Romans 10
1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel 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 they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
What was Paul's desire and prayer to God?
1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.Paul desired and prayed for Israel's salvation.
Why did Paul pray for Israel's salvation and wait instead of reaching out them?
1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.We all know that sincere prayer anticipate God's response. So, prayer always make us to wait for God's response.
Is this not a godly desire?
Yes, it is God's desire too...
In fact Jesus suffers long with sinners so that no one will perish in hell.
2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Didn't Jesus ask all the believers to reach out non-believers and make disciples in the great commission?
Yes, Jesus asked all the believers to reach out non-believers and make disciples in the great commission:
Matt 28:19 - 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Why don't he reach out to them instead of waiting in prayer?
Yes, he can reach out to them.
In fact Paul did that boldly
Acts 21:4, 3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem
Acts 21:11,13 - 10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' " 12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
We are not making disciples we are just preaching/teaching the gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit:
KJV: Matt 28:19 - 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo , I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Only by our effort we cannot save anyone because Salvation belongs to the Lord. God needs to open our spiritual eyes:
God opens our spiritual eyes:
2 Cor 4:4-6 - 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
God sees our heart and he is working each and every one through His Holy Spirit. He knows when we need to preach the Gospel and when we need to show His love:
Acts 18:5 - 4 And he [In Corinth Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
Here God is leading to share the Gospel.
Application: Train yourself to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
What is their response?
Acts 18:6a But when they opposed him and blasphemed,
What was Paul's response when they opposed and blasphemed?
Acts 18:6b - 6b he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.
Here Paul responded as per Jesus teaching in Luke 10:10-11
Is this what Jesus wants Paul to do here?
No.
Acts18:9-10 - 9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Did anyone respond to the Gospel and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior?
Acts 18:8 - Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
When Paul encounter that opposition he would have never thought/imagined that Crispus the ruler of the synagogue and many others will accept the Lord and baptize. In addition to them Paul might have sown the seed to many other Jews and gentiles during this time...
Here Jesus request Paul to wait because knows the heart of the people. God knows how many is looking for Him. Our God is all knowing God.
Therefore do not serve God as per your desire but seek God and He will direct you. He knows the needy heart. He will lead us how He led Philip to a desert to reach out Eunuch in Acts 8.
For this important reason Paul is praying/asking to God to work in Israel's heart and seeking God for divine opportunity to reach out:
(David Guzik) Paul's heart's desire also translated into concrete action: prayer to God for Israel. Paul didn't just "care," he prayed.
Ps 127:1-2 - 1 A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.
Prayerfully Seek his guidance and wait for His timing and divine opportunity to reach out anyone.
Application:
Do not forget God has given great commission to all believers.
Do you have desire to reach out those are lost?
If yes, may God lead you as He led Paul, Peter, Philip,... to reach those who seeking Him.
If not may God almighty put burden in your heart to reach out those who are lost.
What will you do when you have a strong desire in your heart?
We pursue what we desired by putting all our efforts to achieve it.
Jer 18:12 - And they said, "That is hopeless! So we will walk according to our own plans, and we will every one obey the dictates of his evil heart."
Do you pray to God when you had a strong desire?
Most of the time we do things as per our hearts desire instead of praying to God
Sincere prayer anticipates God's response.
So, most of the time we avoid praying to God to avoid hearing the negative response i.e. response against our desire.
But the truth of the matter is
Proverbs 16:1 - The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
Proverbs 16:9 - A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 19:21 - There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD's counsel--that will stand.
Proverbs 21:2 - Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.
God is in control so better prayerfully yield to His response and just obey Him.
God will do the best for our lives.
He make everything beautiful in His own timings.
So, never doubt Him.
What is Paul witnessing about Israel?
2a For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for GodPaul witnessing that they have a zeal for God
What is "zeal for God" means?
Zeal means eager desire, or enthusiastic diligence.
Zeal for God means eager desire for God, deeply devoted to God, enthusiasm for God
GNT: Romans 10:2 - I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge.
NLT: Romans 10:2 - I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal.
What is wrong in their zeal for God?
2b but not according to knowledge.They have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge or not based on knowledge.
What it means that they have zeal for God but not according to knowledge?
Their zeal for God is not in the right thing or not based on knowledge they have or the knowledge available to them through the word of God ie the Old Testament Bible.
In what Israelites are ignorant?
3a For they being ignorant of God's righteousness,Israelites are ignorant of God's righteousness.
Are they ignorant of God's righteousness due to lack of knowledge?
In general ignorant means lack of knowledge.
But here because Paul clearly says that their zeal for God is not according to knowledge they have or the knowledge available to them through the word of God ie the Old Testament Bible.
Gen 15:6 - 5 Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." 6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Romans 4:6 - just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works
Psalm 32:1-2 - 1 A Psalm of David. A Contemplation. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Romans 10:21 - But to Israel he(Isaiah) says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people."
(Warren Wiersbe) Israel was ignorant of God's righteousness, not because they had never been told, but because they refused to learn. There is an ignorance that comes from lack of opportunity, but Israel had many opportunities to be saved. In their case, it was an ignorance that stemmed from willful, stubborn resistance to the truth.
Why they are ignorant of God's righteousness?
3b seeking to establish their own righteousnessThey are ignorant of God's righteousness because their zeal for God is in the law and their self. So, they are seeking to establish their own righteousness.
They are ignorant of God's righteousness because they are focused on traditions/rituals and so they do not want to know the truth.
Even Paul who was a scholar knows the Bible in and out did the same before he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior:
Gal 1:13-14 - 13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
Acts 26:4-11 - 1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 "I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. 4 My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. 5 They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. 7 To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? 9 Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
On the judgment day no one can go and stand in front of God saying I was ignorant of your righteousness or I don't know about your righteousness.
Where should be their zeal for God? and What they need to do?
3c have not submitted to the righteousness of God.Their zeal for God is to receive God's righteousness through faith by submitting to Him:
(Warren Wiersbe) They would not submit to God. They were proud of their own good works and religious self righteousness, and would not admit their sins and trust he Savior.
(David Guzik) People cannot come to Jesus without the right information about the gospel, but information alone is not enough to save anyone. There must be a radical submission to the righteousness of God, putting away our own righteousness.
NLT: Romans 10:3 - For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law.
Application:
Do you have zeal for God?
No/Yes/Some time
If you are not sure then answer the following question:
Do you have strong desire to serve God or really want to do something for God such as obey His commandments, giving/sharing. loving?
Yes/No
If you say no then seek God and ask Him to put that burden in your heart:
If you didn't say no or if you have zeal for God then you answer the following ...
Where is your zeal for God focused on? Is your zeal for God is in the right thing according to the truth?
Warning: (David Guzik) This is where so many religious people - even sincere Christians - go astray. They have plenty of zeal but little knowledge.
Following few points highlights these with examples:
Many Christians have zeal for God but lack of knowledge about God's righteousness so they seek to establish their own righteousness or cling to their own traditions:
Please answer the following questions:
Are you ignorant of God's righteousness?
Did you obtain salvation or received God's righteousness by approaching God by faith?
When do you came to know that your righteousness is not enough to reach God or to obtain salvation and you need God's righteousness to obtain salvation?
To get saved or to go to heaven and live with God for ever we need to obtain God's righteousness by believe in Jesus Christ:
Romans 10:3 - For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
Romans 3:20-22 - 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
Many Christians have zeal for God but lack of knowledge about Jesus Christ:
For example: Around 2010 we went to a Hindu temple the guru in that temple was white American and was Christian once and left Christianity because he didn't like Trinity. One member had zeal for God and explained about Trinity to him quoting the Bible verses but others around that guru didn't like it so they tried this believer to stop explaining to their guru. At the same time few other Christians due to lake of knowledge raised a question that
"Is Trinity important in Christianity?" (What do you say?)
Yes, doctrine of Trinity is very important to remain as a Christian.
What is the one main important point the doctrine of Trinity teaches believers?
Jesus is God, Father is God and Holy Spirit is God. God in three persons. Each is distinct from the others but never acts independently. They are one in nature and purpose.
Romans 9:5 - 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.
Heb 1:8 - 6 But when He [God] again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him." 7 And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire." 8 But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.
John 20:28 - 27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
For example: An young female believer reached out an Muslim man and shared about Jesus out of zeal for God but immediately he asked her that "Where in the New Testament Jesus is referred as God? she could not answer him. Here she had the zeal for God but lacked the knowledge about Jesus Christ. Later on God used another believer in Christ to answer all his questions and win this Muslim man for Christ.
We need to know the basic important knowledge about Jesus and keep growing in it:
2 Peter 1:2-4 - 1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Eph 4:14 - 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
2 Tim 4:3-4 - 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
Few more important points are continued in below section Where is your zeal for God focused on? Is your zeal for God is in the right thing according to the truth? (Cont...)
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, "The man who does those things shall live by them." 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' " (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, " 'Who will descend into the abyss?' " (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
What does Israel need to do to receive God's righteousness?
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
NIV: 4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.To receive God's righteousness Israel need to believe in Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:21-22 - 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
What it means that Christ is end of the law?
Romans 10:4 - For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law.
Matthew 5:17 - "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
Jesus Christ fulfilled all our righteous requirements of the law: which is expected from us to enter in to heaven or to obtain salvation. He did that once for all by dying on the cross as a propitiation or the atonement sacrifice on our behalf.
Why Jesus fulfilled all our righteous requirements of the law?
To obtain salvation or to enter into heaven we need to live a sinless perfect life fulfill all the righteous requirement of the law:
Romans 10:5 - For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, "The man who does those things shall live by them."
Did anyone live such a perfect life as God expected and obtained/earned the salvation?
No
Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Why?
Because no one can keep the Law perfectly as God expects:James 2:10 - 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Also we are born sinners.
NIV: Ps 51:5 - Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
So,
we cannot live a sinless perfect life as God expects and
we cannot wipe away the sin we have did on the past.
Since we could not fulfill the righteous requirements of the law we all need help to overcome or come out of miry clay.
So, God so loved the world and sent His Jesus Christ to redeem us:
How Jesus fulfilled the law?
(Warren Wiersbe) God obeyed His own Law in working out the plan of salvation. Jesus in His life and death completely fulfilled the demands of the Law.
He lived a sinless perfect life and fulfilled all the requirements of the law:
Heb 4:15 - For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Jesus took our punishment (i.e. wages of sin is death) by shedding His blood and give life to us:
Hebrews 10:10-14 - 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Jesus is the only propitiation or atonement sacrifice for the whole world:
1 John 2:2 - And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
Romans 3:25 - 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Hebrews 10:18 - Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
He is righteous God so He cannot ignore the righteous requirement of the law:
Romans 5:18 - 17 For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.
(Spurgeon) "Christ did not come to make the law milder, or to render it possible for our cracked and battered obedience to be accepted as a sort of compromise. The law is not compelled to lower its terms, as though it had originally asked too much; it is holy and just and good, and ought not to be altered in one jot or little, nor can it be. Our Lord gives the law all it requires, not a part, for that would be an admission that it might justly have been content with less at first."
NLT: Romans 8:3,4 - 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
Romans 8:3,4 - 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
(David Guzik) The law ends for the believer in the sense that our obedience to the law is no longer the basis for our relationship with God. The law has not come to an end in the sense of no longer reflecting God's standard or no longer showing us our need for a Savior.
Jesus Christ also accomplished the real purpose of the law:
What is the real purpose God gave this law to us?
The Law has two main purpose.
Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Galatians 3:24 - Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor
(John Courson) Because the purpose of the law, according to Galatians 3:24, is to bring us to Christ. Therefore, belief in Christ accomplishes the very purpose for which the law was given.
(Warren Wiersbe) Everything in Jewish religion pointed to the coming Messiah their sacrifices, priesthood, temple services, religious festivals, and covenants. Their law told them they were sinners in need of a Saviour. But instead of letting the Law bring them to Christ (Gal 3:24), they worshipped their Law and rejected their Saviour. The Law was a signpost, pointing the way. But it could never take them to their destination. The Law cannot give righteousness; it only leads the sinner to the Saviour who can give righteousness.
That is why New Living Translation translates like this:
NLT: Romans 10:4 - For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.
Are the believers in Christ are under the law?
No, the believers in Christ are not under law but under grace:
(Warren Wiersbe) Through His death and resurrection, He has terminated the ministry of the Law for those who believe. The law is ended as far as Christians are concerned. The righteousness of the La w is being fulfilled in the life of the believers through the power of the Spirit (Romans 8:4); but the reign of the Law has ended (see Eph 2:15; Col 2:14).
Galatians 3:25 - Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor
Romans 6:14 - 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
Romans 7:1-6 - 1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another--to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
John 8:36 - Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
What are the main advantages of being not under the law?
Sin will not be imputed to the believers
Romans 5:13 - 12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned-- 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.
There is no judgment for their sins because the believers in Christ are not under the law:
John 5:24 - "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
Does this mean that we live as we like? How the believers in Christ needs to live?
No, absolutely not.
Romans 6:1-2 - 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Romans 6:11 - Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So, our zeal for God should be focused in seeking first the kingdom of God and His rigteousness:
Matt 6:33 - 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
God will lead us and make us to fulfill the moral law:
Jesus is our author and finisher of our faith so He leads us in His righteous path through His Holy Spirit.Hebrew 12:2 - looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew 22:37-40 - 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 7:12 (Golden rule) - Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
How God accomplish this?
Just by leading us through His Holy Spirit. We need to abide in Him and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. (Walking in the Holy Spirit)Galatians 5:18,22-23 - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ........ 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
John 15:4-5 - 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Warning: If a believer in Christ rebel and did not yield to the Holy Spirit and obey God then God will discipline them:
Heb 12:5 - And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."
1 Cor 11:32 - 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
Application:
Where is your zeal for God focused on? Is your zeal for God is in the right thing according to the truth? (Cont...)
Warning: (David Guzik) This is where so many religious people - even sincere Christians - go astray. They have plenty of zeal but little knowledge.
Following few points highlights these with examples:
Many Christians have zeal for God but lack of knowledge that they are not under the law:
Romans 6:14 - 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
Read above notes
What is the advantage of being not under the law?
Does this mean that we live as we like? How the believers in Christ needs to live?
Many Christians have zeal for God but lack of knowledge about God's will for their life or God's unique plan for their life:
NIV: Jer 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God saved us for His own purpose:
2 Tim 1:9 - who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Eph 2:10 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Many Christians have zeal for God but lack of knowledge about leading of the Holy Spirit:
Romans 7:6 - But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
Gal 5:16-18 - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
John 16:13-14 - 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
Many Christians have zeal for God but lack of knowledge to "How to please God?":
Are you pleasing God by your obedience/works? Are you pleasing God by your faith?
Many places Bible encourages to obey God and his commandments:
1 Sam 15:22 - So Samuel said: "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king."
1 Thes 4:1-6 - 1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.
This is true but ...
Is it possible to produce fruit without the help of Jesus?
No, we cannot obey God and produce fruit without abiding with Jesus Christ:
John 15:5-6 - 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
Without abiding with Him we cannot obey Him and produce fruit at all.
In other words we cannot obey God unless He gives us strength through His Holy Spirit:
Romans 8:11,13 - 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Most of the time we try to obey God by our own strength and approach God by works instead of faith. If we do that then we will not please God:
Romans 8:8 - So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
If you really obey or accomplish God's command or leading by the power of the Holy Spirit then you will not boast about our accomplishments but we approach God by faith and thank Him for His help.
So, it is impossible to please God without faith:
Heb 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
We need to please God by approaching Him by faith and receive strength from Him and do as per His leading.
What does Moses write about God's righteousness through the law?
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, "The man who does those things shall live by them."Moses writes that anyone who keep or obey the commandments of the law perfectly without fail can receive/earn God's righteousness and live eternally with him.
This quote is taken from
Lev 18:5 - You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.NLT: Romans 10:5 - For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands.
(David Guzik) The man who does those things shall live by them: The Law of Moses makes the path to righteousness through the law plain. If you want to live by the law (find life through the law), you must do the law - and do it completely and perfectly.
We have already answered the following question while we study the 4th verse but there is nothing wrong in answer that again:
Why it is impossible to earn God's righteousness by keeping the law?It is impossible to earn the God's righteousness through the law because God's standard and expectations are way higher than our standards and our righteousness.
James 2:10 - 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
What does the righteousness of faith say about God's righteousness?
6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' " (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, " 'Who will descend into the abyss?' " (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):(David Guzik) This is based on Jesus, and we don't have to "work" to get Jesus. It is not as if we have to ascend into heaven or descend into the abyss to gain Jesus. We believe and receive.
Instead of having to go to great lengths to achieve righteousness by the law, we can immediately receive righteousness by faith, by trusting in the word of the gospel.
What scripture reference Paul is using to explain this?
Paul is quoting portions of Deut 30:11-14 and explains how close the righteousness of faith is to us:
Deut 30:11-14 - 11 "For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' 14 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.
NIV: Deut 30:11-14 - 11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul gave us the spiritual understanding of this admonition. He saw "the commandment" or "the Word" as meaning "Christ, God's Word". So, Substituted "Christ" for "the Commandment." He told us that God's way of salvation was not difficult and complicated. We do not have to go to heaven to find Christ, or into the world of the dead. He is near to us.
In other words, the Gospel of Christ the Word of faith is available and accessible. The sinner need not perform difficult works in order to be save. All he has to do is trust Christ. The very Word on the lips of the religious Jews was the Word of faith. The very Law that they read and recited pointed to Christ.
Galatians 3:24 - Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor
In other words God's law points/leads to Jesus Christ and we do not want to go anywhere because Jesus Christ is available to us where ever we are.
John 4:21,23 - 21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
What we need to do to be saved?
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.To be saved we need to:
Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus
Believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead
Go through the following questions that covers these two needs in details.
What we need to believe?
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.Is it not believing in Jesus alone is enough to be saved?
Throughout the Scripture says we need believe in Jesus to get saved:
NIV Rom 3:22 - This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
It is true but what we need to believe is very important because some believe Jesus was existed, Jesus was a good teacher, Jesus ...
What we need to believe about Jesus is very important?
By believing in Jesus we need to ...Believe in our heart that God has raise Him from the dead:
Romans 10:9 - that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
We need to believe in resurrection of Jesus Christ
Why Jesus resurrection is very important?
Let us see two important points:
Jesus Christ resurrection gives birth to the Christianity. There is no Christianity if Jesus didn't resurrect from his death:
1 Cor 15:14,17 - 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!
Jesus Christ resurrection takes away the fear of death from the believers and allows them to live forever and ever in heaven:
2 Cor 15:53-57 - 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 55 "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
2 Cor 5:8 - We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
Romans 6:22-23- 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
You can go through "Why Jesus resurrection is so important?" in Romans 4:24b notes.
Believe in the God who raise Him from the dead:
Romans 4:24 - 23 Now it was not written for his (Abraham's) sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
John 17:3 - 1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
(Spurgeon) "We believe everything which the Lord Jesus has taught, but we must go a step further, and trust him. It is not even enough to believe in him, as being the Son of God, and the anointed of the Lord; but we must believe on him . . . The faith that saves is not believing certain truths, nor even believing that Jesus is a Savior; but it is resting on him, depending on him, lying with all your weight on Christ as the foundation of your hope. Believe that he can save you; believe that he will save you; at any rate leave the whole matter of your salvation with him in unquestioning confidence. Depend upon him without fear as to your present and eternal salvation. This is the faith which saves the soul."
So, we need to believe in our heart that God has raise Jesus Christ from the dead also believe in God the Father who raised Jesus Christ from the dead.
Do we really need to confess with our mouth?
What is confess means?
not to deny
declare,
to admit or declare one's self guilty of what one is accused of,
to profess
to declare openly,
speak out freely to profess one's self the worshipper of one
Here it means to profess, declare or openly speak out with our mouth.
Matt 10:32 - "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.
(David Guzik) Mere intellectual agreement with the facts of the cross and the resurrection is not enough. You must believe in your heart; and even that belief is not enough without accompanying action: confess with your mouth.
Yes, we need to confess with our mouth.
What we need to confess with our mouth?
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.We need to confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus.
What is the Lord Jesus means?
What is LORD in Old Testament means?
LORD (all caps) in Old Testament is not title it is God's English version of Hebrew name YHWH/Yahweh.
Since ancient Hebrew did not use vowels in its written form, it is not entirely clear how God's name should be spelled or pronounced. It could be Yahweh, or Jehovah, or Yehowah, or Savor, or something else.
Is 42:8 - I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.
Is 43:11 - I, even I, am the LORD, And besides Me there is no savior.
In New Testament the Lord in Greek is kyrios (Strong's 2962). It is not name of God but it is title and it means
the owner; one who has control of the person, the master
the sovereign, prince, chief, the Roman emperor
this title is given to: God, the Messiah
So, Jesus is our God, He is our friend, He is our Lord i.e. He is our boss too...
(David Guzik) Confession has the idea of agreeing with. When we confess . . . the Lord Jesus, we agree with what God said about Jesus, and with what Jesus said about Himself. It means we recognize that Jesus is God, that He is the Messiah, and that His work on the cross is the only way of salvation for mankind.
(Barclay) We can never forget all that it meant to say that Jesus Christ is Lord. "If a man called Jesus kurios he was ranking him with the Emperor and with God; he was giving him the supreme place in his life; he was pledging him implicit obedience and reverent worship."
If we confess Him as Lord then we need to submit to Him whole heartedly and obey where ever He leads.
Luke 9:23 - Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Unless otherwise we accept Jesus as Lord we will not enjoy our salvation experience because God saved us with His purpose:
2 Tim 1:9 - who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Through out the Bible we see faithful believers followed Jesus dedicatedly leaving everything.
Paul submitted to God as bondservant.
Romans 1:1 - Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
It is important and our responsibility to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and confess with our mouth as the Lord Jesus.
Is it easy to confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and live under the Lordship of our Lord Jesus Christ?
No, it is not easy to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ and confess it.
Wuest, quoting Robertson on Jesus Christ is Lord: "No Jew would do this who had not really trusted Christ, for Kurios in the LXX is used of God. No Gentile would do it who had not ceased worshipping the emperor as Kurios. The word Kurios was and is the touchstone of faith."
Does God helps us to confess Jesus as Lord and help us to live under His Lordship?
In addition to our responsibility to confess Jesus as our Lord God is also working with in us in a special and unique way through His Holy Spirit:
What is born-again believer means?
It means a person born in God's Spirit i.e. once a person truly believes in Jesus Christ then that person will receive God's Holy Spirit and that point onwards God's Holy Spirit lives within us forever.
John 3:6 - 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'
John 14:16 - 15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
1 Cor 6:19 - 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
What main and important work God's Spirit works within us once He manifest within us?
Following basicRomans 8:15-16 - 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
1 John 4:2 - 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
1 John 4:15 - Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
1 Cor 12:3 - Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
We do not want to force ourselves to confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus but needs to supernaturally flow through our mouth as an outcome of the work of the Holy Spirit:
evidence of Holy Spirit lives within us,
evidence of God lives within us,
show that we are truly born again in God's Spirit.
God leads us through His Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit guide us in truth:
John 16:13 - However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
The Holy Spirit speak to us what God wants to share with us:
John 16:13-15 - 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
The Holy Spirit foretell us things to come:
John 16:13 - However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
Amose 3:7 - Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
NLT: Amos 3:7 - Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.
What happens when we believe and confess?
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.(David Guzik) These two together (belief and confession) result in righteousness and salvation. We should not ignore how scandalously simple this is (whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved) and what an affront this is to every attempt of the flesh to be justified or any attempt to find salvation based on national or ethnic foundation.
Warning: If a believer in Christ says that I believe in Him but hesitate to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord then that person need to question His salvation.
So, true believer will not strive to confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus it is a natural outcome of born again in God's Spirit experience.
Application:
Is Jesus your Lord?
If not just believe and confess do not delay:
Romans 10:9-10 - 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Did you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus?
If you did confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus then you need to submit to Him and follow Him as a bondservant.
Are you bondservant of Jesus Christ?
Paul demonstrated this in submitting his desire to God and just do whatever Jesus says through His Holy Spirit. We have seen this in Paul's Obedience to Jesus Christ Blesses All topic in Romans Introduction.
(John Courson) It’s a wise decision to give yourself fully to the Lord as His bondslave because He takes excellent care of those committed to Him. Their lives are filled with purpose and focus; their hearts with peace and joy.
Perhaps you’re saying, “I’m my own man—captain of my destiny, master of my fate. I don’t serve anyone.” But reality says otherwise. Everyone will serve someone. Bob Dylan was right when he sang, “It may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody.” And Paul chose to serve the Lord in totality.
NLT: Eph 2:2 - You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
If you submit to our God or become bondservant/bondslave then God will do wonders through you.
Prov 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
NLT: Phil 2:13 - For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Are you allowing Lord Jesus to rule and reign your life?
We have our own plans:
Proverbs 21:2 - Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.
Proverbs 19:21 - There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD's counsel--that will stand.
Proverbs 16:1 - The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
Proverbs 16:9 - A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
God's plan is way higher than ours and our plans are nothing comparable to God's plan:
NIV: Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11-12 - 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.Isaiah 55:8-9 - 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
So live as per the leading of the Holy Spirit:
Psalm 32:8 - 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. 9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you.
Isaiah 30:21 - Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
James 4:13-15 - 13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."
Does God put to shame if anyone believe in Jesus Christ?
11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."No, God will never put to shame if anyone believe in Jesus Christ.
(Spurgeon) "Referring, I think, to the general sense of Scripture, rather than to any one passage. There are several texts from which it may be gathered that believers shall not be put to shame."
Paul quotes Isaiah 28:16 to show that salvation is by faith. He quoted the same in Romans 9:33:
Isaiah 28:16 - Therefore thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.
What happens to those who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?
13 For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."Anyone who is desperate can call on the name of the Lord will be saved and will not be put to shame.
It is a quote from
Joel 2:32 - And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.
Real salvation comes to a person when they really believe in Jesus and desperately call upon Him.
Is this salvation (Jesus Christ) available to all humanity or specific group of people?
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.Yes, salvation (Jesus Christ) is available to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and call upon Him.
Romans 3:20-22 - 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
That is the reason Romans 10:11,13 emphazie the word "Whomever".
Romans 10:11,13 - 11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Summary:
What is believing in Jesus Christ means?
Believing that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.
Romans 10:9 - that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
True believer will agree with their belief and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus:
Romans 10:9 - that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
True believer understand their desperate need and call on Jesus Christ desperately to rescue/redeem/save.
Romans 10:13 - For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
List all major differences between the righteousness by keeping the Law and righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ:
(Warren Wiersbe) The entire section emphasizes the difference between "Law righteousness" and "faith righteousness." The contrasts are seen in the following summary:
Righteousness by keeping the Law
Righteousness by Faith in Jesus Christ
1
Only for the Jew
For "whosoever"
2
Based on works
Comes by faith alone
3
Self-righteousness
God's righteousness
4
Cannot save
Brings Salvation
5
Obey the Lord
Call on the Lord
6
Leads to pride
Glorifies God
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"
Who is Paul addressing as "they"?
Here Paul addressing to non-believing Israelites as "they". He started this chapter addressing Israelites who didn't believe in Jesus Christ and from Romans 10:4 he started to Christ is the end of the law and then started to compare Righteousness by keeping the Law Vs Receiving Righteousness of God by having faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 9:30-33 - 30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
Romans 10:1-3 - 1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel 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 they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
Is it appropriate if we imply this "they" to all nonbelievers ie those who did not believe in Jesus Christ?
Yes, because Paul was talking about non-believing Israelites. So, here "they" can be any nonbelievers of God the Almighty Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:14-15 - 14 How then shall they[the nonbelievers] call on Him in whom they[the nonbelievers] have not believed? And how shall they[the nonbelievers] believe in Him of whom they[the nonbelievers] have not heard? And how shall they[the nonbelievers] hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"
To call on Jesus what do they need to do?
14a How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?To call on Jesus they need to believe in Jesus Christ as the one sent from God.
To believe in Jesus Christ what do they need?
14b And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?To believe in Jesus Christ they need to hear/read about Jesus Christ.
To hear about Jesus Christ what do they need?
14c And how shall they hear without a preacher?To hear about Jesus Christ they need preacher/evangelist to share the Gospel i.e. the Good news.
(David Guzik) Conceivably, God could have chosen any means for the message of salvation to come, such as angelic messengers or directly working without a human preacher. Nevertheless God's "normal" way of bringing people to Jesus Christ is through the preaching of the gospel.
So, God appointed some believers to be apostle or evangelists to preach the gospel:
Eph 4:11 - And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
For more details about apostle read from Apostle article.
What does apostle means?
Who ordain/give this apostleship to believers?
...
What is the modern name for apostle?
(Warren Wiersbe) Missionary is the Latin form of "apostle—one who is sent."
Is preaching the gospel is limited to those who are called to be apostles and evangelists?
No, God Called all believers to preach the gospel to the nonbelievers.
God saved every believer with His purpose:
2 Tim 1:9 - who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Eph 2:10 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
God gave the Great commission to all the believers;
KJV: Matt 28:19-20 - 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo , I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matt 28:19-20 - 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
God expect every believers to seek His kingdom first:
Matt 6:33 - 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
For some it is also a specific call as we have seen earlier.
What other means nonbelievers can hear the gospel?
They can hear the gospel through:
Listening the radio
Watching Jesus movie
Reading the gospel tracks
Reading the Bible
Reading the truth about Jesus Christ in History, or any other source.
List four basic reason to preach the gospel:
(WW's friend Dr. E. Meyers Harrison, veteran missionary and professor of missions) There are four reasons why the church must send out missionaries
the command from above-'go ye into all the world" - (Mark 16:15);
the cry from beneath-"send him to my father's house" - (Luke 16:27);
the call from without-"Come over and help us" - (Acts 16:9); and
the constraint from within-"the love of Christ constraineth us" - (2 Cor 5:14).
To preach the gospel what does the preacher/evangelist need?
15a And how shall they preach unless they are sent?The preacher/evangelist need to be sent to preach the gospel.
Who needs to send the preacher/evangelist/believer to preach the gospel?
God saved and called Paul in Acts 9 and later He sent Paul to preach the gospel in His time:
Acts 13:2 - 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
Whether it is general or specific calling God is the one orchestrating i.e. God is the one calling, sending, leading/directing the believers from above:
God is working and He knows the heart of the people. Let us see this in detail in Acts 18:4-9
Acts 18:5 - 4 And he [In Corinth Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
Train yourself to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
What is their response?
Acts 18:6a But when they opposed him and blasphemed,
What was Paul's response when they opposed and blasphemed?
Acts 18:6b - 6b he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
Here Paul responded as per Jesus teaching in Luke 10:10-11
Is this what Jesus wants Paul to do here?
No.
Acts18:9-10 - 9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Here Jesus request Paul to wait because Jesus knows the hearts of the people. He knows how many is looking for Him. Our God is all knowing God.
When Paul encounter that opposition he would have never thought/imagined that Crispus the ruler of the synagogue and many others will accept the Lord and baptize. In addition to them Paul might have sown the seed to many other Jews and gentiles during this time...
Therefore do not serve God as per your desire but seek God and He will direct you. He knows the needy heart. He will lead us how He led Philip to a desert to reach out Eunuch in Acts 8.
Whose feet are so beautiful?
15b As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"The feet of those who preach the gospel of peace are so beautiful.
It is quote from
Is 52:7 - How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Why are the feet of those who preach the gospel so beautiful?
15b As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"They partner with God to save the humanity in need:
(David Guzik) No wonder those who preach have beautiful feet - they partner with God for the salvation of men. The feet speak of activity, motion, and progress, and those who are active and moving in the work of preaching the gospel have beautiful feet.
Obviously, the salvation Isaiah prophesied about could not be salvation through works or the law. To say "You can be right before God if you work hard enough" is not a gospel of peace, and that message does not bring glad tidings of good things.
They have willing heart to obey God's leading through the Holy Spirit and they step ahead with faith:
God sent and led Philip
Acts 8:26 - 26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. 27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth." 34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" 37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world." 19 But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation." 20 But Isaiah is very bold and says: "I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me." 21 But to Israel he says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people."
Did Israel obey the gospel?
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"No, Israel did not obey the gospel.
Paul is quoting:
Isaiah 53:1 - Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
What report Isaiah talking about in Isaiah 53?
Isaiah 53: 1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 9 And they made His grave with the wicked-- But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. 11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.
Who is this Isaiah referring to?
(Warren Wiersbe) Traditionally, Jewish scholars have applied Isaiah 53 to the nation of Israel rather than to Messiah;
Is Isaiah referring to himself or someone else?
Eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians raises this question
Acts 8:34 - 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth." 34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?"
(Warren Wiersbe) Many ancient rabbis saw in it a picture of a suffering Messiah bearing the sins of His people (see Acts 8:26-40).
Philip answered Eunuch's question and confirmed that this person Isaiah refers to is Jesus Christ:
Acts 8:35 - Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
Is it complicated to believe and accept Jesus as their Messiah after reading the Isaiah 53?
No, because they didn't believe in the word of God
(David Guzik) The testimony of Isaiah 53:1. If salvation is so simple, available to all who trust in the person and work of Jesus, then why does Israel seem to be cast off from God? Because many among them had not believed his report - because they did not trust in God's word through Isaiah and other messengers of the gospel. Therefore they are not saved.
Did Israel believe once they see Jesus and His miracle?
No.
(Warren Wiersbe) John 12:37-41 cites Isaiah 53:1 to explain how the nation saw Christ's miracles and still refused to believe.
John 12:37-38 - 37 But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: "Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"
How faith comes to a person?
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.Faith comes to a person by hearing the word of God.
Romans 10:14 - How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
(David Guzik) Saving faith comes through hearing by the word of God.
(Morris) "Hearing is a reflection of first-century life. Paul does not raise the possibility of the message being read. While there were people who could read, the ordinary first-century citizen depended rather on being able to hear something."
Did Israel hear the gospel?
18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world."Yes, Israel heard the gospel
NLT: Romans 10:18 - But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have: “The message has gone throughout the earth, and the words to all the world.”
Whose sound has gone out to all the earth and the ends of the world?
Paul quoting this from Ps 19:4
God reveals Himself through creation (Psalm 19:1-6)
NIV: Psalm 19:4 - 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.
Paul has already explained this in
Romans 1:20 - 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
So, God's creation proclaims the glory of God continuously through out the earth.
God also reveals Himself through His word (Psalm 19:7-14)
(Warren Wiersbe) The "Book of Nature" and the "Book of Revelation" go together and proclaim the glory of God. Israel had the benefit of both books, for she saw God at work in nature and she received God's written Word. Israel heard, but she would not heed. No wonder Jesus often had to say to the crowds. "He that hath ears to hear. let him hear!"
(David Guzik) The testimony of Psalm 19:4. It proves that the word of the gospel went forth and Israel heard it. This makes them more accountable for their rejection of the good news.
In addition to the general revelation through God's creation God raised the apostles, evangelists to reach out the Israelites. Once they reached out entire Jerusalem persecution broke out in Acts 7 and Jews stoned Steven to death. Due to persecution most believers scattered out of Jerusalem.
Then the gospel preachedto Samaritans in Acts 8
Acts 8:1-4 - 1 Now Saul was consenting to his [Stephen] death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
to the gentiles from Acts 10. God took Peter to gentile Cornelius home and made him to preach the gospel.
Acts 10:34-46 - 34 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
So, the gospel preached throughout Israel through God's general revelation (Creation) and through preaching the gospel by the apostles and believers:
(Clarke) "There is not a part of the promised land in which these glad tidings have not been preached; and there is scarcely a place in the Roman empire in which the doctrine of Christ crucified has not been heard: if, therefore, the Jews have not believed, the fault is entirely their own; as God has amply furnished them with the means of faith of salvation."
(Bruce) "This might seem an exaggeration: the gospel had not been carried throughout all the earth, not even to all the lands that were known to the inhabitants of the Graeco-Roman world. Paul was well aware of that; at this very time he was planning the evangelization of Spain, a province where the name of Christ was not yet known (c.f. 15:18-24). But by now the gospel had been carried to most parts of the Mediterranean area where Jews were to be found; and that is all the argument requires."
(David Guzik) Saving faith comes through hearing by the word of God. Though Israel heard, they did not exercise saving faith in Christ - making them (and us) all the more responsible.
Application: How are you interpreting and understanding the Bible?
Are you validating the scripture when you hear the message from a preacher/teacher?
Acts 7:11 - 10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
Are you just listening to your preferred list of preachers who preach message that you want to here even though they didn't teach the truth?
2 Timothy 4:3-5 - 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Are your desperate and open minded to seek only the truth?
Are you interpreting the Bible correctly as God wants?
God is the author of the entire Bible:
2 Peter 1:20-21 - 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
God will help us interpreting the Bible:
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
Are you obeying the word of God?
James 1:22-24 - 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Did Israel understand the gospel?
19 But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation." 20 But Isaiah is very bold and says: "I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me."Yes, Israel understood the gospel but they rejected to accept Jesus as their Messiah.
In KJV, NKJV, NASB uses the word know in Paul's question. Here the word "know" in Greek is ginōskō (G1097). It means to understand, perceive, have knowledge of, experiential knowledge. That is why NLT and many other translation uses the word "understand" in place of "know".
NLT: Romans 10:19-20 - 19 But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God said, “I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation. I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles.” 20 And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, “I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me.”
Read How does jealousy cause the Israelites to turn towards God? for more details from Romans 11:11 notes.
Did God rejected Israel because they disobeyed the gospel or rejected Him?
21 But to Israel he says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people."No.
How God responded to Israelites who rejected Him?
19 But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation." 20 But Isaiah is very bold and says: "I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me." 21 But to Israel he says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people."God provoked them to jealousy by drawing gentiles closer to Him:
God was not surprised so He prophesized through Moses and Isaiah.
19 But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation."
(David Guzik) The testimony of Deuteronomy 32:21. God told Israel that He would bring others close to Him and make them jealous. Yet Israel ignored this word also, making them more accountable.
Deuteronomy 32:21 - 20 And He said: 'I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be, For they are a perverse generation, Children in whom is no faith. 21 They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; They have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols. But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.
20 But Isaiah is very bold and says: "I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me."
(David Guzik) The testimony of Isaiah 65:1. Isaiah's bold prophecy was a warning that Israel ignored, making them more accountable.
I was found by those who did not seek Me: It is strange that Israel, for the most part, rejected their own Messiah. Strange as it was, this too was foretold. It didn't surprise God or His prophets.
Isaiah 65:1 - "I was sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. I said, 'Here I am, here I am,' To a nation that was not called by My name.
What is the one of the outcome of Israel's rejection?
Israel's rejection opens the door for gentiles.
This is one of the reason God extended His grace to gentiles.
God used gentiles to provoke the Jews/Israelites.
NLT: Romans 10:19-20 - 19 But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God said, “I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation. I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles.” 20 And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, “I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me.”
Romans 11:11 - I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.
But in general God so loved the whole world both Jews and gentiles so in His perfect plan and timing He opens the door and invites gentiles. We have seen this in previous chapter
Romans 9:24-26 - 22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As He says also in Hosea: "I will call them My people, who were not My people, And her beloved, who was not beloved." 26 "And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not My people,' There they shall be called sons of the living God."
For more details you can go through the notes under Is this call to gentiles is new plan of God? Why? also read
Is this call to gentiles is that important? Why?
Why did God fulfill this call to gentiles after Jesus Christ death and resurrection?
All day long God has stretched out His hands to Israelites even though they are disobeyed the gospel and rejected to accept Jesus as their Messiah.
Isaiah 65:2 - I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, Who walk in a way that is not good, According to their own thoughts;
What attributes here God demonstrates?
God demonstrates His Grace, Love and Mercy.
As a result He keep working tirelessly/continuously to reach out to them.
God showed mercy instead of punishing them and wipe them out or condemn them.
God provoked them through gentiles to make them repent and to draw them close to Him.
By these ways God showed his amazing grace(unmerited favor) because He loved them so much.
Application:
How do we provoke God?
How did Israelites provoke God?
Israelites provoked them by worshiping idols:
Deuteronomy 32:21 - 20 And He said: 'I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be, For they are a perverse generation, Children in whom is no faith. 21 They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; They have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols. But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.
Believers in Christ in general provoke God by worshiping money, work, doctor,... basically through their unbelief.
Did God provoke you through someone else to draw you closer to Him?
Summary:
Israel disobeyed the gospel (16,21)
even after hearing the gospel (18)
even after understanding the gospel (19, 20)
but God reaching out Israel with open arms. As an effort to provoke Israel God extend His grace to gentiles (19-21) and reaching out the gentiles.
What is the major difference between Romans 9th and10th chapter?
(David Guzik) Again, note the emphasis on human responsibility. From Romans 9 alone we might think that salvation is God's doing alone, but from Romans 10 we might think that salvation is man's doing alone - together we see the matter from each perspective.
How this is possible?
As per Romans 9th chapter God by His sovereign power chose/elected some to be His believers and He did that not randomly or unrighteously. In Romans 10th chapter He expects them to believe in Him and call upon Him. God is working in reaching out every human being through many means even though God foreknew who will accept Him and who will not accept Him as Lord and Savior
This is possible or reconciled through God's foreknowledge
God foreknew those people who will believe in Him out of their free will:
1 Peter 1:2 - 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
1 Kings 8:39 - then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men),
God has chosen/elected those whom He foreknew before they were born or before the foundation of this world by His sovereign power and without compromising His righteousness.
Romans 11:2 - 1 I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying,
God predestined whom He foreknew.
Romans 8:29 - For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.