InstaStudy

Righteousness by Faith: A Study of Romans 10

An in-depth study of Romans 10, focusing on the contrast between righteousness by law and righteousness by faith, and the accessibility of salvation through belief in Jesus Christ.

1. The Problem: Misguided Zeal

1.1 Israel's Zeal Without Knowledge

Verses: Romans 10:1-3
  • Paul expresses his heartfelt desire for Israel's salvation, acknowledging their zeal for God.
  • He points out their fundamental problem: they are ignorant of God's righteousness and seek to establish their own.
  • This self-righteousness leads them to reject the righteousness that comes from God through faith.

1.2 The Stumbling Stone

Verses: Romans 9:32-33
  • Israel sought righteousness by works, not by faith.
  • They stumbled over the 'stumbling stone,' which is Christ.
  • Faith in Christ is the only way to obtain righteousness.

2. The Solution: Righteousness by Faith

2.1 Christ as the End of the Law

Verses: Romans 10:4
  • Christ is the culmination and fulfillment of the law for all who believe.
  • The law served as a tutor to bring us to Christ, but now faith in Him is the path to righteousness.
  • Righteousness is now available to everyone who believes, regardless of their background.

2.2 Moses Describes Righteousness by the Law

Verses: Romans 10:5
  • Moses wrote that the person who does these things will live by them.
  • This highlights the difficulty and near impossibility of achieving righteousness through perfect obedience to the law.
  • It emphasizes the need for a different way to obtain righteousness.

2.3 The Word is Near You

Verses: Romans 10:6-8
  • Righteousness by faith is not something distant or unattainable; it is readily available.
  • The 'word' of faith is near, in your mouth and in your heart.
  • This nearness emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of salvation through faith.

3. The Application: Receiving Righteousness

3.1 Confession and Belief

Verses: Romans 10:9-10
  • Salvation comes through confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart that God raised him from the dead.
  • Confession demonstrates outward acceptance, while belief signifies inward conviction.
  • Both confession and belief are essential components of receiving righteousness by faith.

3.2 No Distinction

Verses: Romans 10:11-13
  • Scripture declares that whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.
  • There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
  • Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

4. The Spread: Sharing the Good News

4.1 The Necessity of Preaching

Verses: Romans 10:14-15
  • Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
  • People cannot believe in someone they have not heard of, and they cannot hear without someone preaching.
  • The role of preachers is vital in spreading the message of salvation.

4.2 Beautiful are the Feet

Verses: Romans 10:15
  • Those who bring the good news of peace and salvation are doing a beautiful and important work.
  • Their ministry is essential for reaching those who have not yet heard the gospel.
  • Sharing the gospel is a privilege and a responsibility for all believers.

5. The Result: Obedience and Disobedience

5.1 Israel's Disobedience

Verses: Romans 10:16-21
  • Not all have obeyed the gospel, even though they have heard it.
  • God has reached out to a disobedient and obstinate people.
  • God's persistent offer of salvation demonstrates His great love and patience.