Israel’s Present – Romans 10

Romans 10 contains some of the clearest verses that answer the question “What must I do to be saved?” These are given within the overall context of God’s dealings with the nation of Israel.

Romans 9, 10 & 11 form an important trilogy concerning the nation of Israel.

Theme: The mystery of Israel’s blindness (11:25). Acts 13:46 “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”

This lesson: Paul’s desire for the salvation of the Jews and the offer of salvation that is extended them in this inter-advent period.

This chapter answers the question, “What must I do to be saved?” or “how do I get saved?” in the clearest terms.

The Passion for Israel’s Salvation (Vs. 1-5)

The Prayer (Vs. 1)

1. Paul’s burden for the souls of his fellow Jews found expression in the place of prayer. Paul pleaded with God for their souls.
2. Chapter commences in similar way to chapter 9

The Problem (Vs. 2-5)

1. Ignorance (Vs. 2). They were sincere, but sincerely wrong. Zeal in itself, no matter how commendable, does not automatically make someone right with God. Zeal can be misguided and misdirected if it isn’t informed by truth.
2. Self-righteousness (Vs. 3). This verse gives the specifics of their ignorance.
   1. ‘establish’ = to stand up (e.g. erect a monument)
   2. ‘submitted’ = implies surrender, humility and contrition
3. Failure (Vs. 4-5)
   1. The function of the law (Vs. 4). Christ was the only one who perfectly fulfilled the law. Gal. 3:24 “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
   2. The requirements of the law (Vs. 5). To achieve righteousness by the law would require perfect obedience in word, thought and deed. James 2:10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Illustration: Moses breaking of the two tablets (Ex. 32:19)

The Preaching for Israel’s Salvation (Vs. 6-13)

The Availability of Salvation (Vs. 6-8)

1. Based on quotation from Deut. 30:11-14
2. Significant as it prophesied the dispersion of the Jews because of their disobedience to God’s law
3. Key point: Christ is not distant from them. He is within the reach of faith in the Gospel message proclaimed by the Apostles. The truth of the Gospel is in the Jewish Scriptures which they hold dear!
4. Note: Emphasis on the heart – “say not in thine heart” (Vs. 6); “believe in thine heart” (Vs. 9). The faith that brings God’s righteousness to us is a wholehearted faith that does not make doubts its starting point.
5. “word of faith” = not the popular concept espoused by many that believers should always be in good health, financially successful and blessed (e.g. as espoused by Kenneth Hagin). The “word of faith” is what is given to us here in Vs. 9 & 10!

The Acceptance of Salvation (Vs. 9-10)

1. Repentance – for the Jew to confess that Jesus is Lord meant a total renunciation of his self-righteousness & religious efforts.
2. Faith
   1. It’s source – “in thine heart” = more than a mental knowledge of the facts. There is a superficial faith that does not bring salvation (John 2:23-25). Genuine faith is the channel through which God’s righteousness is received.
   2. It’s object – the Person & work of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who died for sin, was buried, and rose again.
3. Confession – the expression of faith in the heart. Matthew 10:32 “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”

The Assurances of Salvation (Vs. 11-13)

1. Salvation will not disappoint (Vs. 11). Quotation from Isaiah 28:16
2. Salvation is for all (Vs. 12).
   1. “no difference” – All have sinned (Romans 3:22-23)
   2. “no difference” – Grace for all (Romans 10:12)
      1. ‘whosoever’ (anybody!) = 9:33, 10:11, 3
      2. John 3:16 – ‘whosoever’
      3. Rev. 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
3. Salvation is guaranteed (Vs. 13). Those who call on Christ for salvation from a repentant, believing heart, will be saved. Truth of Vs. 9-10 stated in simple, summary fashion.

The Propagation of the Salvation Message (Vs. 14-21)

The great need of missions comes into view in light of the glorious salvation that has just been described.

The Commission (Vs. 14-15)

1. “they” = points back to Jew & Gentile in Vs. 12
2. The Apostle asks four penetrating questions to impress upon us the need of world wide missions. The Apostle works backward by stages – calling – believing – hearing – preaching – sending.
   1. Sending: God calls and sends preachers (Acts 13:1-4). The local church is to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s leading.
   2. Preaching: God’s chosen method to win the lost! 1 Cor. 1:21 “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” Note: Not just a job for full time pastors, missionaries and evangelists. All believers need to be involved in proclaiming the message of salvation.
   3. Hearing, Believing & Calling: The responsibility of those who hear the message to respond
3. Quotation from Isaiah 52:7 – The value of Gospel feet (Eph. 6:15)
   1. Precious in God’s sight – missionary endeavor pleases God!
   2. Precious to those saved through the servant of the Lord’s faithfulness
4. Powerful quotes on missions
   1. John Wesley: “You have one business on earth – to save souls.”
   2. C.T. Studd “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”
   3. George Whitefield: “Oh for a hundred thousand lives to be spent in the service of Christ!”

The Contrast in response (Vs. 16-21)

1. Jewish rejection of the Gospel (Vs. 16-18, 21)
   1. They heard (Vs. 18) – quotation from Psalm 19
   2. They knew (Vs. 19)
   3. They disobeyed (Vs. 16)
2. Gentile reception of the Gospel (Vs. 19-20)
   1. Moses prophesied that God would provoke the Jews to repentance by saving Gentiles (Vs. 19)
   2. Isaiah predicted the conversion of Gentiles (Vs. 20)

Conclusion

1. Will you come to Christ today for salvation?
2. Will you involve yourself in the work of missions? Will you pray, give and go?
3. Will you surrender to the possibility of God calling you to full time Christian service?

Sermon 31 of 42 in Romans Series

Sermon Audio Id: 55182253264