fact: As numerous as the stars
As numerous as the stars. As the book of Exodus begins, some 350 years have passed since the end of Genesis. The 70 Israelites who went to Egypt have grown into a great multitude. This fulfills God’s promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants and to make them a blessing to all the nations of the world (Gen. 12:1–3; 15:5).
Fact: Isaac
Isaac means “he laughs.” When Abraham and Sarah heard that they were going to have a son in their old age, they both laughed (17:17; 18:12). When Isaac was born, however, they and all their friends laughed with joy (21:6)!
The Near East at the Time of Genesis
c. 2000 B.C.
The book of Genesis describes events in the ancient Near East from the beginnings of civilization to the relocation of Jacob’s (Israel’s) family in Egypt. The stories of Genesis are set among some of the oldest nations in the world, including Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, and Elam.
The Garden of Eden
Genesis describes the location of Eden in relation to the convergence of four rivers. While two of the rivers are unknown (the Pishon and the Gihon), the nearly universal identification of the other two rivers as the Tigris and the Euphrates suggests a possible location for Eden at either their northern or southern extremes.
The Generations of Genesis
| Primeval History (1:1–11:26) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | General heading | Specific heading | Section introduced |
| 2:4 | These are the generations of | the heavens and the earth | 2:4–4:26 |
| 5:1 | These are the generations of | Adam | 5:1–6:8 |
| 6:9 | These are the generations of | Noah | 6:9–9:29 |
| 10:1 | These are the generations of | the sons of Noah | 10:1–11:9 |
| 11:10 | These are the generations of | Shem | 11:10–26 |
| Patriarchal History (11:27–50:26) | |||
| 11:27 | These are the generations of | Terah | 11:27–25:11 |
| 25:12 | These are the generations of | Ishmael | 25:12–18 |
| 25:19 | These are the generations of | Isaac | 25:19–35:29 |
| 36:1, 9 | These are the generations of | Esau | 36:1–37:1 |
| 37:2 | These are the generations of | Jacob | 37:2–50:26 |
Four Kinds of Abraham’s Offspring
| Offspring | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Natural, physical offspring | Physical descendants of Abraham | Ishmael, Isaac, the sons of Keturah (and by extension Esau, Jacob, etc.) |
| Natural, yet special offspring | Physical descendants of Abraham especially tied to God’s elective and saving purposes | Isaac (by extension Jacob and the entire nation of Israel) |
| Promised offspring | The true, unique offspring of Abraham | A distinctive line of offspring, starting earlier with Seth and continuing through Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Israel, and David, culminating in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:16) |
| Spiritual offspring | Those united with Christ (the promised offspring) | Jews and Gentiles who trust in the Messiah |
Sarah
Sarah was Abraham’s wife and was also his half-sister. On two occasions, to save himself from possible danger, Abraham said that Sarah was his “sister,” failing to mention that she was also his wife. After many years of not being able to bear children, Sarah encouraged Abraham to start a family with her maidservant, Hagar. This plan backfired when, upon conceiving, Hagar became condescending toward Sarah. Later, God promised Abraham that he would give him a son through Sarah. Since she was 90 years old at the time, and Abraham himself was 100, Sarah’s initial response to the promise was laughter. However, one year later, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, the child of promise. She thus became an ancestor of Christ. (Genesis 17:15–16)
Gen. 17:15–16 The name Sarai is changed to Sarah; both forms mean “princess.”
Sarah
Sarah was Abraham’s wife and was also his half-sister. On two occasions, to save himself from possible danger, Abraham said that Sarah was his “sister,” failing to mention that she was also his wife. After many years of not being able to bear children, Sarah encouraged Abraham to start a family with her maidservant, Hagar. This plan backfired when, upon conceiving, Hagar became condescending toward Sarah. Later, God promised Abraham that he would give him a son through Sarah. Since she was 90 years old at the time, and Abraham himself was 100, Sarah’s initial response to the promise was laughter. However, one year later, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, the child of promise. She thus became an ancestor of Christ. (Genesis 17:15–16)
Fact: Isaac
Isaac means “he laughs.” When Abraham and Sarah heard that they were going to have a son in their old age, they both laughed (17:17; 18:12). When Isaac was born, however, they and all their friends laughed with joy (21:6)!
Gen. 17:19 Isaac means “he laughs.” The theme of laughter occurs in several passages associated with the birth of Isaac. See v. 17; 18:12–15; 21:6, 9. I will establish my covenant with him. While Ishmael and the other male members of Abraham’s household are also circumcised, the covenant will continue through Isaac (see 17:7, 20–21; and chart). This line eventually leads to Jesus Christ, through whom God’s blessing comes to the nations.
Four Kinds of Abraham’s Offspring
| Offspring | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Natural, physical offspring | Physical descendants of Abraham | Ishmael, Isaac, the sons of Keturah (and by extension Esau, Jacob, etc.) |
| Natural, yet special offspring | Physical descendants of Abraham especially tied to God’s elective and saving purposes | Isaac (by extension Jacob and the entire nation of Israel) |
| Promised offspring | The true, unique offspring of Abraham | A distinctive line of offspring, starting earlier with Seth and continuing through Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Israel, and David, culminating in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:16) |
| Spiritual offspring | Those united with Christ (the promised offspring) | Jews and Gentiles who trust in the Messiah |
Four Kinds of Abraham’s Offspring
| Offspring | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Natural, physical offspring | Physical descendants of Abraham | Ishmael, Isaac, the sons of Keturah (and by extension Esau, Jacob, etc.) |
| Natural, yet special offspring | Physical descendants of Abraham especially tied to God’s elective and saving purposes | Isaac (by extension Jacob and the entire nation of Israel) |
| Promised offspring | The true, unique offspring of Abraham | A distinctive line of offspring, starting earlier with Seth and continuing through Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Israel, and David, culminating in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:16) |
| Spiritual offspring | Those united with Christ (the promised offspring) | Jews and Gentiles who trust in the Messiah |
Romans 9:1-13
God's Sovereign Choice
1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, 1 9:3 Or brothers and sisters my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
Table of Contents
Introduction to Romans
Timeline
Author, Recipients, and Date
The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome. He probably did this while he was in Corinth on his third missionary journey, in A.D. 57 (Acts 20:2–3).
Theme
In the cross of Christ, God judges sin and at the same time shows his saving mercy.
Purpose
Paul wrote Romans to unite the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome in the gospel. He also wanted the church in Rome to become the base of operations from which he could proclaim the gospel in Spain (15:22–24). The ultimate goal of preaching the gospel is the glory of God (11:33–36). Paul longs for the Gentiles to become obedient Christians for the sake of Christ’s name (1:5).
Key Themes
- All people are sinners and need to be saved from their sin (1:18–3:20; 5:12–19).
- The Mosaic law is good and holy, but only Christ can remove sin and overcome its power (2:12–29; 3:9–20; 5:20; 7:1–25; 9:30–10:8).
- Through the righteousness of God, sin is judged and salvation is provided (3:21–26; 5:12–19; 6:1–10; 7:1–6; 8:1–4).
- With the coming of Jesus Christ, a new age of redemptive history has begun (1:1–7; 3:21–26; 5:1–8:39).
- The atoning death of Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan of salvation (3:21–26; 4:23–25; 5:6–11, 15–19; 6:1–10; 7:4–6; 8:1–4).
- Justification is by faith alone (1:16–4:25; 9:30–10:21).
- Those who are in Christ Jesus have a sure hope of future glory (5:1–8:39).
- By the power of the Holy Spirit, those who have died with Christ live a new life (2:25–29; 6:1–7:6; 8:1–39).
- God is sovereign in salvation. He works all things according to his plan (9:1–11:36).
- God fulfills his promises to both Jews and Gentiles (1:18–4:25; 9:1–11:36; 14:1–15:13).
- Because of God’s grace, Christians should be morally pure, should show love to their neighbors, should be good citizens, and should welcome their fellow believers into fullest fellowship (12:1–15:7).
Outline
- The Gospel as the Revelation of God’s Righteousness (1:1–17)
- God’s Righteousness in His Wrath against Sinners (1:18–3:20)
- The Saving Righteousness of God (3:21–4:25)
- Hope as a Result of Righteousness by Faith (5:1–8:39)
- God’s Righteousness to Israel and to the Gentiles (9:1–11:36)
- God’s Righteousness in Everyday Life (12:1–15:13)
- The Extension of God’s Righteousness through Paul’s Mission (15:14–16:23)
- Final Summary of the Gospel of God’s Righteousness (16:25–27)
The Setting of Romans
c. A.D. 57
Paul probably wrote Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:2–3). Rome was the epicenter of the powerful Roman Empire, ruling over many of the great ancient centers of Western civilization. Paul had established the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–11).
Fact: Share the Good News with others
Paul’s love for God and his compassion for those who do not know Christ are clear (see 9:1–5; 10:1, 14–15). Believers’ experience of God’s grace should motivate them to share the Good News with others all over the world and to pray that they will believe.
The Generations of Genesis
| Primeval History (1:1–11:26) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | General heading | Specific heading | Section introduced |
| 2:4 | These are the generations of | the heavens and the earth | 2:4–4:26 |
| 5:1 | These are the generations of | Adam | 5:1–6:8 |
| 6:9 | These are the generations of | Noah | 6:9–9:29 |
| 10:1 | These are the generations of | the sons of Noah | 10:1–11:9 |
| 11:10 | These are the generations of | Shem | 11:10–26 |
| Patriarchal History (11:27–50:26) | |||
| 11:27 | These are the generations of | Terah | 11:27–25:11 |
| 25:12 | These are the generations of | Ishmael | 25:12–18 |
| 25:19 | These are the generations of | Isaac | 25:19–35:29 |
| 36:1, 9 | These are the generations of | Esau | 36:1–37:1 |
| 37:2 | These are the generations of | Jacob | 37:2–50:26 |
Jesus Is God: Specific Examples Where Greek Theos (“God”) Is Applied to Jesus
| John 1:1 | In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
| John 1:18 | No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. |
| John 20:28 | Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” |
| Rom. 9:5 | To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. |
| Titus 2:13 | . . . waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . |
| Heb. 1:8 | But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” |
| 2 Pet. 1:1 | To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . |
Rom. 9:1–3 Paul suffers great anguish because his Jewish kinsmen are unsaved (see also 10:1). Indeed, if it were possible, Paul might almost choose to be accursed (to suffer punishment in hell) so that his fellow Jews would be saved (see Moses in Ex. 32:30–32).
Rom. 9:4 Israel had great privileges. The Israelites became God’s adopted people when God saved them from Egypt. Glory here probably refers to the glory of God in the tabernacle and temple. Israel received the covenants in which the Lord promised to save them. God gave his people his law at Mount Sinai. He directed their worship in the Mosaic law, and he gave them his saving promises.
Rom. 9:5 The patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) come from Israel. Most important, Jesus the Christ is a man from the Jewish people. He is also fully God, and to be praised as such.
Jesus Is God: Specific Examples Where Greek Theos (“God”) Is Applied to Jesus
| John 1:1 | In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
| John 1:18 | No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. |
| John 20:28 | Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” |
| Rom. 9:5 | To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. |
| Titus 2:13 | . . . waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . |
| Heb. 1:8 | But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” |
| 2 Pet. 1:1 | To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . |
Rom. 9:6–7 Though many Jews have failed to believe, God’s promise to them has not failed. It was never true that all of the physical children of Abraham were part of the people of God. Genesis 21:12 teaches that the line of promise is traced through Isaac, not Ishmael.
Rom. 9:9–10 The promise (Gen. 18:10, 14) was not given to Hagar (Genesis 16), but specifically to Sarah and her offspring. The birth of Esau and Jacob is further evidence that God did not promise that every person of Jewish descent would be saved. They had the same parents, yet God chose Jacob and not Esau.
The Generations of Genesis
| Primeval History (1:1–11:26) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | General heading | Specific heading | Section introduced |
| 2:4 | These are the generations of | the heavens and the earth | 2:4–4:26 |
| 5:1 | These are the generations of | Adam | 5:1–6:8 |
| 6:9 | These are the generations of | Noah | 6:9–9:29 |
| 10:1 | These are the generations of | the sons of Noah | 10:1–11:9 |
| 11:10 | These are the generations of | Shem | 11:10–26 |
| Patriarchal History (11:27–50:26) | |||
| 11:27 | These are the generations of | Terah | 11:27–25:11 |
| 25:12 | These are the generations of | Ishmael | 25:12–18 |
| 25:19 | These are the generations of | Isaac | 25:19–35:29 |
| 36:1, 9 | These are the generations of | Esau | 36:1–37:1 |
| 37:2 | These are the generations of | Jacob | 37:2–50:26 |
Rom. 9:11–13 God did not choose Jacob on the basis of anything in Jacob or Esau’s life. He did so to fulfill his purpose of election. For the OT background to “election,” see Gen. 18:10; Ex. 33:19; Mal. 1:2–3. See also Eph. 1:3–6.
S3:240 Genesis 17:15-19; Romans 9:1-13
Listen NowDive Deeper | Genesis 17:15-19
"God is in control."
I have written this phrase in my Bible next to both of today's Scriptures. God has revealed to us all we know about Him. Let's use the word CONTROL as an acronym:
- Compassionate: Jesus' compassion prompts action. Jesus' very presence in the world is the ultimate act of compassion. We did not deserve His sacrifice, but because of God's great love, we are treated with mercy. (Matthew 20:30-34)
- Omnipresent: God is everywhere. The knowledge that we are never alone should calm the trouble in our lives and speak peace to our soul. (Proverbs 15:3; Colossians 1:17)
- Never late: Do not be moved by the trials or pleasures of this world. Stand firm on God's Word. Do not think that the Lord is not with you just because the situation looks grim. Remember His faithfulness. Keep your faith to the end. (2 Peter 3:8-9; Proverbs 16:9)
- Trustworthy: God can also be trusted because His Word is true, and He keeps all His promises (John 17:17; Numbers 23:19). The Lord pronounces a blessing on "the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD." (Jeremiah 17:7) This man will be blessed because the Lord cannot lie, and He will keep all His promises.
- Rules the world: God's sovereignty is the attribute by which He rules His entire creation. To be sovereign, God must be all-knowing, and all-powerful. (Psalm 103:19; Romans 8:28; Colossians 1:16-17)
- Omniscient: We see that God has perfect and complete knowledge of all. He has no origin; He has no beginning; He requires no helpers; in His essential being, there are no limitations. His knowledge of our afflictions and adversities are personal and compassionate through the sacrifice of Jesus. (Psalm 147:5; 1 John 3:20; Hebrews 4:13)
- Love: Because God is immutable, He will always act like Himself. He never suspends one of His attributes to exercise another. He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love, faithful, maintaining love to the world, forgiving wickedness and sin. Yet, He does not leave the guilty unpunished. (Exodus 34:5-7; Isaiah 46:10; Hebrews 6:17)
This month's memory verse
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
– Isaiah 43:7
Discussion Questions
1. What do you think about when you hear God is in control? Is it a positive or a negative thought? Why?
2. How can the Christian faith and the Judeo-Christian worldview believe God is in control if there is still so much evil and hate in the world today?
3. How does God's sovereignty comfort you?
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