Introduction
Today we find ourselves at the midpoint of this section within Romans, chapter 9-11.
As Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome, he was addressing a community that included both Jewish Christians and non-Jewish Christians. Believers in Jesus, but from different backgrounds and cultures.
It was important for Paul, therefore, to talk about Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament story. This is not a new story, but the fulfillment of a well-known and cherished one.
Paul is careful to reminder his readers (and listeners), that God's plan was to redeem all of humanity - from all races, backgrounds, cultures, contexts, etc. We read, in Romans 10:14, a quotation from the prophet Joel, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Question
In v 3, Paul contrasts the righteousness of God with human-made righteousness. Does this remind you of anything in Matthew's gospel, particularly Jesus' interaction with the Pharisees?
Paul draws upon the teaching of Moses and from Deuteronomy 30 in particular. In Romans 10:9-10, what does he say about a person being saved?
Based on vv. 12-13, who does God bless?
In light of vv. 14-15, briefly discuss what it means to share the good news.
In v. 17, what do we learn about having faith?
The end of a this chapter (vv. 18-21) contains a number of references from the Old Testament - specifically Psalms, Deuteronomy and Isaiah. This may be a difficult argument to trace, but what point is Paul making in these last few verses? What is he telling us about God's plan?
Reflection
Today's reading is a good reminder of God's rescue plan for people who were far from him. That plan began with one man in the early pages of the Bible, then expanded to include his family, then his extended family, then to a collection of tribes, then to a nation, and now - because of Jesus - to the ends of the earth.
Now, and because of the cross, people from anywhere and everywhere can be a part of God's story. Uniquely and exclusively, however, freedom and salvation is only found in Jesus. However well intentioned the other efforts, they all fell short.
For this reason, we read:
"That 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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." -Romans 10:9-10
We read a little further on, echoing Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" -Romans 10:15
Therefore, have you received this good news - believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth?
And, if you have, and if you know Christ, are you prepared to share his love with the world? "For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" -Romans 10:13