We are often zealous about our own righteousness. This creates problems on the relational level, it is deadly for our souls. Paul explains that Israel's efforts to gain their own righteousness kept them from God's righteousness by faith. While God is sovereign in salvation, we are responsible to believe in Jesus. Our self-righteousness keeps us from submitting to the righteousness of God by faith.

"That's not fair!" I think we’ve said or thought of these words before. God created us with an inherent sense of justice. But with our sinful nature, we develop an oversensitivity to fairness. Paul assumes readers question God's choice to save only some sinners. Paul addresses the question by pointing to God's justice and mercy. His actions are always right. His salvation is always merciful.

"Nothing can separate us from the love of God." Didn't God make promises to save Israel, and yet they rejected Jesus? How do we know God will keep His Word? Romans 9-11 addresses this question to increase our confidence in God's promises and plan for Israel. The gospel does not nullify God's promises to Israel. In fact, it confirms that God always keeps His Word. God's promised salvation is sure!

Jesus loves us. Though we learned this about God, we are often tempted to doubt God's love. "Why is He keeping good things from me?" "Why am I suffering so much?" "How could God love me after what I've done?" Life situations tempt us to doubt His love. Paul addresses these questions to restore our confidence in God's love. We are reminded that nothing - not even our doubts - can hinder God's love.