Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 4
Romans 9:16 (“not of him who wills nor of him who runs”) was explained using 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (planting/watering/growth); where do you see the speaker drawing the line between “God does the greater part” and “we must do our part,” and what part of that balance feels hardest to keep from sliding into either pride or passivity?
Another way to ask: Using the planting and watering example, where does the speaker say God’s part ends and our part begins? Which side is harder for you to avoid—getting proud like it’s all you, or getting passive like you do nothing?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
He draws the line by saying humans truly act (plant, water, repent, believe, obey), yet God’s role is greater and indispensable (growth, mercy, Christ’s cross, Spirit-given power). The hardest balance, in his framing, is refusing both self-congratulation (“I save myself”) and fatalism (“God does everything, so I do nothing”).
- He parallels Romans 9:16 with 1 Corinthians 3: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth… neither… anything,” yet Paul is not saying preaching was pointless.
- He insists God “requires us to do our part,” like sowing/irrigating; otherwise “you’re not going to get a field of wheat.”
- He anchors God’s “greater part” in salvation: “without Christ’s blood… we are all lost,” and “we played no role… except a wicked role.”
- He states our part plainly: “we have to repent and believe… God doesn’t do our repenting for us… we have to crucify our own flesh… submit to his will.”
- He warns both errors: don’t get proud (“I’m doing it all”), but also don’t sit back (“If you do that, you’re not going to do anything”).