Grace and Righteousness: The Simplicity of Salvation
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our journey through the book of Romans, focusing on Romans 9:30 through 10:13. This passage addresses a critical question: Why didn't all of Israel receive the message of salvation? Paul explains that while the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it through faith, Israel, who pursued the law of righteousness, did not achieve it because they sought it through works rather than faith. This stumbling block, as Paul calls it, is Jesus Christ, who simplifies salvation to faith in Him alone.
Paul's heart aches for Israel, who have zeal for God but lack the knowledge of God's righteousness. They attempted to establish their own righteousness and, in doing so, failed to submit to God's righteousness. The essence of the gospel is that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned; it is based on God's righteousness, not ours, and is available to all who call on Him. This message is simple yet profound: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
This gospel message is not just for the religious or the morally upright; it is for everyone, including those who feel unworthy or far from God. The thief on the cross is a perfect example of this grace. Despite his sinful life, he called on Jesus and was promised paradise. This scandalous grace is available to all who call on the name of the Lord.
As we move forward as a church, let's ensure we understand and live out this gospel message. Our mission is to make disciples, teaching them that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Let's remind ourselves of this gospel daily, living lives of humble service and gratitude, knowing that our salvation is a gift from God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Salvation is a Gift That Cannot Be Earned: The righteousness that comes from faith is a gift from God, not something we can achieve through our own efforts. This truth challenges our natural inclination to earn our way to God and reminds us that salvation is purely by grace. [21:31]
2. God's Righteousness, Not Ours: Our attempts to establish our own righteousness can actually hinder us from submitting to God's righteousness. True salvation comes from recognizing that it is God's righteousness, not our own, that saves us. This humbles us and shifts our focus from self-effort to divine grace. [23:13]
3. The Simplicity of the Gospel: The gospel message is simple yet profound: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This simplicity makes the gospel accessible to everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances. [25:04]
4. The Scandal of Grace: The story of the thief on the cross illustrates the scandalous nature of God's grace. Despite a life of sin, the thief was promised paradise simply because he called on Jesus. This teaches us that salvation is available to all who call on Him, regardless of their past. [52:13]
5. Living Out the Gospel: Understanding the gospel should lead to a transformed life. While salvation is not earned by works, a life saved by grace will naturally produce righteous living. Our response to the gospel should be one of humble service and gratitude, reflecting the grace we have received. [59:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:31] - Building Fundraiser Campaign
[22:29] - Call to Prayer
[23:13] - Introduction to Romans 9:30-10:13
[23:55] - The Stumbling Stone
[24:26] - Israel's Zeal Without Knowledge
[25:04] - The Simplicity of Salvation
[25:34] - Everyone Who Calls Will Be Saved
[26:11] - Prayer for Belief
[27:24] - The Great Commission
[27:56] - Clarifying the Gospel
[28:34] - Personal Story: Grandmother's Faith
[31:26] - The Importance of Understanding the Gospel
[31:57] - Salvation Cannot Be Earned
[33:07] - Jews and Gentiles: A Mixed Audience
[35:33] - The Stumbling Stone Explained
[40:14] - The Challenge of Self-Righteousness
[44:51] - God's Righteousness vs. Our Righteousness
[50:30] - Salvation is Available to All
[52:13] - The Thief on the Cross
[59:04] - Living Out the Gospel
[01:03:18] - Applying the Gospel
[01:03:57] - Collective Prayer
[01:04:57] - Worship Through Song
[01:15:50] - Dismissal and Encouragement
[01:16:24] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 9:30-10:13
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 9:30-32, why did Israel fail to achieve righteousness? How did the Gentiles obtain it?
2. What does Paul mean by calling Jesus a "stumbling stone" in Romans 9:32-33? [23:55]
3. In Romans 10:9-10, what are the two actions Paul says are necessary for salvation?
4. How does Paul describe the availability of salvation in Romans 10:12-13? [25:34]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned? How does this challenge common human inclinations? [41:42]
2. How does the story of the thief on the cross illustrate the "scandal of grace"? What does this tell us about God's righteousness versus our own? [52:13]
3. What does it mean to "submit to God's righteousness" as opposed to establishing our own? How can this be a stumbling block for people today? [47:08]
4. How does the simplicity of the gospel message make it accessible to everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances? [25:04]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are trying to earn God's favor through your own efforts rather than relying on His grace? How can you shift your focus to God's righteousness? [41:42]
2. The sermon mentioned that salvation is available to all who call on Him, including those who feel unworthy. Is there someone in your life who feels far from God? How can you share this message of grace with them this week? [25:34]
3. How can you remind yourself daily that salvation is a gift and not something you can earn? What practical steps can you take to live out this truth? [01:02:36]
4. The story of the thief on the cross shows that it's never too late to turn to Jesus. Is there an area in your life where you feel it's "too late" for change? How can you bring this to God in prayer? [52:13]
5. How can you live out the gospel in your daily life, showing humble service and gratitude? Identify one specific action you can take this week to serve others in your community. [59:04]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of understanding the gospel clearly. How can you ensure that your understanding of the gospel is accurate and not based on works? What resources or practices can help you in this? [31:26]
7. Think about a time when you felt unworthy of God's grace. How did you respond? How can you use that experience to encourage someone else who might be feeling the same way? [25:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Salvation is a Gift That Cannot Be Earned
Salvation is a profound gift from God that cannot be earned through human effort. This truth challenges our natural inclination to earn our way to God and reminds us that salvation is purely by grace. The Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, obtained it through faith, while Israel, who pursued the law of righteousness, did not achieve it because they sought it through works rather than faith. This highlights the futility of trying to earn salvation through our own efforts and underscores the importance of faith in Jesus Christ.
The essence of the gospel is that salvation is a gift based on God's righteousness, not ours. This humbles us and shifts our focus from self-effort to divine grace. It is a reminder that no matter how hard we try, we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Instead, we must rely on the grace of God, who offers salvation freely to all who believe in Jesus Christ. [21:31]
Romans 4:4-5 (ESV): "Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness."
Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you are striving to earn God's favor. How can you shift your focus from self-effort to trusting in God's grace today?
Day 2: God's Righteousness, Not Ours
Our attempts to establish our own righteousness can actually hinder us from submitting to God's righteousness. True salvation comes from recognizing that it is God's righteousness, not our own, that saves us. This humbles us and shifts our focus from self-effort to divine grace. Israel's zeal for God was not based on knowledge of God's righteousness, and in their attempt to establish their own righteousness, they failed to submit to God's righteousness.
This teaches us that our own efforts to be righteous can be a stumbling block if they prevent us from accepting God's righteousness. We must recognize that our righteousness is like filthy rags compared to the perfect righteousness of God. By submitting to God's righteousness, we acknowledge our need for His grace and allow Him to transform our lives. [23:13]
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 have you been trying to establish your own righteousness? How can you submit to God's righteousness and rely on His grace instead?
Day 3: The Simplicity of the Gospel
The gospel message is simple yet profound: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This simplicity makes the gospel accessible to everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances. The message of salvation is not complicated; it is a matter of faith in Jesus Christ.
This simplicity is both a comfort and a challenge. It is a comfort because it means that salvation is within reach for everyone, no matter how far they feel from God. It is a challenge because it requires us to let go of our pride and self-reliance and to trust in Jesus alone for our salvation. The gospel's simplicity is a reminder that God's grace is available to all who believe. [25:04]
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Reflection: How does the simplicity of the gospel challenge your understanding of salvation? What steps can you take to share this simple yet profound message with others?
Day 4: The Scandal of Grace
The story of the thief on the cross illustrates the scandalous nature of God's grace. Despite a life of sin, the thief was promised paradise simply because he called on Jesus. This teaches us that salvation is available to all who call on Him, regardless of their past. The grace of God is scandalous because it is given freely to those who do not deserve it.
This scandalous grace is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and forgiveness. It challenges us to extend the same grace to others, recognizing that we are all in need of God's mercy. The thief on the cross is a testament to the transformative power of grace and the hope that it offers to all who believe. [52:13]
Luke 23:42-43 (ESV): "And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who seems far from God. How can you extend grace to them and share the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ?
Day 5: Living Out the Gospel
Understanding the gospel should lead to a transformed life. While salvation is not earned by works, a life saved by grace will naturally produce righteous living. Our response to the gospel should be one of humble service and gratitude, reflecting the grace we have received. As we live out the gospel, we become witnesses to the transformative power of God's grace.
Living out the gospel means embodying the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus in our daily lives. It means serving others selflessly, forgiving those who have wronged us, and sharing the message of salvation with those around us. By living out the gospel, we demonstrate the reality of God's grace and invite others to experience the same transformation. [59:04]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: How can you live out the gospel in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to reflect the grace and love of Jesus to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses, confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [25:04] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned. Verse 30 says, what should we say then? Gentiles. Now remember, Gentiles, Paul is speaking to an audience that's made up of Jews who had believed the gospel, who had become, well, they hadn't become Christians because they didn't call it that. Well, actually, the letter of Romans would have been around the time when that name started to catch on. But they were just Jews who believed that Jesus was the fulfillment of God's promises to them, which is exactly what had happened." [32:35] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Salvation is available to all who call on him. This is, this is the beauty of the gospel. It's not just, it's not just for those who according to man's standard look good. It's not just for religious people. It's not just for holy people. It's, and it's actually easier to attain for those who have none of that on their resume. Salvation is easiest for those who have completely failed in the moral rat race of this world." [51:31] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you're sitting here today and you're thinking, I don't belong here. I'm not a church person. I'm not as religious as these people. I don't live the kind of life that they live. I don't live up to the standard. Then I just say, forget all of that. How have you responded to the sinless son of God crucified on your behalf? How have you responded to Jesus? Do you confess with your mouth that he is Lord? Do you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead? Do you trust in the gospel? You'll be saved." [58:23] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. That was good news for that thief on the cross. And maybe it feels like equally good news for you here today because you have been thirsty for salvation. You want to know that your soul is right before God. You want to know that your sins have been forgiven. You want to know that your life has a purpose for good, for the kingdom of God. You want to know that God wants you." [01:01:14] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "We can believe that we will be with Jesus when we die and not have the gospel right. And it's important that we understand this, especially as we set out to increase our influence as a church, as we seek to have a positive influence on our community, in terms of the gospel message, as we seek to establish new churches throughout the area. Let's be explicit about the gospel." [31:26] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Salvation is based on God's righteousness, not ours. This is an important component of that first point. The reason it's a gift that can't be earned is because it's based on God's righteousness, not ours. So Paul says, we're transitioning to chapter 10 here, but it's still the same argument. Remember, chapter numbers are artificial. Those were entered later after the text had been written much later. Makes it super easy for us to, to jump around and to navigate the text. But, but this is not a new argument. Paul's in the same argument here." [44:51] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you're tempted to stand on your own merit, when you're tempted to establish your own righteousness, remember that it is only by Christ's righteousness that you are saved. And when you're tempted to despair as if the gospel is not accessible, as if the salvation is hard to find, remember it's simple. It's simple. God has made it available to all men. It doesn't matter if you're Jew or Gentile, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him." [01:03:18] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We do have to find a way to balance the biblical view of mankind, which is that mankind is not good. That mankind has fallen. That mankind needs to be redeemed. That mankind needs salvation. If we were, if we were just automatically good, we wouldn't need all that. But the biblical view is that we must be saved. We must be redeemed. We do have to find a way to, to embrace that truth and understand there's nothing within me that justifies or that warrants God's choosing of me for salvation. It is purely by mercy. It is purely by grace that I can be saved." [42:14] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The irony is that you actually become more righteous. You actually do more righteous deeds because your focus is on the righteousness of God. You'll actually, in our own perception, be a better person when you submit yourself to the righteousness of God. But when you're attempting to establish your own righteousness, man, I'm going to show everybody at church how hard I work for the gospel. I'm going to show everybody at church what a good person, I'm built different. I'm like, I'm the guy, I'm the super Christian. Trying to establish your own righteousness. And you can't do that and submit to God's righteousness at the same time." [49:03] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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