Blog 10 - The Need for the Gospel

 

The Need for the Gospel

Read:

• Romans 10

Path to Faith Verse 1-4

Picture yourself driving on a motorway, and you're trying to reach an important destination. There’s only one open lane that is free from obstacles, and signs clearly point you toward it. But instead of following those signs, you keep trying to drive through blocked or crowded lanes, believing your route is better. In Romans 10, Paul tells us that God has provided a clear way to salvation through faith in Jesus that is seen in the gospels. But many people still try to take their own path, ignoring the clear directions. This is like the Jews at the time who reject Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in chapter 9. So, Paul is encouraging them to look at the gospels and see the evidence for themselves.

Now we can all learn for Paul because we see in these first 4 verses that Paul is clearly pleading with them to be saved. Verse 1 he says, “my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel that they may be saved.” Now the question is their people we know that aren’t saved? Have you prayed for them, that they may know Jesus, that they may read the gospel and be challenged by it. Paul is challenging the Israelite people to not just change their thinking but change their lives. Not to just work for their salvation by to have faith in Jesus. That’s my prayer for everyone who reads these blogs that you will know Jesus and if you do then share it with others and pray for the unsaved.

Righteousness through Faith Verse 5-13

In 5 to 8 verses Paul quotes the Mosaic law, (AKA, the Torah), to show the Israelites that true righteousness comes from faith and not the law. With Paul quoting scripture from Moses in Leviticus and Deuteronomy showing that faith is essential to salvation when Moses was talking about when he said, “the man who does those things shall live by them” and “The word is near you and in your heart.”  Showing that we should live by what God’s word says and have it in our hearts. Paul puts this well in verse 9 and 10 by saying “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” So, we should have faith in the resurrection that Jesus defeated death, and we should try and live as Christ lived, we should have a Christ-like pursuit. But Paul reminds us that it all starts with our heart, we can believe that Jesus rose all we want but do we truly know that with our hearts? Do we pursue God with all our hearts? If you struggle whether or not you are truly saved just read verse 10 again. Just know that when you confess your sins to God and put your faith in Him that you are saved. Nothing can take that away from you, looking back to Romans 8v38-39.

Then Paul reminds them that this salvation is for everyone in verse 12, “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.” So, if you think that someone is too far gone in their sin, they are part of a certain group, or they are not worth saving. Just know that God makes no distinction and that we are all in need of a saviour in Jesus. So, we should be like Paul in verse 1 and pray for those who are unsaved or have rejected Christ in hope that they will one day look to Him as their saviour in search for forgiveness.

Preaching Faith Verse 14-21

Now here’s a challenge set by Paul. We see in verse 14 and 15 Paul’s asking us a question, how can an unbeliever be saved if they never heard the gospel? If they never heard a preacher? He’s suggesting us that us as Christians should go out and tell it to the unsaved because we may be the only gospel witness they may ever have. We read in verse 17 Paul says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God.” Paul is telling the Israelites to read God’s word and seek God and seek truth. But as believers we should go out and tell people about the good news of the gospel and the need for them to be saved. Just like Paul quotes in verse 21, Isaiah 65v2 “All day long I have stretched out My hands, to a disobedient and contrary people.” Remember God still loves unbelievers and will openly embrace them when they come to them.

Dear Lord, thank you that we have access to your Gospel that we can see what you have done for us. I pray that people closest to us that don’t know you find you and seek your goodness. Work in their lives Lord. Give us opportunities to share your word that more and more people will know more about you. Amen

Going Deeper Questions

1. What does Paul mean when he says in verse 4 that “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes”? How does Christ fulfil or complete the law?
2. In verses 6-8, Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:12-14. Why do you think Paul uses this passage, and how does it relate to faith in Christ? What does it mean that “the word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”?
3. How does Paul define the relationship between belief and confession in verses 9-10? Why are both belief in the heart and confession with the mouth important for salvation?
4. What is Paul’s point of verse 12 and 13? How does this speak to the inclusivity of the gospel? How can this encourage us into sharing the gospel?
5. In verses 14-15, Paul emphasizes the need for preaching the gospel. How can we apply this today in our lives and communities? What role does your personal testimony play in sharing the gospel?