Stop Contending, Start Receiving

If you’re familiar with your Bible you have probably come across Romans 9 where Paul is arguing for God’s sovereignty in who he chooses to save. Paul says in verse 18 that God has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

He then raises a hypothetical objection in verse 19 where someone might say, “yeah, but if God hardened my heart, why does he still blame me for not believing?” Paul responds to that objection in verse 20 saying,

“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?”

Paul’s response to this objection is getting at the root of the problem. Paul’s saying, “what kind of authority can you possibly have when standing before the Almighty that you would have the audacity to tell him what is right? Are you, a mere man, really going to answer back to God?”

The point is clear...God is the one in control, in authority over every one of his creatures and he has the right to mold and shape his clay people however he pleases. 

We see something similar at the end of the book of Job. This time in response to Job’s suffering. In Job 40:2, God finally addresses Job and says,

“Shall a faultfinder [that’s Job] contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.”

It is clear here as well that no man can contend with the Almighty regarding his plans and purposes.

Now I think most of us sitting here in this room would agree that God is sovereign. We agree that God has the authority in salvation and suffering. And although we often don’t always understand his sovereign authority, especially in the midst of suffering, we agree it is wrong to answer back or contend with God. We never should shake our fist at him.

Now let’s change the topic. From salvation and suffering ... to God’s promises.

Do you answer back or contend with God concerning his promises for you? 

Just one chapter earlier, in Romans 8:37-39, Paul says,

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When this promise is given do you find yourself contending with God? Saying something like: “but God, I am unlovable. I’m imperfect. You shouldn’t love me, God. How could you possibly love me? I’m a sinner.”

Who are you oh man to talk back to God?

You are deeply loved.

Or 1 John 1:9 which we hear week after week and will hear in a few moments,

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When this promise is given week in and week out, do you find yourself contending with God? Saying, “God your justice demands my judgement, not my forgiveness.” Or “How can you forgive me? Lord, I am unworthy of your forgiveness, don’t forgive me, you shouldn’t.”

Who are you oh man to talk back to God?

In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

Brothers and sisters, there are these and a thousand other promises that God has gladly given to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. And you have no right to argue with any of them. No authority to debate God over his promises for you. They’re real and they are for you. And they have been eternally secured by the blood of Jesus Christ.

So, my exhortation this morning is stop contending with God’s promises and start gladly receiving them, since after all you are but a man and he is God almighty. He has the final word.

And this reminds us of our need to confess our sins.