As we continue our journey through the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul takes a turn in chapters 9-11. He’s speaking a lot about his own people, God’s chosen people in the Old Testament, the Israelites. Why would any of us living in the 21st century be concerned about what the Apostle Paul writes about the Jews? Author John Piper answers that question: “What goes on inside you spiritually – and every other person – has gone on in Israel historically, and the story is told so that we can see ourselves and see the world and understand.” May the Holy Spirit reveal the truth about ourselves as we reflect on Israel’s story. 

Romans 10:1-13

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.”

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. What were some of the hard and fast rules observed in your house when you were growing up? 

2. What would you say is the general view in the world about how a person might get to heaven? 

3. Read Romans 10:1-13. Did any words or phrases jump off the page? Everybody needs to be saved by Jesus – even the Jews. How would you describe Paul’s heart for his own people to be saved (and God’s)?

(See 2 Peter 3:9, Matthew 23:37)

4. What does this passage tell us about God? About ourselves? 

5. Why is the content of a Christian’s confession mentioned in vv. 9-10 important for first century converts to Christianity? Or for a new convert today? 

6. Take time to intercede for those you have a strong desire to see come to Christ and confess Him as their Lord (to “call on the name of the Lord”).

For Families with Kids

1. Read Romans 10 together.

2. Read Deuteronomy 30:10-17. How does God want us to turn toward Him?

3. Reread Romans 10:9. What must we do to be saved? What must we confess?   _ _ _ _ _ as _ _ _ _

4. Look again at v12. Who is Jesus Lord over? Jews  Gentiles  All

5. Finally in v10, what comes first?  mouth confesses  heart believes

6. Think about it... can we take ourselves to heaven or raise ourselves up from the dead? Do we have to go to heaven to get God? Who came to who? Did God come for you/us? How beautiful it is that God made His gift of salvation free; it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re at, anyone who believes will be saved.