Are We on the Losing Side? (Romans 9: 6–13)

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Welcome to The Bible Project Daily Podcast

In today’s episode, we dive deep into a sobering and important question: Is God losing the war for the world? With Christians making up only a minority of the global population, it’s easy to wonder if God’s promises are faltering. But Paul’s words in Romans 9:6–13 offer a bold and beautiful answer: “It is not as though the Word of God has failed.”

Join us as we explore what it means to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when appearances suggest otherwise. We’ll unpack Paul’s use of Old Testament examples—from Isaac to Jacob—to show that God's promises are never dependent on human effort, ancestry, or advantage, but rest entirely on His sovereign grace.

✍️ Episode Notes: Are We on the Losing Side? (Romans 9:6–13)

Intro:
 In a world where Christians seem increasingly marginalized, Paul tackles the question of whether God’s promises have fallen short—especially in light of Israel’s rejection of Jesus. Through three powerful illustrations from Israel’s own history, Paul affirms that God's promises have not failed. Instead, they were always meant to be fulfilled not by physical descent, but by faith and sovereign election.

Key Points:

• Not all Israel is true Israel: God's promises were never intended for every biological descendant, but for the faithful remnant.
• From Ishmael to Isaac: Salvation is not about ancestry or human effort, but divine promise.
• Jacob and Esau: Even before birth, God’s election was at work—not by works, but by Him who calls.

Why it matters:
This passage reassures us that God's purposes never fail. Though we may feel like a minority in the world today, God’s Word stands firm. His promises to those in Christ are secure—and rooted not in our strength or background, but in His unchanging grace.

Reflection Questions:

• What does it mean to be a “child of the promise” today?
• In what ways can we trust God's faithfulness when the world seems to oppose Him?
• How does this passage shape your understanding of grace and election?

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