READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Paul had a burning desire that the Jews would enter into salvation by recognising the truth of Jesus Christ. They were God’s special people and Jesus Christ was one of them and yet they were missing out (10:1). Do we feel this way about our pre-believing loved ones? Do we long for their salvation?
Let us consider the meaning of the word ‘Covenant’. Testament is also an old English word meaning agreement between two parties (covenant). Often both parties were not of equal status, e.g. God and humanity. Blessings would be the result of when God’s people kept to the terms of the covenant, and adverse consequences when it was not. The Jewish people tried to keep the Covenant by keeping the law but Jesus ushered in the new Covenant where keeping it is by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul quotes Deut. 30:11-14 where Moses says the word is very near to us, in our mouth and heart that we might obey it!
Rom 10:9 says that if we declare with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. Everyone, Jew or Gentile, who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes (10:4)! We do not obey God to become His people, but rather we obey because we ARE His people.
May the Lord help us to live for Him daily and by doing so we will find joy, faith, hope, peace and confidence.
Would you rededicate yourself to the Lord today and lay all previous failings, disappointments, and imperfections at the feet of Jesus?
(Sermon notes by Frances Lim)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- From Paul’s sorrow, anguish (9:1-3), desire and prayer (10:1) for his people – Israelites, what are some of your personal views of the present-day people of Israel in God’s salvation plan?
- Regarding the attainment of righteousness, what ironical outcome is Paul talking about in 9:30-31?
- What is the relationship between the law and the covenant?
- What does it mean that “Christ is the culmination of the law” (v.4)? Why does Israel still choose to live by the law?
- Please share your understanding of “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (v.10)
