Who Art Thou, O Man? (Remastered)

A Sermon on Romans 9.18-24 https://www.mljtrust.org/sermon/who-a... "The trouble with most of us in all our difficulties with biblical truth is that we don't know first the truth about ourselves. And then, of course, the second thing we're ignorant of is the truth about God. Who art thou, O man that repliest against God ? His greatness and his glory and his eternity and his majesty? " - Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Description Who is responsible for a hard heart? Is it something one does or something God does to them? In this sermon on Romans 9.18–24 titled "Who Art Thou, O Man?" Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones introduces the challenging subject of God's sovereignty and humanity's responsibility. Scripture speaks of God's sovereign choice first of the nation of Israel and then of individuals within that nation such as Jacob over Esau. Yet a person's decision to reject God is also seen. How can God allow such rebellion to exist? Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that in many cases, it is so that God's power may be seen in how He handles evil. Yet some may ask, how can God find fault with people since He is sovereign? The question is valid since even Paul incorporates it in this passage, yet before it can be addressed, Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages examination of motive so that one does not question God from a place of arrogance or indignation. A person's spirit must be contrite, knowing that their understanding is limited. He encourages careful consideration of who one is and to follow the pathway of Moses before he walked on holy ground or of Isaiah who cautiously and humbly responded to God's glory. Sermon Breakdown The apostle begins by rebuking the questioner for replying against God in a contentious spirit. He emphasizes the contrast between man and God - "who art thou, o man?" The apostle asserts God's absolute freedom and sovereignty. God has mercy on whom he will have mercy and hardens whom he will harden. The apostle uses the analogy of the potter and the clay to illustrate God's sovereignty over man. Man is like clay, and God is the potter who has power over the clay. The apostle explains that he has been quoting Scripture, not just giving his own opinion. Therefore, to object is to object to God's own teaching about himself. The apostle says we must approach this subject, and all of Scripture, with the right spirit - humble, reverent, and willing to listen. We must realize our smallness before God. Examples of the right spirit are seen in Moses, Joshua, Job, and Isaiah. They humbled themselves when confronted with God's glory and majesty. The apostle rebukes the "fleshy mind" that intrudes into things it has not seen and is puffed up with its own opinions. God hides truth from the wise and prudent but reveals it to "babes" - those with a childlike, humble spirit. We must confess we have often expressed arrogant opinions about God's truth. We need forgiveness and grace. We need God's Spirit to give us a humble, teachable spirit as we study His Word. We must become "fools" to worldly wisdom to gain true wisdom.