Zeal is important in a Christian's life. The Bible teaches that we are to be zealous of good works.( ) But, there are also many zealous people in the vast world of religion. Even many who claim Jesus as their Savior work tirelessly for what they believe the Lord wants them to do. Sadly though, countless individuals who are zealous will be lost eternally. Why is that? That's our study this morning. We will examine
Romans chapter 10 and a portion of chapter 11.
POWERPOINT
1)
PAUL'S DESIRE 10: 1-3
a. Paul's physical brethren we're lost. Why? They approached God on their own terms. What mistake did they make? They attempted a perfect compliance to the Law. Simply not possible.
1. Leviticus 18:5 - trusted in works of righteousness and rejected God's offer of rightoueness through a system of faith.
2. Only a remnant would be saved - 9: 27-33
3. The Jews rejected the One who fulfilled the Law yet were still looking for the ascent and descent of the Lord that had already been accomplished 10: 1-8; Deut 30 12-13
a. God's new plan is simple - Deut 30:14
b. That plan, His"work of faith" requires a man to respond to God's grace in faith that is obedient from the heart. (Romans 3: 24-25)
c. Acts 13: 27 - The Jews had not understood the word of the Law nor the voice of the prophets.
d. More OT quotations to confirm the point Paul's making..
1. Isa 28: 16; Joel 2: 32 (10:11-13) to show "whoever" believes and is obedient (repents and be baptized will be saved) Acts 2: 21, 36-40
2. Isa 52:7; Nahum 1: 5 - the new plan is "good news" (10:15)
3. Isa 53: 1 - the Jews had not listened to God's simple plan (10: 16-17)
4. Psa 19:4 - there was no excuse, but they had rejected God's message
5. Deut 32:21, Isa 65: 1-2 - The Gospel now open to the Gentiles
6. I Kings 19: 1-18 (11: 1-5) - the Jews had not been cast off as a whole group. there would be a remnant.
7. Deut 29:4; Isa 29:10: Psa 69: 22-23 The Jews removed their hearts from God
2) ZEAL - "a fervent mind"
a. Is zeal all you need? Of course not! That's the main theme of this section..
b. Paul was zealous when he was Saul of Tarsus, persecuting Christians Phil 3: 4-6;Acts 22:3-4
1. He was sincere and zealous and lost!
c. The Jews were zealous (10:2)
d. Zeal was commended, when properly applied, within the Lord's Body Titus 2: 11-14; Rev 3:19 2 Cor 7:11; 2 Cor 9:2 - a very interesting commendation, shows the effect of zeal and how it can inspire others
e. God is shown to be zealous - Is 9:7; Is 37:32
3) APPLICATIONS
a. God's plan does not and cannot be changed
1. God doesn't change and Jesus doesn't change Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8
2. The Plan of Salvation doesn't change 1 Cor 4:6; 1 Pet 4:11
3. "Irrevocable" - (11:29)
4. "Determined" - the boundaries have been and remained marked Acts 2:23 and Eph 3: 9-11
5. Our faith is in Jesus Christ, not Mary Baker Eddy or Mohammed John 8:24
6. God's plan calls for a faith that obeys Jas 2: 14-17
b. God's plan is a simple plan
1. the Word of faith is to be obeyed from the heart - Rom 6: 17
2. We are saved when we believe in Christ to the extent that we obey his commands and continue to obey him because if his faith
c. The plan is "conditional"
1. We must hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized
d. The plan is Universal
1. read what Paul said in Romans 10:10 - he didn't say it was just for the Jews or just for the Gentiles - it's for all Romans 10:12
Let's all be zealous for the Lord, but according to knowledge and with a strong desire to do His will and remain faithful in it.