Summer Quarter: Unit II, Lesson 9

If you were to search the Internet for the word boldness, you might come upon a 2019 Eternity Sports article by Steve Quatro entitled “The Courage to Stand Up!” The article tells the story of Phil Dawson, who had a spectacular season in 1994 as a kicker for the University of Texas football team. His success on gridiron was widely celebrated and he was named to the Playboy Magazine Preseason All-American Team for the next football season. A devout Christian, Dawson took a courageous stand and withdrew his name from the Playboy’s Preseason All- American Team. Not willing to compromise his Christian witness by an association with Playboy or pornography, he gave up the perks, the recognition, and the trip to the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles. Some persons, including some of Dawson’s teammates, openly ridiculed his decision. Yet, over the years that followed, many other outstanding college football and basketball athletes followed Dawson’s lead and declined the invitation to be named on Playboy’s All-American Team. Dawson was named to the college All-American team and drafted as a placekicker for the National Football League’s Cleveland Browns, where he broke franchise records that stand to this day. Before retiring, he also played for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals. Neither Dawson’s good name nor his chances for success were diminished by remaining true to his Christian principles. Dawson’s story is living, tangible proof that promotion comes from the Lord (see Psalm 75:6-7). Although some may mock or misunderstand, a strong personal commitment to Christ blesses the believer and gives courage to others to stand by their convictions. God rewards those who are willing to take a stand for His sake.

Paul had a heartfelt concern that Jews were unclear regarding the righteousness of God and the justification of sinners. Instead of receiving the grace of God, many were striving to find acceptance with God by holding on to various customs and traditions in addition to God’s law. Paul was concerned that a fundamental misunderstanding of God’s grace had led many to reject Christ’s sacrifice—the only hope of salvation—in exchange for an allegiance to the Law whose commandments they would never be able to meet. Jesus is not an optional spiritual path to God; He is the fulfillment of the Law and the only way to God. Paul boldly argued that the Law requires exact and perfect obedience for righteousness (an impossible feat for fallible human beings). No human effort can match or replace the righteousness God gives the believer by faith. Because we cannot attain spiritual perfection by ourselves, we must humbly receive God’s gift of salvation. Righteousness before God cannot be attained by our works but is freely available to everyone by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. To those who felt they had to work their way to God, Paul explained that the way of Christ is the way to God for every believer, whether Jew or Gentile.

The Word (Romans 10:5-8)

KJV

5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

 

NIV

5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”

6 But the righteousness that is by 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 deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:

Speaking to Jewish believers, Paul supported his argument that Jesus is salvation for all, by referring to the Scriptures. He pointed to Leviticus 18:5, which taught that those who choose to live by the Law must live by (or keep) the whole Law (verse 5). Paul and his Jewish readers would understand the complexity of living perfectly by every single tenet and precept of the Law. In verses 6-8, Paul quoted Deuteronomy 30:12-14 to explain that God has brought salvation near and accessible to everyone who will believe. Paul used the Scriptures to prove his point regarding salvation and faith in Jesus Christ. Paul took the language of Deuteronomy and applied it to the righteousness that comes by faith. Jews used the concepts of “ascending” and “descending” to refer to any difficult task or undertaking. This doctrine was not impossible to understand; it was plain and clear. To save humanity, it was necessary for Jesus to come down from heaven. He purchased our salvation by coming to earth and coming back from the dead (verse 6). The harmony of the old and new covenants is shown by the fact that this righteousness finds the language of the Old Testament sufficient to prove that the Word of God is everlasting and supports itself. We should use God’s Word as we are led by the Holy Spirit, especially when proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. God’s Word should be evident in what we say and what we do.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? The most effective witnesses for Christ are those who are diligent students of the Scriptures. What can you do to improve your understanding and recall of God’s Word?

 

Your Word (Romans 10:9-13)

KJV

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

NIV

9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,

13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

 

Paul uses Old Testament Scriptures to reinforce his point that salvation is available through Christ and by personal choice. God provides the opportunity to everyone who believes to choose to receive the Word by opening the mouth (public confession) and the heart (saving faith) to accept and acknowledge Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (verse 9). Paul clarifies that the process of receiving salvation is not at all complicated. Trusting God from the depth of one’s being and making a sound, bold confession lead to righteous standing with God (verse 10). Paul’s reference in verse 11 does not appear to be a direct quote to a specific Bible passage. Texts that speak to not being ashamed of God include Psalm 119:6; Isaiah 28:16; 50:7; and Joel 2:26. Paul used this thought to reinforce the point that God’s true desire is that all who genuinely seek Him would receive the blessings He has to give (verse 12)—specifically, “Whoever [that is, anyone who] calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (see verse 13). God will never disappoint anyone who trusts Him by neglecting to impart His righteousness after they have believed in Him.

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Being saved always involves a personal choice—God does not save us against our will. Why do you think God requires that we choose Him?

 

Christ’s Word (Romans 10:14-17)

KJV

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

NIV

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”

17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

 

This section begins with a set of rhetorical questions found in verses 14-15a. Paul was not seeking answers; rather, his questions are presented to make a point. Typically, those who find themselves in difficult or desperate predicaments seek assistance only from those whom they believe have the heart or the power to help them. Paul’s point is that without a witness to carry the message of the Gospel, many people will never hear it. Simply stated, no one can call on the Lord unless they have first heard of Him (verse 14). Paul then explains that the Gospel is most effectively delivered by those who have been specifically led and sent by God (verse 15a). God has a special spiritual impartation or anointing that enables some to convey His Word with a power that touches, penetrates, and changes hearts. God has called every believer to be a witness—yet, He has specifically chosen some for the beautiful task of preaching and teaching the Gospel (verse 15b). Although not everyone will receive or accept the Gospel, our task is simply to make sure that they hear it. We can neither control nor be responsible for someone else’s choice to receive or reject Christ (verses 16-17).

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK? It is God’s desire that everyone would choose to be saved. In your opinion, why, then, is it so important to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in witnessing to others?

 

With a focus on faith and salvation, this unit has challenged us to trust God in every aspect of our spiritual walk. Salvation is available to everyone, but people receive the Good News only when others care enough to share it. You will never reach the lost without a serious understanding that everyone you know desperately needs be saved—your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and strangers. What are you willing to do to draw others to Christ?

God used someone to draw you closer to Him. This week, identify and seek someone who might be lost (or drifting in his/her spiritual commitment). Share your story and the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Over the next few days, commit to joining with others to share the love and the message of Christ with an individual or group. Note that this takes planning and preparation. Please consider a plan to follow-up with those you encounter.

Dear Lord, we are grateful for Your divine intervention in our lives. You have not only saved us from sin, but have also allowed us to participate in the task of drawing others to You. Order our steps as we surrender to Your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

While reading the background Scripture, consider this thought: “Who are your examples of godly heroes?”

(August 2-8, 2021)
Meaning of Faith
MONDAY, August 2: “Love of Money, Root of Evil” (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
TUESDAY, August 3: “Control Your Own Body” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7)
WEDNESDAY, August 4: “Abraham, Father of the Faithful” (Acts 7:2-7)
THURSDAY, August 5: “Worthy Examples of the Faithful” (Hebrews 11:4-7, 17-27)
FRIDAY, August 6: “Actions of Faith in Daily Life” (Hebrews 13:1-9, 17-19)
SATURDAY, August 7: “Like Jesus, Offer Sacrifices to God” (Hebrews 13:10-16)
SUNDAY, August 8: “The Living Actions of Faith” (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16)