To those who continue to seek to establish their own righteousness, may I invite you to cease? May I invite you to rest in Christ? May I invite you to take up the yoke of Christ whose burden is easy and yoke is light, because He has finished the work of righteousness for you. May I invite you to humble yourself before the Lord, to lean no longer upon your own virtue, your own sense of goodness, and trust wholeheartedly in His? You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free. Romans 10:1-4 #connect4QC #Foundation #Romans #Works #Faith #Gospel #Grace #BelieveInJesus

Introduction:

• Pastor Brian Smith discusses a recent Super Bowl commercial portraying Jesus washing feet, expressing disappointment in its missed opportunity to share the full gospel message.
• The commercial reflects a common trend of virtue-signaling without acknowledging the depth of sin and the need for salvation through Christ.

Passage: Romans 10:1-4

• Paul's heartfelt desire and prayer for the salvation of his kinsmen, the Israelites.
• Recognition of their zeal for God but lack of saving knowledge.
• Ignorance of God's righteousness leading to the pursuit of self-righteousness.

Key Points:

1. Zeal Without Saving Knowledge:
   • The danger of sincere but misguided zeal, divorced from a true understanding of God's righteousness.
   • Emphasis on the importance of genuine, transformative knowledge of Christ.
2. Seeking to Establish Own Righteousness:
   • The folly of attempting to earn righteousness through works, rather than submitting to God's righteousness.
   • The human tendency to lower God's standard of righteousness and elevate one's own achievements.
3. All Have Sinned:
   • Confronting the uncomfortable truth that all are sinners in need of God's grace, despite the desire for self-righteousness.
   • Accepting the gift of righteousness through faith in Christ, rather than relying on personal merit.
4. The End of the Law:
   • Understanding Christ as both the goal and fulfillment of the Law, offering salvation to all who believe.
   • The transformative power of Christ's righteousness imputed to believers.

Points of Application:

1. Zeal Without Knowledge:
   • Examining the motives behind acts of virtue and ensuring they stem from a genuine relationship with Christ.
   • Guarding against pride and self-righteousness in service to God.
2. Missional Zeal:
   • Desiring and praying for the salvation of all, regardless of their current state or actions.
   • Rejecting fatalism and apathy, and actively participating in sharing the gospel with others.
3. The Sacred Task, Our Delightful Duty:
   • Embracing the responsibility to proclaim the gospel to all, even amidst potential suffering or rejection.
   • Recognizing the privilege of participating in God's work of salvation.

Conclusion:

• Invitation to cease striving for self-righteousness and instead trust fully in Christ's finished work.
• Encouragement to confront pride and embrace humility before God.
• Reminder that true freedom is found in knowing and embracing the Truth of Christ.

Bibliography: