Scripture to Read: Romans 9:30–33
As we finished last week, we learned how God chose us as His children. The fact that God chose us is incredibly humbling, for we know we are born sinners, separated from Him. But once we surrender to Christ as Lord, God calls us His holy priesthood, His holy nation, and His people (1 Peter 2:9). So in Romans 9:30, God led Paul to ask, “What shall we say then?” God had Paul continue to help the Jews understand that salvation was available to the Gentiles and not just the Jews. For God had Paul answer the question by saying, “Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith.” Everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike, can attain God’s righteousness by placing our faith in Christ as Lord. The Jews had missed God’s grace, for the Jews thought they earned righteousness by trying to keep God’s Law through their own power and strength. Of course, no one can keep God’s Law perfectly (James 2:10), especially when we know we are born sinners. But God wanted to leave no doubt for any Jew, or anyone else, who thought they could earn their righteousness by keeping God’s Law. That is why God had Paul include Romans 9:31, helping the Jews fully understand that anyone who believed that by pursuing His law of righteousness they could be “good enough” for Him would fall short of fulfilling His law of righteousness. The Jews fell short because they did not place their faith in God but trusted in their works (Romans 9:32–33).
Challenge & Application
Why is it impossible for anyone to live righteous and holy apart from a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ?
How is righteousness attained and once God’s righteousness is given, how should the one who received God’s righteousness live?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!