READ Romans 9:25-33

Our focus this morning is upon Romans 9:30-33, "What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.  For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed."

vs. 30-31 The failure of Israel became a blessing for the Gentiles.  Israel clung to the Law of Moses to attain righteousness, while the Gentiles turned in faith to the crucified and risen Christ for righteousness.

vs. 32-33 God never intended the Law to be the source for righteousness. It merely defined sin and ordered God’s judgment against sin. It, in fact, became a stumblingstone to Israel. They viewed the Law as their means to righteousness rather than trusting the God of the Law. The principle to which God has always responded is faith—trusting Him rather than one’s own self-righteousness. Faith places one’s reliance on God. Keeping commandments places one’s reliance on self. The apostle therefore concludes by quoting from Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16. “Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.” The final note is of faith. That is the criteria which causes God to show mercy. As we, in simple faith, trust His mercy rather than our own presumed self-righteousness, God is moved to extend that mercy.  The Gentiles have been the recipients of God's blessing over the past two thousand years, while only a small remnant of Jews have placed faith in Christ.

This morning’s passage is one of the great passages concerning righteousness in relation to the faith verses works debate.  Human effort falls short, while faith in the crucified and risen Christ is all one needs to be deemed righteous by God.

What are you depending upon?  Are you leaning upon your own goodness to gain God's blessing?  Or do you understand there is only one way to be forgiven, which results in a righteous standing before God.  That way is Jesus Christ alone!!!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATION

1.  How many of your good works will establish your righteousness before God?

2.  What one good thing in your life could make you righteous in God’s eyes?

3.  Based upon Romans 9:33, how are you made righteous?

4.  What one person will never fail you in your quest for righteousness?