Romans 10
-In the midst of hearing about Paul’s burden for his people,
Israel, we see some very important theological truths regarding saving faith in
Jesus Christ. First, a zeal for God is not enough. This zeal must be
accompanied with knowledge of the Truth in Christ (Romans 10:2). The Jewish
people Paul claims established their own righteousness based on the Law. The
end of the Law he rightly says is Christ Jesus for righteousness to everyone
who believes (Romans 10:4). The person who does the commandments for their
righteousness must live by them (Leviticus 18:5, Romans 10:5). This puts
humanity in a quandary because perfect completion of the Law proves to be
impossible by our own strength and power since we are born with a pull toward
sin and depravity by nature. Therefore, the word of faith is the only thing
that can save through believing in the promise and completed work of Christ
Jesus our Lord and Savior. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one
confesses and is saved (Romans 10:9-10).” “Everyone who believes in Him will
not be put to shame (Romans 10:11).” This applies to all people Jew and
Gentile. The Lord is the same unto all people and bestows His riches on all who
call upon Him (Romans 10:12). “For everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord
will be saved (Romans 10:13).” *Application* If you have not called on the Name
of the Lord Jesus to save you by His work of perfect sinless life, vicarious
atoning death on the cross to cover our sins, burial, and physical-eternal
resurrection, do so right now. Call upon the Name of the Lord and be saved!
Waiting is a negative response. He wants you to be His child by faith and faith
alone. This can make you righteous in His sight.
-Paul makes a plea for going out as witnesses through the
preaching of the Word of God, which is all about faith in Jesus Christ, the
Messiah. Without hearing, people cannot believe. There can be no hearing if
there is no preaching. There can be no preaching unless someone is sent. The
feet of those who bring good news are beautiful (Romans 10:14-15).
*Application* Is the Lord calling you dear friend to spread His gospel by your
voice. Preach the Word of God to anyone who will listen. Make your sent feet
beautiful! “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ
(Romans 10:17).”
-Paul’s final citations and words in this chapter yearn for
acceptance of the gospel by the people of Israel. He sees the fulfillment of
the Holy Scriptures in their turning away from the completed work of Christ Jesus
and is in complete distress over it. He reiterates the prophecy of the coming
jealousy by the Jews over the acceptance of the gospel of Christ among the
Gentiles (Deuteronomy 32:21). Those who did not even seek the Messiah will be shown
the righteousness by faith, whereas the Israelites missed it (Isaiah 65:1, Romans
10:20). This Paul correctly points out is simply because of their disobedience and
contrary spirit towards the things of God (Isaiah 65:2, Romans 10:21). *Application*
How foolish it is for any of us to turn away from God by His merciful gift of righteousness
by faith in the work He has done for us. We cannot establish our own form of righteousness
that is correct only in our own eyes. This was the problem during the times of the
Judges and it can still be a monumental error today if we are not careful (Judges
17:6; 21:25, Isaiah 5:21). It’s not our way that is right, but God’s way. Obey Him;
it’s easier than you might think.
Verses to Memorize-
Romans 10:9-10, 13, 17
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