Faith Alone: The Power of God's Righteousness
Summary
In our journey through the book of Romans, we have encountered profound truths about God's sovereignty, human sinfulness, and the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Today, we delve into the heart of the Gospel, which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
We are reminded that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. There is a chasm between us and God that we cannot bridge on our own. No matter how hard we try, our own righteousness is like a polluted garment. We cannot please God through our own efforts or by adhering to the law. The law was given to reveal our sinfulness and our need for a Savior.
The Jews, who had the law, stumbled over the stumbling stone, which is Christ. They sought to establish their own righteousness rather than submitting to the righteousness of God. They were zealous for God, but their zeal was not based on knowledge. They missed the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
The Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, obtained it because it was through faith. This is the paradox of the Gospel: God chooses who will be saved, but to be saved, we must put our faith in Christ. It is not about human effort or will, but about God who shows mercy.
We must understand that it is only by faith in Jesus that we receive His righteousness. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Our righteousness will never be good enough for God, but when we believe in Jesus, we are clothed in His righteousness.
The Gospel is exclusively inclusive. It is available to anyone, but only through faith in Christ. There is no sin too great that He cannot forgive, and no righteousness so good that we do not need His forgiveness. When we believe in Him, we are cleansed of our sins and receive Christ's righteousness.
As we reflect on these truths, we must ask ourselves whose righteousness we are depending on. Are we trying to live up to some standard to be good enough for God? Are we nullifying God's grace by saying we believe but also trying to work to be good enough? Or are we trusting in Christ and Christ alone for our salvation?
Key Takeaways:
- The law was given not as a means to achieve righteousness but as a mirror to show us our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. When we try to live up to God's standards on our own, we are attempting the impossible. It is only through faith in Christ that we can be declared righteous before God. [42:58]
- Sincerity in belief is not enough if the object of our belief is wrong. Like Jim Marshall, who ran to the wrong end zone, we can be sincere yet sincerely wrong. We must place our faith in the correct object, which is Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. [47:16]
- The Gospel is a paradox: it is exclusively inclusive. Anyone can receive the Gospel, but it is only effective through belief in Christ. This truth challenges us to embrace the fullness of the Gospel without adding to it or taking away from its simplicity. [56:43]
- Our own righteousness is insufficient for salvation. It is a gift that comes from God and is received through faith. This humbles us and removes any grounds for boasting, directing all glory to God for the work He has done in Christ. [54:02]
- The call of the Gospel is urgent and personal. If you have been relying on your own efforts or have been indifferent to Christ, now is the time to respond to God's drawing power. Trust in Jesus alone for salvation and experience the transformative power of His grace. [59:06]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 9:30-10:4
2. Isaiah 64:6
3. Romans 3:23
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 9:30-32, why did Israel fail to achieve the righteousness of the law? ([30:30])
2. What does Isaiah 64:6 say about our own righteousness? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about trying to live up to God's standards on our own? ([42:23])
3. In Romans 3:23, what does it mean that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"? How does this verse illustrate the chasm between us and God? ([42:58])
4. How does the sermon describe the paradox of the Gospel being "exclusively inclusive"? ([56:43])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the law was given to reveal our sinfulness and our need for a Savior, rather than as a means to achieve righteousness? ([38:01])
2. How does the concept of a "stumbling stone" in Romans 9:32-33 illustrate the challenge of relying on our own efforts versus faith in Christ? ([44:27])
3. What does it mean to nullify God's grace by trying to work to be good enough for salvation? How does this affect our relationship with God? ([53:17])
4. How does the sermon explain the urgency and personal nature of the Gospel call? What implications does this have for someone who has been indifferent to Christ? ([58:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are trying to live up to God's standards on your own? How can you shift your focus to relying on faith in Christ instead? ([37:22])
2. Have you ever been zealous for something but later realized you were sincerely wrong? How can you ensure that your zeal for God is based on true knowledge of Him? ([47:16])
3. The sermon mentioned that our own righteousness is like a polluted garment (Isaiah 64:6). How does this perspective humble you, and how can it change the way you approach your daily walk with God? ([42:23])
4. Think about the paradox of the Gospel being "exclusively inclusive." How can you embrace this truth in your interactions with others, especially those who may feel excluded from God's grace? ([56:43])
5. The sermon challenges us to ask whose righteousness we are depending on. Are you trusting in Christ alone for your salvation, or are you also relying on your own efforts? How can you fully surrender to Christ's righteousness? ([58:22])
6. If you have been indifferent to Christ, what steps can you take this week to respond to God's drawing power and trust in Jesus alone for your salvation? ([59:06])
7. How can you share the urgency and personal nature of the Gospel with someone in your life who may not yet know Christ? What specific actions can you take to communicate this message effectively? ([58:22])
Devotional
Day 1: The Mirror of the Law
The law serves as a mirror, reflecting our imperfections and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through our own efforts. It was never intended to be the means by which we could attain a right standing before God. Instead, the law highlights our sinfulness and our desperate need for a Savior. It is through faith in Christ that we are declared righteous, not by meticulously following rules or regulations. This faith is not about passive belief but involves a deep trust in Jesus as the only way to bridge the gap between humanity and God. It is a faith that acknowledges our inability to meet God's standards and relies entirely on the grace offered through Christ's sacrifice. [42:58]
"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." (Romans 10:4 ESV)
Reflection: How does recognizing the law as a mirror that reveals your need for Christ change the way you view your daily struggles with sin?
Day 2: The Correct Object of Faith
Sincerity in belief is commendable, but it is futile if it is not placed in the right object. The story of our lives can be likened to a well-intentioned run in the wrong direction if we do not place our faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. It is not enough to be sincere in our beliefs; we must also be correct. The object of our faith determines the outcome of our spiritual journey. By placing our faith in Christ, we align ourselves with the truth of the Gospel and the path to true righteousness. [47:16]
"Whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." (Romans 9:33 ESV)
Reflection: Have you ever found yourself being sincere in belief but misguided in its direction? How can you realign your faith to focus solely on Christ?
Day 3: The Paradox of the Gospel
The Gospel presents us with a paradox: it is exclusively inclusive. It is available to all, yet it is only effective through belief in Jesus Christ. This truth challenges us to embrace the fullness of the Gospel without adding to it or taking away from its simplicity. The Gospel calls us to a faith that is not based on our own efforts or cultural backgrounds but solely on the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is a message of grace that extends an invitation to everyone, regardless of their past or present, to come and be transformed by the power of Christ's love and sacrifice. [56:43]
"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him." (Romans 10:12 ESV)
Reflection: How does the paradox of the Gospel challenge your understanding of God's inclusivity and the exclusivity of faith in Christ?
Day 4: The Insufficiency of Our Righteousness
Our own righteousness is like a currency that holds no value in the economy of God's kingdom. It is insufficient for salvation and cannot earn us a place in God's presence. Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not a reward for good behavior or moral excellence. This humbles us and removes any grounds for boasting, directing all glory to God for the work He has done in Christ. When we accept this truth, we can stop striving to earn God's favor and start living in the freedom of His grace, knowing that it is Christ's righteousness that makes us acceptable before God. [54:02]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's favor with your own righteousness, and how can you begin to rely solely on Christ's righteousness instead?
Day 5: The Urgency of the Gospel Call
The Gospel call is not a passive suggestion; it is an urgent and personal invitation to respond to God's drawing power. If you have been relying on your own efforts or have been indifferent to Christ, now is the time to respond. Trusting in Jesus alone for salvation is the only way to experience the transformative power of His grace. This call to faith is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live in the reality of what Jesus has done for us. It is a call to let go of self-reliance and to embrace the life-changing relationship with Christ. [59:06]
"Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to respond to the Gospel call with urgency and to deepen your trust in Jesus for your salvation?
Quotes
- "It's impossible to live up to God's standards on your own because you're trying in your own strength." [41:06] (Download | )
- "It doesn't matter how sincere you are if you're sincerely wrong." [47:16] (Download | )
- "Faith plus anything is no faith at all. We must believe correctly." [53:17] (Download | )
- "Our righteousness will never be good enough for God. Righteousness comes to those who don't try to work for it." [54:39] (Download | )
- "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." [56:06] (Download | )
- "The promise of the Gospel is exclusively inclusive. Anyone can receive the Gospel, but only if they believe in Christ." [56:43] (Download | )
- "Ask yourself who's righteousness am I depending on to get me to God. Are you trusting in Christ and Christ alone for your salvation?" [58:22] (Download | )
- "If you're not trusting Christ and Christ alone for your salvation, won't you come and ask God to forgive you of that?" [59:06] (Download | )
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