1. Abraham's true offspring (6-13)

God is Sovereign. God has a plan for world redemption. God promised Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his offspring. Israel's failure to accept God's Messiah does not mean that God failed. God blesses faith, not human privilege. Abraham had many children, but he only had one son of promise (9). Those who believe God's promises and live by them are true children of Abraham. In Genesis we can find many reasons why God should choose Jacob rather than Esau, but Paul is looking at history from God's point of view, so he doesn't mention human reasons. God wants us to trust him and to acknowledge his sovereignty.

2. To proclaim God's name in all the earth (14-18)

All sinners deserve to die; but God, in his mercy, made a plan to save sinners. Pharaoh would not acknowledge God, but the Sovereign God used him anyway; through him, God's mighty name was proclaimed in all the earth.

Application: Lord, I believe your promises; use me to proclaim your name in all the earth.
One Word: Believe God's promises