1. The secret ingredient to understanding the doctrine of election

Romans 11:33; Deuteronomy 29:29

2. What is election?

The Bible’s teaching that God, in eternity past and independent of people’s actions or goodness, lovingly chooses those whom he will save for his own glory.

Ephesians 1:3-8

• God elects his people (v. 4-5)
  • In eternity past (v. 4)
  • Not based on people’s actions or goodness (v. 7)
  • In love (v. 4)
  • For his glory (v. 6)

See also John 6:27, 44; 15:16; Acts 13:48; Romans 8:29-30; 9:10-13, 15-16; Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 1:9, Revelation 13:8

3. “Hol’ up! I have a question!”

1. “What about free will?”

Ephesians 2:1-10

2. “Isn’t this unfair?”

Romans 9:14-15

3. “How do I know if I’m elect?”

John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10

4. “What about innocent people who never get a chance to hear the Gospel?”

Romans 1:18-25

For young children and people with disabilities – 2 Samuel 12:23

5. “How can God be sovereign over all of this, and yet we are still responsible?”

Romans 9:19-21

6. “What’s the point of evangelism?”

4. How should we respond to the doctrine of election?

1. Be amazed that God saves anybody
2. Be amazed that God saved me
3. Be humbled that God is in charge, not us
   1. Isaiah 55:9
4. Be bold in sharing the Gospel
   1. Romans 10:14-15

Small Group Questions

• What stood out about this message? What questions do you have?
• What is your initial reaction to the doctrine of election?
• Why is humility so vital in our responsive to the doctrine of election?
• Which responses listed in Point 4 resonate with you the most?