Romans 10

Faith: Approaching the NT Book of Romans / Romans 10

As we enter into Romans 10 we get a sort of encapsulation of the Gospel. We see that Christ is near. Our role is to confess that reality through our belief in that reality.

Jesus is present where we end and closer than our own words.

Romans 10:4 ESV

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Paul is still expressing his desire for all people, Jews and gentiles, to be saved. He has given us an argument that God is sovereign and does what He wills

Paul says that Jesus is the end of the law. Meaning that when we try and complete the law we cannot. And when we cannot we find that Christ is the end. HE is the One who has completed the law for us.

It can make us good people. But not good enough. Religion has a definite end. We see that in some of the frustration that it brings us. We try and behave and do well and then we are disappointed. Or we find that religion can be manipulated and people can use it for evil ends, for selfish ends.

Hebrews 12:2 ESV

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus is closer than the words we speak and the beliefs we profess

Romans 10:6–8 ESV

But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But 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);

Romans 10:12–13 ESV

For 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. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Jesus is sending those who will go and those who will share

Romans 10:14–15 ESV

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? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 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!”

1 Peter 3:15–16 ESV

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Romans 10:15 ESV

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!”

Our feet are to be beautiful because our feet lead people back to Jesus. They show others where Christ is.

The church is called to point and call. We are called to show people what Christ is like through how we live our lives. That is pointing. Then we are to call and share what Christ has done. We have both to do.