The Tragedy of Establishing Your Own Righteousness

Romans 10:1-21

Welcome! Today we continue our series into the rich but challenging book of Romans. We are in the middle of a section about Israel that consists of Chapter 9 through 11. Really, to step back a bit, I believe the point of these three chapters is to answer the question: If salvation really is by faith in Christ, and not by works, then why don’t the Jews, of all people, who should have known God more than any other people, because to them the history happened, to them the Scriptures were given – if this salvation by faith thing is really true, why don’t the Jews believe it? It is a good question, and in Chapter 9, Paul lays the groundwork says in effect that this is not a surprise to God; indeed, it is part of God’s sovereign will. The chapter concludes with the thought that, from a human perspective, the rejection of Christ as savior is because they “stumbled over the stumbling stone” – because they pursued righteousness not by faith but as if it could be attained through works. Paul continues in Chapter 10:

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.  – Romans 10:1-3

Stumbling over the Stone

Romans 9:1-33

Good morning!  Today we are going to turn a corner in our series on the book of Romans.  This book is really a letter.  Obviously, Paul is writing to Romans.  In particular, he is writing to the church in Rome.  In the letter, we see that this church is composed of a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers with the Gentiles in the majority.  (Romans1:13) The theme of this letter is Romans 1:16-17.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed--a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” – Romans 1:16-17

Salvation is for everyone who believes first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  And through the first 8 chapters of Romans, Paul has convinced us about everyone’s need of salvation.  And, he has shown us clearly God’s glorious provision of Jesus Christ His Son as our Savior.

Inseparable

Romans 8:31-39

Welcome! We are at about the halfway point in the book of Romans, and before I get into today’s passage, I want to go back to some of the most encouraging verses we have seen so far in Romans. Now I believe most of you already know these verses – maybe not by chapter and verse, but if I start the verses, I believe you will be able to finish them (or at least come close). So I am going to present you with the first half of the verses, and then encourage you to complete them, one phrase at a time.

Having an Eternal Focus

Romans 8:18-30

By way of review, let’s look at a quick synopsis of Romans.  The first 5 chapters are really about the Gospel.  Chapters 1 through 3:20 show the sinfulness of all man and the need for the Gospel.  From 3:21 until the end of chapter 5, Paul explains the Gospel: salvation through Christ alone.  Then in chapters 6 through 8, he’s been talking about the benefits of that gospel.  Chapters 6 through 7 gave the “negative” benefits.  Not that they are bad, but they are given in a negative light.  We are no longer under the law, slaves to sin, under the curse, dead in trespasses and sin, nor victims of sin.    Chapter 8 shows us the positive benefits of salvation.  We are no longer under condemnation.  We are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).  We live according to the Spirit (8:5).  We are in the Spirit; we belong to Christ.  Then in verses 15-17, Paul says we are adopted children of God.  If we are the children of God, we are the heirs of God and co-heirs with Jesus Christ.