Our Study in the Book of Romans continues with Ch. 10, verses 14-21. The preceding verses are some of the most well-known among Christians. Many of us were guided to faith by someone who quoted at least verses 9-10. But this passage has a broader context. Paul has been explaining the roll of Israel, the Jews, in God’s grand design. Here’s a spoiler for you. He’s not done yet. Over the next few lessons, we’ll explain in greater detail what that means.

Now we come to the heart of the matter. In the midst of Paul's explanation of the Jews' role in and rejection of the good news of Jesus the messiah comes the text which is probably most familiar to the Christian except for John 3:16. Many if not most of us had it read or quoted as we made our own journey to faith. But did we get the whole message? Though it is simple enough for a child to understand and receive, too often important parts get left out. Listen in as we continue our study with Romans 10:5-13.

Our study continues with Romans 10:1-4. Paul says of his people who have not believed, "they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge." And, "not knowing about the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God." vs 2-3. They didn't understand that they could never work their way into being right with God. Only Jesus makes that possible. Today, we think we know better, but we can still fall into the trap of thinking that it's all about how well we can follow the rules. We judge others who we don't think are doing it as well as we are, or interpret the rules differently than we do. The truth is that none of us can do it without Jesus.