Faith Over Law: The Path to Righteousness

 

Summary

In our recent gathering, we delved into Romans 10:5-10, exploring the profound contrast between the righteousness of the law and the righteousness of faith. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, addresses the tragic misunderstanding of the Jews regarding the path to salvation. They clung to the law, attempting to establish their own righteousness, yet failed to recognize that Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. This misunderstanding led to their exclusion from salvation, as they stumbled over the very cornerstone of faith.

Paul's argument is structured around the logical progression of God's purpose and election, emphasizing that salvation is a result of God's sovereign choice. However, if one is not saved, it is due to their rejection of the gospel. The Jews' zeal for God was not accompanied by true knowledge, leading them to rely on their own efforts rather than submitting to God's righteousness through faith in Christ.

The Apostle uses a dramatic comparison between the law and the gospel to highlight the futility of seeking justification through works. The law demands perfect obedience, a standard impossible for any human to meet. It was never intended as a means of salvation but as a means to reveal sin and lead us to Christ. The righteousness of faith, on the other hand, speaks of a salvation that is near, accessible through confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead.

This message is as relevant today as it was in Paul's time. The tendency to revert to justification by works persists, but true salvation is found only in faith in Christ. We must examine our own hearts to ensure we are not relying on our deeds but resting entirely on the grace of God through faith.

Key Takeaways:

- The Misunderstanding of the Law: The Jews' tragic error was their reliance on the law for righteousness, failing to see that Christ is the fulfillment of the law. This misunderstanding led to their exclusion from salvation, as they sought to establish their own righteousness rather than submitting to God's righteousness through faith. [06:27]

- The Sovereignty of God in Salvation: Salvation is entirely a matter of God's sovereign choice, yet condemnation results from man's rejection of the gospel. This dual truth emphasizes the need for humility and submission to God's plan rather than relying on human effort. [04:30]

- The Impossibility of Justification by Works: The law demands perfect obedience, which is impossible for any human to achieve. It serves to reveal sin and lead us to Christ, highlighting the futility of seeking justification through our own efforts. [29:21]

- The Righteousness of Faith: True righteousness is accessible through faith in Christ, not through the works of the law. Confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart that Jesus is Lord brings salvation, a message that remains vital for believers today. [12:37]

- The Urgency of the Gospel Message: The question of how one is justified before God is as urgent today as it was in the time of the Reformation. The tendency to revert to justification by works persists, but true salvation is found only in faith in Christ. [13:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Christ: The End of the Law
- [00:30] - Context of Romans 10
- [02:23] - The Position of the Jews
- [04:30] - Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
- [06:27] - The Jews' Misunderstanding
- [08:02] - Paul's Parenthesis in Chapter 10
- [10:48] - Law vs. Gospel
- [12:37] - Justification by Faith
- [13:43] - The Reformation and Modern Relevance
- [16:11] - The Danger of Works-Based Righteousness
- [20:08] - God's Demands and Human Inability
- [29:21] - The Impossibility of Perfect Obedience
- [38:29] - The Error of Human Tradition
- [45:25] - The Law's True Purpose
- [46:00] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 10:5-10
- Leviticus 18:5
- Galatians 3:10

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does Romans 10:5-10 say about the difference between the righteousness of the law and the righteousness of faith? How does this contrast highlight the futility of seeking justification through works? [11:25]

2. According to the sermon, what was the tragic misunderstanding of the Jews regarding the law and salvation? How did this misunderstanding affect their relationship with God? [06:27]

3. In Leviticus 18:5, what is the requirement for living by the law, and how does this relate to the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort? [18:05]

4. How does Galatians 3:10 emphasize the necessity of perfect obedience to the law? What does this reveal about the nature of the law and its demands? [27:53]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the role of God's sovereignty in salvation, and what is the significance of human rejection of the gospel in this context? [04:30]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the ongoing relevance of the message of justification by faith in today's world? How does this relate to the tendency to revert to justification by works? [13:43]

3. How does the sermon describe the purpose of the law in leading us to Christ, and why is it important to understand this purpose in the context of salvation? [42:25]

4. What does the sermon imply about the dangers of relying on human traditions and interpretations of the law rather than God's explicit commands? How can this lead to a misunderstanding of salvation? [36:27]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of righteousness. Are there areas in your life where you might be relying on your own efforts rather than faith in Christ for salvation? How can you shift your focus to resting entirely on God's grace? [17:37]

2. The sermon highlights the importance of humility and submission to God's plan. How can you cultivate a humble heart that is open to God's sovereign choice in your life? [04:30]

3. Consider the urgency of the gospel message as discussed in the sermon. How can you actively share the message of justification by faith with those around you who may be relying on works for salvation? [13:43]

4. The sermon warns against the danger of human traditions overshadowing God's commands. Are there traditions or beliefs in your life that might be hindering your understanding of true salvation? How can you align your beliefs more closely with Scripture? [36:27]

5. Reflect on the concept of perfect obedience to the law as discussed in the sermon. How does recognizing the impossibility of this standard impact your appreciation for the grace offered through faith in Christ? [29:21]

6. The sermon encourages examining our hearts to ensure we are not relying on our deeds. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your reliance on faith in Christ rather than your own efforts? [17:37]

7. How can you use the insights from this sermon to encourage someone who might be struggling with the concept of grace and faith over works? What specific actions can you take to support them in their faith journey? [13:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Misunderstanding the Path to Righteousness
The Jews' tragic error was their reliance on the law for righteousness, failing to see that Christ is the fulfillment of the law. This misunderstanding led to their exclusion from salvation, as they sought to establish their own righteousness rather than submitting to God's righteousness through faith. The Apostle Paul highlights this in Romans 10:5-10, emphasizing that the law was never intended as a means of salvation but as a way to reveal sin and point to Christ. The Jews' zeal for God was not accompanied by true knowledge, leading them to rely on their own efforts. This serves as a reminder to examine our own hearts and ensure we are not relying on our deeds but resting entirely on the grace of God through faith. [06:27]

Isaiah 64:6 (ESV): "We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away."

Reflection: In what ways might you be relying on your own efforts to achieve righteousness, rather than fully trusting in Christ's fulfillment of the law?


Day 2: God's Sovereign Choice in Salvation
Salvation is entirely a matter of God's sovereign choice, yet condemnation results from man's rejection of the gospel. This dual truth emphasizes the need for humility and submission to God's plan rather than relying on human effort. The Apostle Paul explains that while God is sovereign in His election, individuals are responsible for their response to the gospel. The Jews' rejection of Christ serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of relying on human wisdom over divine revelation. This calls for a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a heartfelt submission to His will. [04:30]

Ephesians 1:11 (ESV): "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of humility and submission to God's sovereign plan in your life today?


Day 3: The Futility of Justification by Works
The law demands perfect obedience, which is impossible for any human to achieve. It serves to reveal sin and lead us to Christ, highlighting the futility of seeking justification through our own efforts. The Apostle Paul contrasts the law with the gospel, showing that the law's purpose was to point to the need for a Savior. This understanding should lead us to abandon any attempts to earn salvation through works and instead embrace the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. [29:21]

Galatians 3:24 (ESV): "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith."

Reflection: What specific actions or attitudes in your life reflect a reliance on works for justification, and how can you shift your focus to faith in Christ?


Day 4: The Righteousness of Faith
True righteousness is accessible through faith in Christ, not through the works of the law. Confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart that Jesus is Lord brings salvation, a message that remains vital for believers today. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that salvation is near and accessible, requiring a personal confession and belief in the resurrection of Christ. This truth invites us to examine our faith and ensure it is rooted in a genuine relationship with Jesus, rather than mere religious observance. [12:37]

Romans 4:5 (ESV): "And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness."

Reflection: How can you deepen your personal confession and belief in Jesus as Lord in your daily life?


Day 5: The Urgency of the Gospel Message
The question of how one is justified before God is as urgent today as it was in the time of the Reformation. The tendency to revert to justification by works persists, but true salvation is found only in faith in Christ. The Apostle Paul warns against the danger of works-based righteousness and calls believers to hold fast to the gospel message. This urgency compels us to share the good news with others and to live out our faith with conviction and clarity. [13:43]

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the urgent message of the gospel, and how can you share it with them today?

Quotes



The Apostle takes up the whole question of the position and the condition of the Jews he by the end of chapter 8 had outlined the great plan and sche and purpose of Salvation and had shown it in all its fullness but a question seemed to arise if salvation is the result of God's purpose well then what about the Jews because clearly they had been brought into being as a part of the purpose of God and yet nothing was more evident at that time than the fact that the Jews were rejecting the gospel and the Gentiles on the other end seem to be receiving it with alacrity and crowding into the kingdom of God. [00:02:40]

The mistake was of course to assume that it was God's purpose to save everybody who belonged to Israel that was the Cardinal error so he puts it in that great statement that they are not all in Israel that are of Israel there was an Israel within Israel and it was only this peculiar Israel that God had ever purposed to save and he done so throughout the centuries and he was still doing so that leads him to say this that salvation is entirely a matter of God's free Sovereign Choice. [00:03:50]

The Jews had entirely misunderstood the way of Salvation they had misunderstood the law and its object and its purpose and clinging to the law and trying to establish their own righteousness by the law they were altogether wrong and their outside salvation it was that action on their part that is responsible for it this stumbling at that particular stumbling Stone so I suggested that chapter 10 is in a sense a parenthesis in which the Apostle expounds and explains more fully this tragic error on the part of the Jew. [00:06:19]

They have a Zeal of God yes but in a sense that's the whole cause of their tragedy and their downfall they have a Zeal of God but it is not according to knowledge and you remember we work that out there's nothing more fatal than to trust to Zeal Zeal is a wonderful thing as long as it is Guided by knowledge and by understanding but if it doesn't it can lead to fanaticism which can make havoc in the church and elsewhere and it can lead to this sort of blindness that Afflicted the Jews. [00:08:36]

They were ignorant of what God demands they were ignorant of the sort of righteousness in which God is interested and which he demands of his people secondly they were ignorant of their own inability because here they are going about to establish their own righteousness trusting to themselves making this great effort going about to establish their own righteousness and thirdly and most serious of all because of that they have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. [00:09:39]

He really wants to establish this so he does it by making a kind of comparison and contrast between the law and the gospel as ways of righteousness and of Salvation Moses describeth righteousness which is of the law like this but the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise you see there's his compass in verse five he puts up what the law says in verse six he puts up what the righteousness of Faith say. [00:11:04]

The question is as urgent tonight and as important tonight as it has ever been you see this is the great question of course that came again into the center into such prominence at the Protestant Reformation it was the thing that made the Reformation this Doctrine had been hidden covered over for so many centuries by the western church the Roman Catholic Church Eastern Church so-called Orthodox Church in exactly the same way but Luther suddenly had his eyes open here he discovers this great thing that just shall live by faith. [00:12:49]

If you have a tendency to feel when you happen to fall into sin if you have a feeling that you're not a Christian at all and have never been because of that sin well then you're still thinking in terms of justification by works if you can be filled with doubt when you fall into sin like that or something else happens to you any kind of uncertainty about it because of some inadequacy or deficiency in yourself if that makes you doubt whether you're a Christian at all you are just confessing that you've reverted to think in terms of justification by works. [00:17:13]

The Apostle wants to nail this matter and to settle it once and forever so he takes it up like this now then he says come along you people who want to justify Yourself by works very well he says let's consider the position Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law in this way that the man which doeth those things shall live by them now here's a great statement he says Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law. [00:18:04]

The trouble with people who resent the doctrine of justification by faith only the trouble with people who think that they can make themselves Christian or that they become Christian and are Christian as the result of their good lives or good thoughts or anything else the trouble with them really is that they have never realized what they have to do that's the whole of their trouble as I'm going to show you that was the whole of the trouble with the Jews and the first point of course which we make is this it is God who decides what we've got to do not us. [00:20:39]

The law was never meant to be a way of Salvation the law was given that men might be condemned the Apostle has already told us that he told us that in chapter 4 he says the law worketh rough for where no law is there is no transgression he says the same thing in chapter 3:20 therefore by the Deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin it was never meant to save it was never meant but to bring the knowledge to pinpoint it to to produce the idea of a transgression to establish guilt that's its one and only purpose. [00:42:12]

The moment people realize the truth about God's law they stop thinking that they can justify themselves or put themselves right before God do you want to know what the law is like well listen to this here it is given in a description by the author of The epistle to the Hebrews he puts it in tremendous terms you he says are not come to the mount that might be touched this is the giving of the law of God and that burned with fire nor ENT Blackness and darkness and Tempest and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of Words which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken unto them anymore. [00:43:47]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 24, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?