Today's lesson comes from Romans 10: 1-17. A clear picture of Paul's burden for the Jews can be found by reading Romans 9:1-5, 30-33. What a noble spirit Paul had in praying for those who had caused him so much trouble! The Jews leaned upon their own works of righteousness as a means to stand justified before God. many in the church today do the same! Their religious pride kept them from humbling their hearts and admitting their need of a Saviour. Thus, they rejected Christ and the atonement which He provided.
The first portion of the lesson has an emphasis on the "righteousness of God." We need to see that men can stand justified before God by trusting in the provision which He gave in the death of His Son. Verses 5-13 set forth that this salvation is easily accessible, and is universal in its application. In the last portion of the lesson, Paul shows the neccessity of people sharing the gospel with others.This is the personal responsibility of all Christians. We must remember that salvation is not by works, we are saved by the grace of God, and we need to feel others.
Chapter 10 opens with Paul's burden for his countrymen that "they might be saved." The first section is "A Misguided Zeal." vv. 1-4 In verses 1-3, we see Paul's deep concern for the Jews' salvation. A preacher who is right with God will do all he can to bring others to salvation and deliverance from sin, even though it means being understood and persecuted. Why were the Jews rejecting Paul's message? The Jews had great zeal for God but it was misplaced. They were trying to be righteous by their work. They were very conscientious regarding the rites and ceremonies, but they did not see that they were symbolic of what would be fulfilled in Christ.
The Jews had no excuse for their ignorance. Old Testament prophecies had been fulfilled before their very eyes in Christ. However, the Jews would not submit "themselves unto the righteousness of God." They wanted to establish their righteousness by their works. Since they were unwilling to humble themselves and confess they had no merit, they refused to become God-dependent. The Jews failed to see that the law could not deliver from sin. Thus, God sent His Son to destroy sin's hold on men, and to enable them to fulfill the "righteousness of the law." Perfect obedience to the law is not through man's works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. The end of perfectly fulfilling the law and being justified is accomplished through Christ. We are saved by grace through faith, not from anything we have done. Faith in Christ is the end of trying to be justified by the law.
The second section is "By Law or Faith?" vv. 5-13 Paul makes it clear that God has not obscured the truth in mysteries and riddles whose meaning must be sought from distant places. God has made His truth plain and easy to understand. The law was not about salvation. It was put in place to show us our sin and the need of a Saviour. In verse 9-11, the message of salvation is made simple and to the point:
1. What do you do? You must confess with your mouth. "Confess" means "to say the same thing." You are to make a public declaration of agreement with all that God declares.
2. What are you to confess? You are to confess the Lord Jesus. This is very important. You can't be saved unless Jesus is also the Lord of your life. He must be both Jesus and the Lord.
3. After confession, what? You must "believe in thine heart." To believe is to have a sincere, heartfelt faith. It is very personal and real. A heartfelt faith is more than mental assent to the truth. It is resting my entire self, my future, and my salvation upon the Word of God.
4. Believe what? You believe that God hath raised Jesus Christ from the dead. The resurrection of Christ and our justification are inseparably linked. Regardless of your language, customs, or background, salvation is by grace through faith.
The third section is "A Messenger Needed." vv. 14-17 How is saving faith produced? Knowledge of God must precede faith in God. The word "preacher" in verse 14 is not limited to an ordained minister or your pastor. It includes any believer who testifies to their faith in Jesus Christ. Sometimes people may think they don't know enough or speak well enough to share their faith with others. A witness in a courtroom trial is to testify of what they have seen or heard. In the same way, you are to share your faith with others simply by stating what Jesus Christ has done for you and how He has changed your life. You don't need a theology degree to do that. We all have a part in telling others of God's salvation received by faith. While it is sadly true that not everyone who hears will become a Christian, that is not our issue. Our purpose is to testify what God has done for them. We must stay true to the Word of God.
The Golden Text is "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." (John 1:12) This is an amazing thought when you consider it. Jesus has given us the power to become sons of God. No longer are we destined to hell and destruction. He has given us the assurance of an eternity in heaven with Him. No matter what you may be going through today, there is a better day coming for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
My summary points:
1. Reliance on your own works never brings satisfaction.
2. Salvation is received not achieved.
3. Knowledge of God precedes faith in God.
Next week's lesson: "Living to the Glory of God." Romans 12:1-12
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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