Romans 10:1-10
1. We began by talking about v. 1 & not giving up hope.
A: We heard that Paul went down the path of prayerfulness, rather than hopelessness or heartlessness, when thinking about those he loved who had rejected the gospel. How do we remind ourselves of the need to pray, rather than give up, when we think of those who’ve rejected the gospel?
B: We also heard that we must be convinced that prayer is one of the means by which God accomplishes his purposes. How should knowing that God has a plan and a purpose inform and motivate your prayers?
2. We then talked about v. 2-4 & sincerity, zeal, and knowledge.
A: Based on Galatians 1 & Philippians 3, we see that Paul understands having zeal…he doesn’t critique having zeal. What, in today's world, are good examples of having zeal?
B: The issue with their zeal was that it lacked knowledge due to their rejection of God’s righteousness found in Jesus Christ. It is seen in these verses that rejecting Christ distorts everything…they wind up missing the mark because of it, how is it still the case today that rejecting Christ distorts everything else we do?
C: We also heard that sincerity & zeal don’t equal truth. And many times people will say that what’s most important is that you are sincere…why is it so dangerous to believe this?
3. We then moved to v. 5-8 & talked about Paul’s use of the Old Testament passages.
A: What Paul says in Romans 10 requires a certain amount of knowledge of the Old Testament, so what are ways we can help ourselves better understand the Old Testament?
B: Paul alludes to Leviticus 18:5 & then uses quotes from Deuteronomy 30. In using these quotes, he’s contrasting a works-based righteousness against a righteousness by faith…showing that works won’t get you to right standing with God. Even though we have heard this throughout Romans, why does Paul keep pointing back to this truth?
C: So in v. 6-7, Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 30 where God promises to restore His people…even though they will rebel. How can we be sure that Jesus Christ has done what’s necessary for any to be restored & redeemed?
D: One of the most interesting parts of these verses is v. 8. Paul says that, “the word” that was given in Deuteronomy 30 is “the word” that he now proclaims…it is the gospel message. He is saying that it all connects: from Moses in Deuteronomy 30 to Paul’s time and now into ours through Jesus Christ. Why is it important to see that all of Scripture points to Christ?
4. We ended by looking at v. 9-10 & the goodness of salvation.
A: The content of “the word” is that Jesus is Lord. Although many of us have heard that statement multiple times & perhaps have used it ourselves…what does it mean to confess that Jesus is Lord? How does that belief change the aim of life?
B: We also see that “the word” is that God raised Him from the dead. What would it mean for us if Jesus hadn’t been resurrected?
C: Paul makes sure to explain that no work is necessary, that Christ has accomplished all the work necessary…but that we respond by confessing & believing. When did you stake everything, every hope & all trust, on the finished work of Christ?