Believe • Romans 9:1-10:21
By Laura Lee Leathers
Let’s begin this lesson by listening to a song. Don’t hesitate to join Charles Billingsley and the First Baptist Dallas choir singing, “I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary.” The Apostle Paul believed and desired that others, especially the Jews, believe as well.
Paul pauses his discussion of salvation to focus on the nation of Israel in chapters 9-11. It’s part of Paul’s argument regarding justification by faith.
As you read these chapters, take note of the ways Paul expresses his deep love for the Jews and their spiritual welfare. Instead of seeing his love, they considered him a traitor because of his teaching: freedom from the Law of Moses and that salvation is through faith in Christ. And add his ministry to Gentiles.
Paul grieved because many Jews chose to be alienated from God. “God had blessed the Jews, embraced them as His people, given them His law, graced them with His presence, and fulfilled His promise to them regarding Jesus Christ” (Lifeway pupil book, p. 74). Yet, they rejected Him.
Prior to our focal passages in chapter 9, look closely at how Paul addresses Israel’s past rejection of Christ, God’s purpose, and God’s justice. Now, he brings us to Israel’s present condition.
Righteousness through Faith (Rom. 9:30-33 CSB)
Remember, the Jews sought righteousness by placing their emphasis on works under the Law and added additional laws. Review Romans 3:19-20; no one is justified by the works of the law.
Whereas the Gentiles, who weren’t searching for it, found salvation in Christ by faith.
Paul cites two Old Testament passages: Isaiah 8:14 and Isaiah 28:16, which speak of Christ as a stone to stumble over.
Misguided Zeal (Rom. 10:1-3)
Fondly, Paul refers to the believers in Rome as brothers and sisters. As his family, he wants them to understand his deep concern for the Jews. Paul could testify of their “zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (v.2).
The Jews were blind concerning the righteousness of God. They established their own righteousness and didn’t submit to God’s righteousness. Through their misguided zeal, they couldn’t see that Christ had fulfilled the Law (v. 4).
Salvation Available to All (Rom. 10:9-13)
In verse 8, Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:14, “The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” It’s the message of faith. The Jews were ritualistic in obeying the law outwardly, but they didn’t believe it with their heart.
God’s plan, His gift of salvation, is not complicated. (1) “Confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ (2) “Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead.” The eternal result: “You will be saved.”
Again, Paul quotes from the Old Testament: Isaiah 28:16, referring to Jesus, states, “a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable.”
God is not partial. Because of His mercy and grace, there is no distinction between Jew or Greek; salvation is available to anyone who calls on the name of the Lord.
Go Tell (Rom. 10:14-17)
Want a foundational Scripture passage for a missionary program at your church? Consider using this passage.
Note Paul’s four progressive questions: “How can they call on Him, how can they believe without hearing, how can they hear without a preacher, and how can they preach if they aren’t sent” (vs. 14, 15).
His answer is in verse 15. Referring to Isaiah 52:7 and Nahum 1:15, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
In the final focal verse, Paul stresses the Gospel message must be preached. Wiersbe* states it this way: “A messenger must go to them with the message. But this means that God must call the messenger, and the messenger must be sent. What a privilege it is to be one of His messengers and have beautiful feet!”
Let’s end with this statement of faith set to music. Listen carefully as Charles Billingsley and the First Baptist Dallas choir sing, “We Believe.” As believers, we are called to tell others that salvation is available through faith in Jesus Christ. Do you have beautiful feet?
*Be Right, How to Be Right with God, Yourself, and Others, by Warren W. Wiersbe (1977), pages 118, 119,
Leathers is a member of First Baptist Church, Lexington.
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