Righteousness by Faith (Romans 9:30- 10:4)

“30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.- Romans 9″30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness failed in reaching that law. 32Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.- Romans 9

1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the right and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. -Romans 10

If we ask ourselves, “Must I pursue righteousness by work?” O God, Your Righteousness is holy and just. Teach us through a spirit of humility not to develop a boastful, prideful, or sinful righteousness based on our own merits. Let our mouths confess our sins, repenting to a righteous God who loved us and gave Himself for us. Thank you, Lord, for your saving grace.

Ignorance and Disobedience

5For Moses writes about righteousness based on the law that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7“or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because, 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. 10For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved. 11For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

O Jesus Christ, your perfect salvation saved our souls, and our faith isn’t based on our merits or works but on believing in the Son of God. Forgive us, Lord, when we are prideful and take credit for things you’ve done for us. To be grateful for all the blessings you’ve generously given to us. Almighty Father, save our sons and daughters. Give us the wisdom to reach them with the gospel and love them patiently.

Beautiful Feet!

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?^c And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ. 18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,“I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

The feet of those who proclaimed the salvation of hope and God’s righteousness by faith are blessed. Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ. O God, give us the boldness to spread the good news to those around us and not be afraid of ridicule or persecution. I pray You give me the wisdom to pray efficiently over Your Word in the next coming year so that others may learn and want to spend time in Your Word and pray over it.

Let’s Go Pray!

Prayer written on April 13, 2023

Resource

• Bible Hub:https://biblehub.com/esv/romans/10.htm